AMBLEWAY Wildest hikes

Cold Knob–Beaver Dam Gap Overlook (MP 401.7), 4 sights

4.5 mi · ▲ 1,557 ft · 2 hr 17 min

Cold Knob–Beaver Dam Gap Overlook (MP 401.7), 4 sights is a 4.5-mile out-and-back near Beaverdam, NC. The route passes Beaver Dam Gap Overlook (MP 401.7) before reaching Cold Knob at the turnaround, 2.3 miles in. It climbs 1,557 ft, with sections as steep as 29% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 17/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.

Elevation

0 mi3,235 – 4,023 ft · steepest grade: 29%4.5 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Shut-In Trail 35.45388, -82.68008
Nearest town Beaverdam, NC
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Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Cold Knob–Beaver Dam Gap Overlook (MP 401.7), 4 sights

4.5 mi · ▲ 1,557 ft · 2 hr 17 min

Elevation 3,237–4,023 ft

Out & Back

Trailhead: Shut-In Trail · 35.45388, -82.68008

Weather Sep 5: sunrise 7:07 AM · sunset 7:54 PM

Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start on Shut-In Trail, heading NE.
  2. 50 ftPass Beaver Dam Gap Overlook (MP 401.7).
  3. 1.9 miBear right onto pine mountain trail, heading E.
  4. 50 ftBear left onto cold knob boundary trail, heading NE.
  5. 0.3 miReach Cold Knob, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  6. 0.3 miBear right onto pine mountain trail, heading SW.
  7. 50 ftBear left onto Shut-In Trail, heading W.
  8. 1.9 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Trail map, photos and weather for this hike: www.ambleway.com/hikes/cold-knob-beaver-dam-gap-overlook-mp-401-7-out-back-4-sights

Trail surface

85% dirt15% unspecified

Weather

Sunrise 7:07 AMSunset 7:54 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.6 mi in (~25 min). Leave by 7:09 PM for the 7:54 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:23 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Parking lot at the trailhead

More from Shut-In Trail Trailhead

Hikes near Beaverdam, North Carolina