Stomping Knob Trail

At A Glance

More Difficult

1.2 mi one-way

Difficulty Rating: 3.62
Steepness: Climbs Steeply
Tread Condition: Moderately Rough
Lowest Elevation: 2740 ft
Highest Elevation: 3960 ft
Climb Total: 1220 ft
Blaze Color: Yellow

Description

Trailhead is located on Harmony Road and ends with the junction of the West Ridge Trail at the summit of Little Piney Mountain, also known as Stomping Knob. Starts with an easy rock-hop across a small brook that runs parallel to Little Piney Branch before turning and following it upstream a short distance away. Passes two old still sites, one of which is under a neat, large rock overhang. The forest is typical mid-elevation mixed-hardwoods with the usual rhododendron and mountain laurel in the understory. Some nice wildflowers appear in spring.

Overall, the trail is rather steep and poorly laid out. Near its lower end, it winds its way uphill through a steep-bottomed cove before switching back over to a low ridge, where it rounds the nose. It then ascends the rest of the mountain in fits and starts, sometimes straight uphill and sometimes in what could only be loosely described as switchbacks. The surface is in poor condition and consists of little more than a scramble path in some places, and is creeping downhill in others. There are long stretches of jagged rocks covered by leaves. The route is fairly well blazed, but fallen leaves can obscure the way sometimes. It's a great workout since you'll ascend 1,220 ft in just under a mile, ending abruptly on the narrow summit of Stomping Knob at the top of Little Piney Ridge.

With some maintenance and a few re-routes around the worst sections, this could be an excellent trail. As-is, it's worth hiking because of the neat environment up on the ridge and the loop opportunities it presents, but it is a rather unpleasant climb at times.

Intersecting Trails

  • West Ridge
  • This trail is located in the Montreat area. For a list of all the trails in that area, see the Montreat trails list page.

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