technicolorNH - Nov 20, 2018 7:55 pm Date Climbed: Nov 16, 2018
a lot more adventure than was necessary
Four hours and twenty five minutes to the top from Sterling Gap (this included a side trip to Mt Sterling). The final hour of the ascent was the typical bushwhack up the east side ridge over Big Butt. On the descent I angled too far to the northeast and ended up in the wrong valley, necessitating a climb out of said valley and aiming southeast to connect with the Sterling Ridge Trail for the way back. Thus the climb down actually took more time than the climb up. The summit is clearly marked with a tiny summit cairn and there is a marked (with orange plastic strips) herd path to the summit that appears to come from the south side of the mountain.
Hike up from Cataloochee via Palmer Creek Trail and the Balsam Mountain Trail. I could not find the "manway" that I've seen mentioned in various sources, so it was a bushwhack.
Cortez - Jan 31, 2008 11:20 am Date Climbed: Oct 20, 2007
Big Cataloochee from Pin Oak Gap
Jen & I hiked Big Cataloochee via the Mt. Steriling Ridge > Balsam Mountain Trails. We parked at Pin Oak Gap located on on the unpaved Balsam Mountain Road, which goes from Heintooga Ridge Road to Cherokee. At 4.1 miles it meets the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail, where the hiker may access Big Cataloochee. Steep hike>>views limited>> bushwhack at summit was very challenging>>summit difficult, but not impossible to find>>TAKE A MAP & COMPASS!!!
mlandau3 - Dec 31, 2007 10:48 am Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2007
The Exact Top Is Hard To Find
The exact top is not marked. There's also a huge amount of deadfall all around the summit.
BobSmith - Dec 29, 2007 11:43 pm Date Climbed: Jun 28, 1974
Summit
Climbed with high school friends on my 16th birthday.
technicolorNH - Nov 20, 2018 7:55 pm Date Climbed: Nov 16, 2018
a lot more adventure than was necessaryFour hours and twenty five minutes to the top from Sterling Gap (this included a side trip to Mt Sterling). The final hour of the ascent was the typical bushwhack up the east side ridge over Big Butt. On the descent I angled too far to the northeast and ended up in the wrong valley, necessitating a climb out of said valley and aiming southeast to connect with the Sterling Ridge Trail for the way back. Thus the climb down actually took more time than the climb up. The summit is clearly marked with a tiny summit cairn and there is a marked (with orange plastic strips) herd path to the summit that appears to come from the south side of the mountain.
eric-griz - Sep 20, 2015 8:13 pm Date Climbed: Sep 20, 2015
Long day loopHike up from Cataloochee via Palmer Creek Trail and the Balsam Mountain Trail. I could not find the "manway" that I've seen mentioned in various sources, so it was a bushwhack.
Cortez - Jan 31, 2008 11:20 am Date Climbed: Oct 20, 2007
Big Cataloochee from Pin Oak GapJen & I hiked Big Cataloochee via the Mt. Steriling Ridge > Balsam Mountain Trails. We parked at Pin Oak Gap located on on the unpaved Balsam Mountain Road, which goes from Heintooga Ridge Road to Cherokee. At 4.1 miles it meets the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail, where the hiker may access Big Cataloochee. Steep hike>>views limited>> bushwhack at summit was very challenging>>summit difficult, but not impossible to find>>TAKE A MAP & COMPASS!!!
mlandau3 - Dec 31, 2007 10:48 am Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2007
The Exact Top Is Hard To FindThe exact top is not marked. There's also a huge amount of deadfall all around the summit.
BobSmith - Dec 29, 2007 11:43 pm Date Climbed: Jun 28, 1974
SummitClimbed with high school friends on my 16th birthday.