Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0)–Pedestrian Overlook, 3 viewpoints
12.5 mi · ▲ 2,486 ft · 5 hr 25 min
Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0)–Pedestrian Overlook, 3 viewpoints is a 12.5-mile out-and-back near Balsam, NC. The route passes Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0) and Pedestrian Overlook. It climbs 2,486 ft, with sections as steep as 22% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 6/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0)–Pedestrian Overlook, 3 viewpoints
12.5 mi · ▲ 2,486 ft · 5 hr 25 min
Elevation 4,447–5,986 ft
Out & Back
Trailhead: Mountains-to-Sea Trail · 35.45934, -83.11696
Weather Sep 5: sunrise 7:09 AM · sunset 7:56 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Mountains-to-Sea Trail, heading NE.
- 50 ftPass Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0).
- 2.2 miTurn right onto Waterrock Knob Trail, heading NW.
- 0.1 miPass Pedestrian Overlook.
- 50 ftContinue straight onto Mountains-to-Sea Trail, heading N.
- 4 miReach Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0), then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 4 miContinue straight onto Waterrock Knob Trail, heading S.
- 0.1 miTurn left onto Mountains-to-Sea Trail, heading E.
- 2.1 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.4 mi in (~51 min). Leave by 6:44 PM for the 7:56 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:46 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Car visible from the viewpoint
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Mountains-to-Sea Trail Trailhead
- Fork Ridge Overlook (MP 449.0)–Pedestrian Overlook, 3 viewpoints 4.6 mi · ▲ 964 ft
- Waterrock Knob–Waterrock Knob Viewpoint, 6 viewpoints 5.1 mi · ▲ 1,298 ft
- Plott Balsam–Browning Knob, 10 viewpoints 12 mi · ▲ 3,397 ft
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Hikes near Balsam, North Carolina