Chinquapin Mountain Trail is a 3.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Highlands, North Carolina that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
There are two great overlooks on this trail.
March 6, 2021Loved this hike! A lot of creek crossings and beautiful views at the top.
February 28, 2021Really interesting, diverse scenery. Lots of creek crossings so we were glad we had hiking poles to help us balance. Quite muddy after a day of rain. Stunning views from the ridge at the top - lots of shady spots for lunch.
January 24, 2021Loved this trail! It was a little muddy and the creeks were passable without getting wet. Lookout 1 is disappointing but the others were really amazing. Beautiful rhododendron...can only imagine what it looks like when it’s blooming!
January 18, 2021January 17, 2021A blanket of snow, 8 fun creek crossings, multiple overlooks. Great hike!
January 7, 2021As good as it gets
December 28, 2020December 27, 2020This hike was a blast. Several stream crossings. Definitely challenging as far as steepness goes....but the look outs are breathtaking if you aren’t already short of breath when you make it to them
November 1, 2020Not an easy hike. Several tough creek crossings but absolutely worth it. Views at the top were beautiful. Be careful to notice where Chinquapin trail and trail to Hwy 106 split toward end of trail.
October 24, 2020The first (and last) part of the hike consists of 8 creek crossings and lots of mud - we called it Squish City. You then begin to switchback up a gradual incline until you have reached the top. There are beautiful views from all the lookouts, especially 3 and 5. The slope of the hike that I mentioned is perfect for going back downhill to Squish City again, saving your knees. I loved this hike, and it's probably my favorite in Highlands. The parking lot is a logistical nightmare, so I would get there as early as possible.
October 23, 2020October 11, 2020Great trail! Beautiful lookouts at the top. Well marked. Quite nice to go all the way up, then come down easily and quickly!
October 3, 2020Like any other trail along a creek, it was super muddy with several crossings. Lookout 5 and 3 are amazing!
October 2, 2020October 2, 2020Great hike overall! Was very muddy with multiple stream crossings as described by other reviews. Definitely have to watch footing. Lookout #5 beautiful! About 0.2 miles from the end of the trail, someone had marked a branch over the trail with a warning of a rattlesnake. We did not encounter but just something to be mindful of, as we had 3 dogs and the footing was tricky to watch out ahead!
September 26, 2020Great
September 20, 2020Great hike! Definitely need to wear boots this time of year (Sept.) as it’s muddy and you cross a lot of streams. Beautiful views at the top. Only crossed one other group on our hike on a Saturday. Felt secluded.
August 29, 2020Great hike. There were several streams to cross and we did get muddy and wet. Lots of rain lately. But it was fun and our two dogs had a blast.
August 9, 2020Terrific but very muddy! Multiple water crossings capable with stepping stones. Lookout #5 was best!
August 8, 2020August 8, 2020Good trail, a bit mucky at the bottom, 8 stream crossings, but worth the effort. Great views from Lookout 5 & 3.
July 22, 2020Great trail! Trail starts to the right of the much more heavily trafficked Glenn Falls trail. The first section consists of several small stream crossings but all were easily passable - a bit muddy at times. The trail then ascends and there are 5 well marked “Lookouts”. I would highly suggest checking out each but the best views by far are Lookouts 5 & 3. Lookout 3 is fantastic and it’s worth the steep descent to a fantastic view and perfect location for a secluded picnic - this definitely appears to be the least visited of the Lookouts but in my opinion the best. The trail basically ends at Lookout 1 which is not the best view but this is your final destination for this out and back trail segment. The trail does continue on to the highway but use Lookout 1 as your point to turn back to keep the total distance at 4 miles. We’ve hiked numerous Highlands area trails over the years and this is truly a fantastic hike with great contrasts of think laurel and streams and fantastic Mountain View’s . Highly recommended!
