This was my third day of hiking lookout towers during Memorial Day weekend. For my last long hike I chose Albert Mountain just outside of Franklin, NC where I was staying. In the Nantahala River Basin of Nantahala National Forest this hike follows the Bearpen Gap Trail from FR 67 to the Appalachian Trail. From there it is a brief but steep climb north to Albert Mountain (5,223 feet). A fire tower was constructed in 1951 to overlook the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory to the east. Although the top cab was locked, the 43-foot tower had great views from the stairs in three directions. The high peaks of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness were visible to the southwest, including Standing Indian. Boteler Peak rises due west to the right of Standing Indian. The tower support blocks clear views north of Wayah Bald and Wine Spring Bald. The land drops away east to the outdoor laboratory, with Rabun Bald southeast and the Cowee Mountains east. The most notable peaks are Yellow Mountain, Shortoff Mountain, Whiteside Mountain, and Fishhawk Mountain. You can even see the Plott Balsam and Great Balsam Mountains northeast, but it's tough to pick out individual peaks. A nice, moderate hike despite the Bearpen Gap Trail having lots of deadfall and undergrowth.
Hike was 5.8 miles in 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Hike location
goo.gl/maps/wcFHQbuDiCC1KkYj7
Hike report
www.hikingupward.com/NNF/Albe...