Florence Nature Preserve

Tom and Glenna Rock Overlook–Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point, 3 viewpoints

2.5 mi · ▲ 336 ft · 1 hr

Tom and Glenna Rock Overlook–Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point, 3 viewpoints is a 2.5-mile out-and-back in Florence Nature Preserve near Chestnut Hill, NC. The route passes Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point and Orange Viewpoint before reaching Tom and Glenna Rock Overlook at the turnaround, 1.3 miles in. It climbs 336 ft, with sections as steep as 24% grade. It scores 52/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.

Elevation

0 mi3,045 – 3,340 ft · steepest grade: 24%2.6 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Orange Spur Trail 35.48155, -82.34095
Nearest town Chestnut Hill, NC

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Tom and Glenna Rock Overlook–Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point, 3 viewpoints

2.5 mi · ▲ 336 ft · 1 hr

Elevation 3,046–3,339 ft

Out & Back · Florence Nature Preserve

Trailhead: Orange Spur Trail · 35.48155, -82.34095

Weather Sep 5: Overcast, high 88°F / low 69° · precip 13% · wind 5 mph · sunrise 7:05 AM · sunset 7:53 PM

  1. Start on Orange Spur Trail, heading N.
  2. 50 ftPass Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point.
  3. 50 ftPass Orange Viewpoint.
  4. 0.8 miTurn right, heading SE.
  5. 0.2 miTurn left, heading NE.
  6. 0.1 miTurn right onto Orange Spur Trail off the Blue Trail, heading N.
  7. 0.2 miReach Tom and Glenna Rock Overlook, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  8. 0.2 miTurn left, heading SW.
  9. 0.1 miTurn right, heading SW.
  10. 0.2 miTurn left, heading NW.
  11. 0.7 miContinue straight onto Orange Spur Trail, heading S.
  12. 300 ftArrive back at the trailhead.

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

Weather

OvercastTemperature 88°F69°
Precip13%Wind5 mphUV7Humidity77%
Hourly temperature
90°65°
Sunrise 7:05 AM12 AM3 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PMSunset 7:53 PM
Sun 84°66° 74%
Mon 74°62° 74%
Tue 78°57°
Wed 84°57°
Thu 86°60°
Fri 83°63° 35%

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.6 mi in (~21 min). Leave by 7:12 PM for the 7:53 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:23 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

More sunset hikes nearby