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.
Loved this hike! A lot of creek crossings and beautiful views at the top.
The 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.
Like any other trail along a creek, it was super muddy with several crossings. Lookout 5 and 3 are amazing!
Great 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!
Terrific but very muddy! Multiple water crossings capable with stepping stones. Lookout #5 was best!
Good trail, a bit mucky at the bottom, 8 stream crossings, but worth the effort. Great views from Lookout 5 & 3.
Great 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!