Whiteside Mountain, Devils Courthouse and Scaly Mountain

Let's fill up on a smorgasbord of sweeping views with a hike to Whiteside Mountain, the Devil's Courthouse, and Scaly Mountain. Think of it as a tasty appetizer platter (Whiteside and Devil's Courthouse) followed by the delicious main course of Scaly Mountain. A short drive will serve as a palate cleanser between trails. If we're lucky, we might take in the sight of some early spring wildflowers for a lovely dessert.

Our first adventure will include the climb up to the top of Whiteside Mountain. (There is a $2 per car parking fee at the Whiteside Mountain parking area). It's a steep ascent involving rock and log steps and several switchbacks. The trail is designated a National Recreation Trail and contains signage with fun facts including the tale of a daring rescue of a hiker who slipped over the edge at Fool's Rock in 1911. Taking a side trail to the Devil's Courthouse (with more excellent views) will make this a 3 mile loop with approximately 600 feet of elevation gain. We'll take our lunch break at the lookout at Devil's Courthouse to savor the view. 

Returning to the Whiteside Mountain Recreation Area parking lot, we will get back in the cars and make the 20-minute drive to the Osage Mountain overlook/parking area. Here we will hit the trail for the main course, an in-and-out hike on the Bartram Trail over Scaly Mountain (8.8 miles). We'll pause to enjoy the sights at the summit of Scaly Mountain, then descend the north side of the mountain to Tessentee Creek. We will then turn around, ascend up and over Scaly the way we came, for a different perspective. Total elevation gain from the Osage overlook to Tessentee Creek and back is approximately 2500 feet.

Total elevation gain for the day will be approximately 3100 feet.

The Trip Leaders plan to stop in Clayton for dinner on the way back. This is optional; if you do not wish to join us for dinner, be sure to work it out with your carpool prior to leaving the Park and Ride.

Thank you to Dorothea for the suggested itinerary.

From the park and ride take I-85 North to I-985 North. I-985 turns into GA 365/US 23/US 441. Continue to the Ingles in Clayton for a brief pit stop. Once back in the cars, continue north on 441 about seven miles to beyond Dillard, where you make a right on GA 246 in the direction of Highlands, NC. This road turns into NC 106 at the NC line. Travel about 13 miles to Highlands. NC 106 ends at the traffic light where it intersects with US 64 (Main St). Turn right on US 64 and drive through downtown Highlands, about 2 blocks. At the next light, turn left on US 64 (also signed as 4th St). After 5 miles turn right towards Whiteside Mountain parking area.

We will be contacting you if you have not recently done a D5 hike to determine whether this is a suitable hike for you.