Vast and Varied: Whiterock Mountain

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: April - 2022

While it might seem like the route to the Jones Gap parking lot is nothing akin to a hop, skip, or a jump from the turn off on Highlands Road, the hike from there to a rock shelf at the top of Whiterock Mountain far outweighs any driving inconveniences. 

Considered a moderate hike, Jones Gap to Whiterock Mountain on the Bartram Trail is a 4.6-mile, moderately trafficked, out-and-back trail. 

Pick up a Bartram Trail map from any local outfitters’ store – or purchase online – to see just which part of the 78-mile, Georgia-into-North Carolina section is being traversed with this hike. 

The trail, and historical sites and sections throughout several southern states, is named for William Bartram, an American botanist, ornithologist, natural historian, and explorer. Bartram is the author of the first-person book Bartram’s Travels, which chronicles his adventurous explorations from 1773 to 1777. There are sections of the Bartram Trail just over the line in Georgia, as well as from Whiterock all the way past Nantahala Lake on the other side of Franklin. 

But the Jones Gap to Whiterock Mountain hike is a nature-lover’s feast for the senses. 

In colder weather, icicles hang on embankments from emerald green moss; year-round patches of curly, pale teal lichen covers boulder surfaces; spring trilliums peek up creamy white and pale pink from forest beds; and, summer blooming stands of rhododendron and laurel color large swaths of the hiking path. Signage occasionally educates about various plant species. 

Yet it’s the vast views that make all the driving and hiking effort worth it. The cliff at the top of Whiterock Mountain, named for its sheer stone face, tiers down to offer expansive, breath-drawing vistas. 

The trail is primarily used for hiking, but pack-in/pack-out camping is permitted and evidence of a few oft-used spots are evident along this section of the Bartram. Dogs are welcomed, but must be on a leash if not voice command-trained. 

While April to November is considered ideal hiking weather, especially when the elevation is over 4,000 feet, this section of the Bartram Trail is open year-round.  

Rachel Newcomb of Mainspring Conservation Trust discovered the hike a few months ago: “Hiking along this section of the Bartram Trail was very enjoyable! As a conservation professional, gazing over the viewshed from the rock face gave me a feeling of gratitude for this corner of the world that I’m fortunate enough to call home.”

Added Meta Sadlon, who made the hike during a chilly February day, “It was very stimulating, from the vegetation to the amazing views of Tessentee Valley.” 

To get there, turn onto Gold Mine Road off US 64 (Highlands Road). Take Gold Mine for a short distance before turning left onto Dendy Orchard Road. 

Travel Dendy Orchard Road, which will turn to gravel and there will eventually be a sign at a right-hand turn that reads: “Nantahala Forest Access – Bartram Trail.” 

Take the right and follow the windy, narrow, gravel road for what might seem like an eternity but is only two miles and ends at the trailhead. The AllTrails app includes the hike.