Youngs Mountain Trail Access & Parking Permit

Conserving Carolina’s & Rutherford County Parks & Recreation’s Youngs Mountain Trail, located just northeast of Lake Lure, NC in the Hickory Nut Gorge is a 4.2 mile roundtrip/out-and-back hiking trail to several scenic cliffs near the summit of Youngs Mountain. The trail is strenuous and gains 1,200 feet–most of its climb is in the middle section of the trail over only one mile of distance. The trail also has several areas of exposure at cliff edges. Dramatic views from the top include Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, the Hickory Nut Gorge, Great Craggy Mountains, and Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountains.

Youngs Mountain Trail has very limited parking and is accessed inside of a gated neighborhood. A free access and parking permit is required to be able to enter through the gate and into the neighborhood. The permit will contain the gate code to enable entry. This code changes daily and only functions between 7:00am and 6:00pm. Entry through the gate after 6:00pm is not permitted. The trail itself is open for hiking from 7:00am until dusk/8:00pm. Vehicles parked after dark will be promptly towed. Permit is per vehicle and does not limit total number of hikers. Buses are not permitted to enter or park. Permit holders must park in designated area only; parking elsewhere will result in towing.

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