July 7, 2026
Chinquapin Mountain Loop from Glen Falls
near Highlands, NC
Hiking in the mountains this week was a good choice with cooler, 69°F to 77°F, temperatures. The trail was in very good shape considering its frequent use. There were quite a few exposed roots and occasional large rocks to navigate, but there were no significant blowdowns and the trail was well marked. We did have to dance across rocks over several shallow wet crossings along the initial section of the hike. In addition to taking the trail marked "Trail to Little Scaly Mtn", we later took another trail section marked "Hwy 106" which did end up at a nice pull-off on NC Hwy 106 about 1/2 mile north of where we started. As expected, overlooks #1 & #2 are mostly obstructed by foliage this time of the year with Overlooks #3, #4, & #5 having the best views of the valleys and mountains to the south through the northeast. We didn't see many wildflowers, but there were several examples of very large fungus growing on trees. This is a very nice hike and in retrospect, I wish we had continued on the trail to Little Scaly Mountain knowing that historically the OFHC hiked it on up to the Mountain Learning Center and Retreat.
Today's Hikers: Angela Evans, Debbie Griffin, Bobbie Broussard, Kim Johnson, Allyson Aldrich, Jenny Bell, Matt Henderson, Jack Treadman, Mike Jones, John Cape & Mike Bell.
The route
5.3 mi · 984 ft climbing · 3h 59m out, 3h 14m walking · 1.6 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
30 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (31)
Matt on Lookout #3 on Chinquapin Mountain. Today's hikers (L-R): Mike B, Angela, Debbie, Bobbie, Kim, Allyson, Jenny, Matt & Toby, Jack, Mike J & John Getting started from the trailhead at Glen Falls. Crossing a nice bridge over a feeder creek to Glen Falls. Our first large stacked mushroom sighting. One of several semi-wet crossings. Watch your step Allyson. A fair number of Rhododendron still in bloom. More large stacked mushrooms. We decided to take the Little Scaly Trail section (loop) of this hike counterclockwise. A bit of uphill walking but not bad. Little Scaly Mtn Trail crossed the old Chinquapin Trail coming in from NC Hwy 106, now blocked, but relocated further up Hwy 106. Lookout #1 access trail has some interesting rock formations along the way. The view from Overlook #1 is limited, but its still worth checking out. This blowdown returning from Lookout #1 was the only one on today's hike. Overlook #2 is a short walk off the main trail. But its view is also mostly obscured by foliage. Lookout #3 is the longest walk off the main trail and a moderately steep descent to the viewing point. But with a little extra scramble at the overlook, the view is quite good. That's Rabun Bald in the background. The Lookout #3 access trail had the only wildflowers except the Rhododendron. Lookout #4 was an easy, short walk off the trail, but did require walking down the rock face a bit more to get the best view to the east. We did take a break at Lookout #4. Matt & Toby enjoying the shade and view from Lookout #4 Lookout #5 had the most expansive views that Kim is taking in. Don't always get to see the fruit/berry on a Painted trillium. So here's the question of the day. Is this an American Chestnut or Chinquapin? Stopped for a family photo on the way back. Exiting the access trail at NC Hwy 106. It has a decent parking area too. This area likes to grow large mushrooms. Toby on the hunt.