Hiking Youngs Mountain

Hiking Youngs Mountain

The Youngs Mountain Trail is a 4.2-mile round-trip, out and back hike that rises 1200 feet in elevation, climbing up log and stone stairsteps for much of the way. It is a remote and strenuous hike, well worth it for the spectacular views from the summit. Please be prepared! Bring plenty of food and water. You may need protection from sun, wind, or weather on the exposed summit, so bring layers and sunblock. Use great caution around the exposed cliffs and rock outcrops, bearing in mind that a fall could be deadly. This hike may not be appropriate for pets or children.

At the parking area, make sure not to block the gated driveway. From the parking area, look for the kiosk and the trailhead on the right side of the road. The trail begins by traversing through gentle and rolling forest and crosses several picturesque small streams. Around half a mile from the trailhead, you will come to a small, splashing waterfall. After this point the trail begins to climb more steeply, including numerous log steps. Several dramatic rock outcrops offer beautiful views of the surrounding cliffs, mountains, valleys, and lakes.

The trail culminates on the summit of Youngs Mountain, which offers spectacular views over Lake Lure and the sheer rock faces of Rumbling Bald, Shumont Mountain, and Eagle Rock. You can also see Weed Patch Mountain, Buffalo Creek Park, and the lower Hickory Nut Gorge. On a clear day, you may see Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountains. You can also see a vast stretch of the Piedmont to the southeast.

The summit and other rock outcrops on Youngs Mountain are home to unique alpine communities that include rare and endangered lichens, mosses, plants, and wildlife. Please stay within the designated trail to protect these rare communities, and the biodiversity that they support.

Youngs Mountain is an out-and-back trail. When you reach the endpoint on the summit of Youngs Mountain, enjoy the view. When you are ready, turn around and hike back the way you came.