Big Butt Trail
Trail Running Route
Hard
11.11 mi
3,470 ft
An epic ridgetop traverse connecting the Blue Ridge Parkway to NC-197.
Located across the valley from the Black Mountain Crest Trail, the Big Butt Trail provides an incredible hiking, backpacking or trail running route deep in Pisgah's Appalachian Ranger District. Lesser visited, this area is home to a surprisingly large number of waterfalls and unique views of its own.
The Big Butt Trail has two trailheads. The southern lies on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Walker Knob Overlook. The other lies along NC-197 to the north. Shuttling is an option but infrequently chosen. Most choose an out-and-back hike from one trailhead to the summit - nearly 3 miles from either. A well marked spur to the summit leads through a maze of mountain laurel before reaching a small rocky overlook to the west.
When approached from the south, the trail passes over Little Butt first, then follows with a rugged push up to Big Butt. The access point along the Blue Ridge Parkway makes this a slightly more popular option to reach the summit.
In contrast, when approached from the north you begin with a brutally demanding climb from the road. The trail is built extremely well and consistently maintained as it switchbacks its way to the ridge. As you begin a southbound traverse, the grade of the trail levels as you wander around Flat Spring Knob and to Big Butt. Roughly 2-miles in, look for a gnarled, leaning tree pointing north. While its origin is unclear, Native Americans historically bent tree saplings when young to force them to grow in a particular direction. Most times, these trees would point to water, shelter, or other identifying landmarks. Written by Brendon Voelker
Located across the valley from the Black Mountain Crest Trail, the Big Butt Trail provides an incredible hiking, backpacking or trail running route deep in Pisgah's Appalachian Ranger District. Lesser visited, this area is home to a surprisingly large number of waterfalls and unique views of its own.
The Big Butt Trail has two trailheads. The southern lies on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Walker Knob Overlook. The other lies along NC-197 to the north. Shuttling is an option but infrequently chosen. Most choose an out-and-back hike from one trailhead to the summit - nearly 3 miles from either. A well marked spur to the summit leads through a maze of mountain laurel before reaching a small rocky overlook to the west.
When approached from the south, the trail passes over Little Butt first, then follows with a rugged push up to Big Butt. The access point along the Blue Ridge Parkway makes this a slightly more popular option to reach the summit.
In contrast, when approached from the north you begin with a brutally demanding climb from the road. The trail is built extremely well and consistently maintained as it switchbacks its way to the ridge. As you begin a southbound traverse, the grade of the trail levels as you wander around Flat Spring Knob and to Big Butt. Roughly 2-miles in, look for a gnarled, leaning tree pointing north. While its origin is unclear, Native Americans historically bent tree saplings when young to force them to grow in a particular direction. Most times, these trees would point to water, shelter, or other identifying landmarks. Written by Brendon Voelker
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRP to Lil Butt and I can not lie | 2.23 mi | 433 ft | 2.0% |
| BRP to Cane River Gap via Big Butt | 5.46 mi | -1,529 ft | -3.5% |
| Wilson Boundary Road Climb | 0.41 mi | 197 ft | 9.0% |
| Wilson Boundary Road Climb | 0.66 mi | 351 ft | 10.0% |
| Wilson Boundary Road Climb | 0.24 mi | 285 ft | 22.1% |
| Wilson Boundary Road Climb | 0.39 mi | 210 ft | 10.2% |
| The Lannisters send their regards | 1.18 mi | -1,145 ft | -18.3% |
| North Ridgerunner Road Climb | 1.31 mi | 1,204 ft | 17.2% |
| Cane River to BRP | 5.68 mi | 1,483 ft | 3.4% |
| Southbound N Fork Rd to Big Butt turn off | 2.72 mi | 1,434 ft | 9.9% |
| Old Ranger Road Climb | 0.27 mi | 135 ft | 9.1% |
| Wilson Boundary Road Climb | 0.44 mi | 299 ft | 12.7% |
| Wilson Boundary Road Climb | 0.36 mi | 354 ft | 18.4% |