Pickens Nose
Pickens Nose
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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4.5
36 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
5
Average
1
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1
Terrible
0
Zdivers
Port Orange, FL91 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Great little hike and even better views. The drive in from Otto was decent but a few of the turns I’d question if a two wheel drive could make it. Small parking area. The first 0.25 of the hike was a little strenuous and I’d rate it as moderate. However when you get passed that the last 0.5 mile is easy. The views are great and we saw a turtle digging a hole about 15 foot from the edge of the cliffs, kinda odd.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy S
Palm Beach, FL58 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
There were two ways on the map to get up there, and the way we took was treacherous and once we got up there, there wasn’t a clear view unless you hiked a path to actually get there. we had somebody who wasn’t able to do that, so we never really got to see Pickens Nose. Our drive we took the other way down and it was a better drive. It appeared to be a lovely camping area at the bottom of the mountain. Lots and lots of hiking trails along the way.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam G
Atlanta, GA7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Check before you take the road from Otto. It was closed. We had to drive back to the Indian Springs campground. You are on a FS road for about 10 miles. The hike was fairly easy about 2 miles round trip. The views were awesome.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donovan M
Orlando, FL109 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
After the childish laugh of the name wears off (if it ever does) and you decide to take this hike, it is well worth the effort. There is a small detour through the water lab facility; however, there are signs that pretty clearly mark the way. Apparently the bridge is out or under repair. The gravel road up to the trail head is well maintained yet narrow in spots. There are a few turnouts to allow for opposing traffic... but climb slow and might want your windows down to listen for oncoming traffic (as usual on narrow gravel mountain roads).
The trail has parking for about 4-6 vehicles. The hike is on well marked trails... and just a hint... if there is a small peel off trail try it out. There are some side trails with amazing views too. The rock outcrops at the end of the trail are well suited for a picnic lunch. Just remember to carry your trash out. And please note that there aren't tables or chairs. The rocks are it... but you can handle it for a nice place to take it in. From the top, you can look well into Ga and the flatlands just beyond.
The trail has parking for about 4-6 vehicles. The hike is on well marked trails... and just a hint... if there is a small peel off trail try it out. There are some side trails with amazing views too. The rock outcrops at the end of the trail are well suited for a picnic lunch. Just remember to carry your trash out. And please note that there aren't tables or chairs. The rocks are it... but you can handle it for a nice place to take it in. From the top, you can look well into Ga and the flatlands just beyond.
Written 14 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ultra_Stan
10 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
From Franklin, NC, go south on US Hwy 23 toward Dillard, GA. You will pass Otto, NC post office. You will see a National Forest Coweeta Labs sign on right (ie Coweeta Lab Rd). (From Dillard, GA, go north on US 23. At GA/NC Stateline, go about 3.5 miles to Coweeta Lab road on left). Left at forest service building (on Ball Creek Rd). You will be driving ~ 8 miles on a rough curvy gravel National Forest road. Not recommended for low clearance cars. Right at fork of road. Go up hill to small parking area. 20-30 minute hike to top of ridge. Not the highest point but a great view.
Written 21 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Tallahassee, FL81 contributions
May 2017 • Family
This has adventure written all over it. My wife and I had a hard time leaving. The views were so wonderful and the breeze was incredible. I laid down with my head in her lap and almost went to sleep. If I'd rolled one way or another, I may not be typing this review right now. The road up to the trail is 5 miles give or take of windy, washed out in areas, no safety rails dirt road, and I wouldn't have it any other way I might add. It was fun for me. The first time we attempted it I forgot to get us some gas and we had 4 bars of gas when we started. I didn't realize it then but we were 4 1\2 miles up by the time we reached 1 bar of gas left. I turned us around and we coasted down that twisting mountain road between 35 and at times 50 mph. We got into town, thankfully, pulling into the gas station on fumes. My wife was shaking her head and laughing when I finished pumping our gas, then I asked her to do it with me again and she said yes. Reluctantly but yes nonetheless. The trail itself is rocky, hard, roots running thru it, rhododendron tree canopied, dirt trail. I would say only attempt the trail if you are in decent physical shape. It really isn't a bad trail, just be cautious and take your time with it if need be. The views are well worth the time and effort.
Written 21 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TruthTraveler
Cullowhee, NC127 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
Pickens Nose is not in Franklin but down in Otto pretty close to the GA/NC border. The day was clear and I decided to give it a shot. My first major surprise was that you need to traverse over 5 miles of Forest Service road up the mountain to the trail head (at least coming in from the East) after you leave the blacktop. Bad Forest Service road which clearly hasn't been graded in this decade - my Subaru Outback virtually bottomed out on some of the gullies and I found myself wistfully wishing I still had my old 4x4 high clearance pick-up. Your tax dollars are not going to keep this road up. Maybe they are trying to discourage visitors. Do not attempt in low-clearance vehicle.
The next surprise was the condition of the hiking trail from the trail head to Pickens Nose. Compared to most I've been on in N.C., it is also pretty badly maintained, particularly on the way up to the top of the mountain - once you reach the top and hike several hundred more yards on a relatively flat trail to the Nose, it's much better. The trail itself is interesting and, for the most part, leaves the impression that you are hiking through a tunnel of laurels.
When you finally arrive at the Nose, the view of the valley and surrounding mountains is probably as good as anything you might see south of Otto excepting perhaps Brasstown Bald in GA on a nice day. I liked it, but it was not so unique a view or hike that I'll go back. At least not until they grade that road or I reclaim my pick-up. Happy Trails.
The next surprise was the condition of the hiking trail from the trail head to Pickens Nose. Compared to most I've been on in N.C., it is also pretty badly maintained, particularly on the way up to the top of the mountain - once you reach the top and hike several hundred more yards on a relatively flat trail to the Nose, it's much better. The trail itself is interesting and, for the most part, leaves the impression that you are hiking through a tunnel of laurels.
When you finally arrive at the Nose, the view of the valley and surrounding mountains is probably as good as anything you might see south of Otto excepting perhaps Brasstown Bald in GA on a nice day. I liked it, but it was not so unique a view or hike that I'll go back. At least not until they grade that road or I reclaim my pick-up. Happy Trails.
Written 30 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RandyCP
Santa Barbara, CA115 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
approx 2 mile roundtrip hike to the Nose and then wide open beautiful vista. fairly easy moderate hike to the Nose with slight elevations. Some off shoot trails to checkout while on the main trail to see some other spectacular views. Highly recommend this little jaunt. Hard part was getting to it. Easy way and hard way. Hard way would recommend having a jeep or other 4 wheel drive as it winds up the mountain with some serious switchbacks and hairpins, one wrong turn off edge and go tumbling down. Very rutty road due to water. However, easier way in off Albert Mountain side just a bit longer. Fun hike for family and even young ones, just be careful of steps so you dont twist an ankle and of course be careful when you get to cliffs as they are no barriers over the edge. But definitely worth the time and effort to see spectacular views. Peace and happy new year.
Written 4 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mjmusicsc
Franklin, NC48 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Man o man was this fun. Easy hike with amazing views. The access road might be a problem for low clearance cars. I drive a small Honda suv made it no problem. It’s a must do if you have time.
Written 17 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelli
39 contributions
Sept 2019 • Solo
Easy hike. Well worth it. A few different rocks to go out on to look at the view. One definitely looks like a nose! I had to take the detour through the ag center parking lot. I also continue down the road and went to the right to Albert Mountain fire tower. And then double back and went to the left, to Laurel Falls. All well worth it!
Written 14 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know when the road is reopened? Currently the gate is locked which adds about 4-5 miles to the hike round trip.
Written 5 March 2018
gogomommie
Wilmington, North Carolina
We are staying in Franklin. I am looking for directions to Pickens Nose Trail, but Maps is giving me Forest Ave right in Franklin. Help!
Written 3 September 2017
Come down 441 to Otto community. Look for Coweeta Lab road on right. Turn right. There is a bridge out. Follow short detour around it by secondary bridge. Look for forest service signs.
Dirt grade takes you from 2200 feet to approx 4900 feet. Regular cars do it all the time just be careful on journey. Enjoy.
Written 3 September 2017
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