Courtesy of Conserving Carolina

Calling all hiking enthusiasts! There’s a brand new trail in town. The Western North Carolina Smoky Mountains boast some pretty well-known hiking trails, but if you’ve been itching for a fresh challenge and an alternate climb, then check out the new 2.1-mile hiking trail that will lead you to the summit of Youngs Mountain in Lake Lure, NC.

The rocky outcrops and exposed cliffs serve up a risky thrill, but the payoff of panoramic views at the top is worth every daring step. This new trail has all the right elements to make it one of the most popular hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains.

Conserving Carolina, a non-profit conservation organization that works to preserve water and land resources in Western North Carolina, is the brains behind the Youngs Mountain Trail. Completed at the end of April 2021, the trail winds and climbs its way through 437 acres of gorgeous nature that Conserving Carolina helped to meaningfully protect.

Rising 1200 feet in elevation, get ready to thread your way through jutting rocks and around sheer cliffs. While there are log and stone stairsteps built into the trail, this hike is not for the faint of heart. It may not be appropriate for pets or small children. (Hint: Leave the kids with a sitter and make this a romantic weekend date!)

You’ll start out easy enough, crossing rolling forested hills and passing by babbling and picturesque streams. There’s a cascading waterfall about half a mile in. Take a minute to catch your breath and soak up the beauty of nature because the climb is about to get steep.

You’ll get a little help with the log and stone steps that are incorporated into the mountainside, but you’re definitely going to get a workout. Take a breather along the way at the lookout points that deliver jaw-dropping and dramatic views of the surrounding cliffs, valleys, lakes and mountains.

Your hike finishes in grand fashion at the summit of Youngs Mountain, where all your efforts are rewarded with incredible views of Lake Lure, Rumbling Bald, Shumont Mountain and Eagle Rock. Marvel at the vast stretches of the Piedmont to the southeast and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you look out over Weed Patch Mountain, Buffalo Creek Park and the lower Hickory Nut Gorge. If the skies are clear, you may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountains in the distance. Take it all in and then hike back the way you came – this is an out-and-back trip.

The trail is on privately protected land and has limited parking. So limited, in fact, that you have to register to get one of the spots. (You can go here to register.) Conserving Carolina’s long-term plan is to expand through these protected lands in the greater Hickory Nut Gorge area, creating a long-distance hiking trail that will connect them all. This area includes unique alpine habitats that are home to rare and endangered plants and wildlife. So, stick to the designated trail and protect this fascinating biodiversity.

With a focus on sustainability, the state-of-the-art Youngs Mountain Trail was strategically created to resist erosion by implementing rolling ups and downs and sidewinding curves. These dips and turns help the soil to shed water so that it doesn’t run down the mountain. There are also durable locust logs as well as stone drains to help carry water away from the trail. So, you can enjoy nature and know that it’s being protected at the same time.

What are you waiting for? Slip on those hiking boots and head for the mountains! Take on this incredible new hiking trail in Western North Carolina, or venture out onto one of the many, many scenic trails all throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. Hike on!

Visit the Gateway to the Smokies podcast to hear about more of the breathtaking opportunities for hiking in the Smokies.