Florence Nature Preserve - Rattlesnake Knob
Florence Nature Preserve is comprised of 600 forested acres on the southern slopes of Little Pisgah Mountain. Forming part of the high basin of the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge, Florence’s tributaries to Hickory Creek are part of the headwaters of the Broad River. Donated to CMLC by Dr. and Mrs. Florence in 1996, the Preserve boasts more than five miles of hiking trails that feature scenic rock outcroppings, pristine cascades, and old-growth forest.
CHALLENGE:
Hike to Rattlesnake Knob
Primary Route: Hike from the newly-opened Florence Preserve trailhead on US74A to the intersection with the Blue Trail, then to the White Trail, then to the Red Trail, and then to Orange Trail (see the map below) and to its end at Rattlesnake Knob.
Hiking Distance: 4.2 mi.
Elevation Gain: 840 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: Click here to enter your address and receive turn-by-turn directions to the access for the trailhead. GPS users may enter N35.4734, W-82.3320 in their units. Off of US74A, a grassy parking area is most recognizable by a rock wall and stone chimney. Park here, making sure to leave space for other vehicles. The trail begins to the left of the chimney at the far end of the rock wall.
Hiking Directions:
Climb the stairs on the left side of the rock wall and walk to the back of the stone chimney. The trail climbs steeply uphill, passing an old, dilapidated barn on the right at 0.2 mi. The path reaches a fork at 0.3 mi.; to the right, the Hickory Nut Gorge Trail leads to private property. Please respect private property and avoid using this trail. Take the left fork and enjoy a trail with a much more reasonable grade as it contours around the southern slopes of Burntshirt Mountain. Much of this trail follows an old logging road that makes for pleasant walking. Rockhop over a small creek, an upper tributary of the Middle Fork of Hickory Creek, at 0.7 mi., and immediately intersect the Blue Trail. Turn right on the Blue Trail and follow it gradually uphill as it parallels the stream.
At 1.1 mi., reach a junction with the Yellow Trail. Turn left on this trail and ascend it through a mountain laurel and rhododendron tunnel. At 1.3 mi., reach an intersection with the White Trail. Turn left and hike the level roadbed briefly until arriving at yet another junction ay 1.4 mi. Here, the Red Trail and White Trail meet at a four-way intersection. Turn left on the Red Trail and descend it until reaching an intersection with the Orange Trail at 2.2 mi. Turn left and ascend the Orange Trail to reach Rattlesnake Knob at 2.3 mi. An excellent vista is available to the west, with Hickory Nut Gap framed in its center. Return the way you came for a round-trip hike of 4.6 mi., or shorten your return and avoid reclimbing the Red Trail by returning to the Red & Orange Trail junction and turning left on the Red Trail. Descend the Red Trail steeply 0.4 mi. to its terminus at a dirt road near the southern border of the Florence Nature Preserve. Turn left onto the dirt road and hike it 0.4 mi. until reaching the old trailhead for the Blue Trail on the left. Hike the Blue Trail uphill 0.3 mi. to arrive again at the intersection with the Yellow Trail. Turn right on the Yellow Trail and descend it 0.7 mi. back to your vehicle--for a roundtrip hike of 4.2 mi.
Alternative Routes: Florence Nature Preserve has more than five miles of maintained hiking trails; you may consider a longer and more circuitous route that incorporates others trails like the Red, White, and Yellow Trails. To see a complete maps of Florence Nature Preserve Trails, click here.
Looking for More of a Challenge?: Complete the Florence Preserve Challenge by hiking all 5.4 miles of hiking trails in the Florence Nature Preserve. Because several trails will need to be hiked out-and-back and roadwalking to connect certain trails, this Challenge will require hiking at least 9 miles. View a complete map of Florence Nature Preserve trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I access the Blue Trail from its original trailhead off of Kelly Hill Road?
A: No. The Blue Trail trailhead off of Kelly Hill Road is no longer accessible to the public. Parking at the trailhead is prohibitied, as is walking Kelly Hill Road uphill from US74A. Please respect private property by using only the new publically accessible trailhead off of US74A at the stone chimney.
Q: The Florence Preserve map shows the Red Trail and Blue Trail beginning off of Kelly Hill Road. How can I access these trailheads?
A: Kelly Hill Road from US74A to the Blue Trail trailhead is private; you may only access the Red and Blue Trails by hiking to them from the new trailhead with the stone chimney on US74A. However, the section of Kelly Hill Road between the Blue Trail and the Red Trail is part of Florence Preserve and is open to hiking. You may access the Red Trail trailhead only via the Blue Trail from the new US74A trailhead, and then hiking the Blue Trail to Kelly Hill Road and walking the gravel road to the start of the Red Trail. For a map of Florence Nature Preserve's hiking trails and trailheads, click here.
Q: Can I hike to the top of Little Pisgah Mountain from the Florence Nature Preserve?
A: The summit of Little Pisgah Mountain is not part of CMLC's Florence Nature Preserve. However, the Carolina Mountain Club typically leads a hike with prior permission that travels through the Florence Preserve to the top of Little Pisgah Mountain. Check the CMC's upcoming hike schedule to see when they will next lead this hike.
Q: Can I park at Nita's & Susan's Hickory Creek Market and walk up Kelly Hill Road to the Blue Trail and Red Trail trailheads?
A: No. Walking up Kelly Hill Road is no longer permitted. Please respect private property and access the Blue and Red Trails from the new Florence Nature Preserve trailhead off of US74A at the stone chimney.
Q: Can I access the Florence Nature Preserve via Little Pisgah Road?
A: No. Little Pisgah Road is a gated, private road.
Q: Florence Nature Preserve is an amazing place. How can I become actively involved in caring for it?
A: Join Florence Nature Preserve's Management Team! Click here.