Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point & Orange Viewpoint via Orange Spur Trail
4.4 mi · ▲ 1,065 ft · 2 hr
Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point & Orange Viewpoint via Orange Spur Trail is a 4.4-mile out-and-back in Florence Nature Preserve near Chestnut Hill, NC. The route passes Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point before reaching Orange Viewpoint at the turnaround, 2.2 miles in. It climbs 1,065 ft, with sections as steep as 21% grade. It scores 33/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point & Orange Viewpoint via Orange Spur Trail
4.4 mi · ▲ 1,065 ft · 2 hr
Elevation 2,456–3,298 ft
Out & Back · Florence Nature Preserve
Trailhead: 35.47346, -82.33224
Weather Sep 5: sunrise 7:05 AM · sunset 7:54 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start at the trailhead, heading NW.
- 1.2 miBear left, heading N.
- 0.3 miTurn left, heading N.
- 0.7 miContinue straight onto Orange Spur Trail, heading S.
- 350 ftPass Orange Viewpoint.
- 150 ftReach Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.8 miTurn right, heading NE.
- 0.3 miBear right, heading S.
- 1.1 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.6 mi in (~65 min). Leave by 6:29 PM for the 7:54 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:48 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from this trailhead
- Wildcat Rock Overlook & Wildcat Rock Trail 2.8 mi · ▲ 1,095 ft
- Tom and Glenna Rock Overlook via Orange Spur Trail off the Blue Trail 3.6 mi · ▲ 876 ft
- Little Bearwallow Mountain & Wildcat Rock Trail 4.8 mi · ▲ 1,623 ft
- Bearwallow Gap–Fire Tower Road, 4 sights 9.3 mi · ▲ 2,537 ft
- Blue Ridge Pastures–Strawberry Gap Viewpoint, 6 sights 14.1 mi · ▲ 3,854 ft
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Hikes near Chestnut Hill, North Carolina