Name: Albert Mountain
Rating: 5

Hikes Map Explore

Albert Mountain Nantahala National Forest, NC

LENGTH 1 MILE

DIFFICULTY 2.4 Easy

DURATION 1 hour

ELEVATION GAIN

210

feet

TRAIL TYPE

There And
Back Again

Albert Mountain

Short and steep, this 1-mile round trip hike summits Albert Mountain in the Nantahala National Forest and scores epic views in all directions from the fire lookout tower at the top. Great for families with smaller children or those that don't want a long hike, this is one of the best effort vs. payoff hikes around.

From the parking area at the end of the road, head around the metal gate and down the wide blue-blazed trail. This connector trail is flat and easy. Pass a smaller side trail on the left before you connect to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. Turn right to head southbound. From here the hike gains elevation fast, taking you straight up to the summit. Watch for rocks and roots.

As you approach the summit you'll see the fire tower peaking out from above the trees. While the top section is closed, you can climb the tower to just below the platform. From here you'll get long range views in all directions. If you're not good with heights, there's still a view at the base of the tower. If you're looking for something with more difficulty, check out Albert Mountain via Mooney Gap.

Albert Mountain.
If coming from the US-64 side you will have to cross a concrete slab ford. I was able to make it in a sedan but after heavy rain a 4WD vehicle may be necessary.

Albert Mountain.
Parking area. Overflow can go down the road, but don't block traffic.

Albert Mountain.
Take the wide path from the parking area, going around the metal gate. Look for the blue blaze.

Albert Mountain.
Walking along the flat Albert Mountain connector trail towards the Appalachian Trail.

Albert Mountain.
Hiking up the Appalachian Trail. This is where you start to gain elevation.

Albert Mountain.
The trail gets a little rocky on the climb up at the end, but not too bad.

Albert Mountain.
As you approach, the fire tower will peak out above the trees.

Albert Mountain.
Albert Mountain fire tower.

Albert Mountain.
Information sign at the base of the fire tower.

Albert Mountain.
The very top of the fire tower is closed, but you still get amazing views from just below the platform.

Albert Mountain.
360-degree views from near the top of Albert Mountain Fire Tower.

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)

Slope Breakdown

Elevation Gain

Elevation Range

Grade Range

Length

Elevation Gain

0 - 250 ft/mi

~ 0 - 5 %

0.3 mi

18 ft

250 - 500 ft/mi

~ 5 - 10 %

360 ft

23 ft

500 - 750 ft/mi

~ 10 - 15 %

157 ft

18 ft

750 - 1000 ft/mi

~ 15 - 20 %

238 ft

41 ft

1000+ ft/mi

~ 20+ %

0.1 mi

143 ft

For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.

Terrain Map Click to control map

Navigation

Details

length1 mile

difficulty2.4 Easy

duration1 hour

features Dog Friendly History Summit Views

trail typeThere And Back Again

blazeBlue (Albert Mtn Connector), White (AT)

elevation gain210 ft.

state North Carolina

park/forestNantahala National Forest

ranger districtNantahala Ranger District
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441

parking feeNone

trailhead coordinates 35.052604, -83.480219 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°3.16, W 83°28.81 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°3'09'', N 35°3'09'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)

Trailhead Directions

N 35°3.16, W 83°28.81

Google Map It

From the US-64 side you will have to cross a concrete slab ford. I was able to make it in a sedan but after heavy rain a 4WD vehicle may be necessary. The Forest Service roads in general are fine for 2WD low ground clearance vehicles but coming from the US-23 side may be a little rougher as it is steeper and can get washed out.

Parking Capacity

8-10 vehicles at the trailhead, overflow down the side of the road.

Notes

A bit rocky and rooty on the final ascent along the Appalachian Trail, but not too bad.

Nearby Hikes

Albert Mountain via Mooney Gap

Standing Indian Mountain

5 mi

6.4

Similar Hikes

Brasstown Bald Summit Trail

1.1 mi

2.5

Fort Mountain West Overlook Trail System

Kennesaw Mountain Summit

1.9 mi

4.1

Arabia Mountain Top Trail

1.1 mi

1.2

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

5 (1)

New Review New Comment

hikethesouth-5 years ago

One of the Best Views Around

You really can't beat the views for such a short hike. Steep at the end but the 360-degree views from atop the fire tower at the summit are amazing. This is a must hike.

Easy | Hiked Spring 2019

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Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous. The information on this site is meant as a guide and represents trail conditions at a given time. Always let someone know where you are going. A basic knowledge of first aid, backcountry navigation, and some common sense are highly encouraged. The difficulty and duration ratings are subjective and will not be representative of everyone's experience.

Disclaimer Disclaimer: Falling off a cliff, drowning in a river, or being eaten by a bear is still a better way to go than dying of a heart attack while sitting in traffic on the way to the office.