September 16, 2025
Jackrabbit Mtn Central, Highpoint & Burrell's Cove Loops
at Lake Chatuge near Hayesville, NC
It really was a beautiful day for a hike along the shoreline of Lake Chatuge with mild 66°F to 75°F temperatures and mostly sunny skies. This is an easy hike under hike forest cover. The trails are in excellent shape, easy on the feet, and well blazed with maps at most trail intersections. While Lake Chatuge is always in the background, better views were readily found by taking a short walk down to the nearby shoreline. With just a few wildflowers still in bloom, there were nevertheless a number of natural features along our route that were observed with just a little extra effort.
Today's Hikers: Ken Kellerman & Cutie Pie, Angela Evans, Jane Voss, Allyson Aldrich, Beth McDonald, Daren Voss, Pam Hembree, Jim Driggers, Jenny Bell, Lynn Steele, Edwin Pruitt, John Cape & Mike Bell.
The route
7.0 mi · 515 ft climbing · 3h 54m out, 3h 25m walking · 2.1 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
19 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (20)
A last view from the beach. Today's Hikers (L-R): Ken & Cutie Pie, Angela, Mike, Allyson, Jane (kneeling), Beth, Daren, Pam, Jim, Jenny, Lynn, Edwin & John. This is the place Nice trailhead. So let's get hiking. Nice view of the first cove on Lake Chatuge. Lobelia was seen sporadically along the trail. "Blue" flowers are my favorite. Nice reflection up and down this lake bank. It's really a very nice trail throughout this hike. Photo by Jane Voss. Some early signs of fall with the leaves of Black Tupelo (top) and Red Maple (bottom by Jane Voss). We passed this slightly slower hiker (Eastern Box Turtle) on our way around this peninsula. Photo by Jane Voss More peaks through the trees at Lake Chatuge. A quick lunch break on the lake shore. This Pink Tickseed Coreopsis growing out from under some driftwood at our lunch spot was a surprise. Cutie Pie was hoping for a bit more to eat before heading back. This Great Blue Heron flew in nearby as we finished lunch. I wish I could have caught a picture of its beautiful flight and landing. A final view across Lake Chatuge after lunch. A sampling of fungi seen today. Bottom pics by Jane Voss. While not fungus, this Pinesap is actually a plant and the "blooms" quite attractive if seen close up. As we head back, Careful Angela! It is "Deadman's Curve" afterall.