Lake Chatuge offers lots to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains including Jackrabbit Mountain and Bell Knob.
In case you missed last week’s post where I covered day one of this two-day trip, this is that post. On day two we explore more around Lake Chatuge by hiking on Jackrabbit Mountain and Bell Knob. Continue reading to learn more about these places and more.
Jackrabbit Mountain Hike
Now, despite the name, Jackrabbit Mountain is not really a mountain. It’s barely even a hill. We camped the night before at Jackrabbit Mountain Campground and then proceeded to hike just down the street. Jackrabbit Mountain has a park full of nearly 15 miles of trails. These trails are all looped together creating an ideal set of mountain biking trails. But hiking is allowed here too.
This part of the park is on a smaller peninsula that juts off of the peninsula that as a whole is called Jackrabbit Mountain. Because of this, many of the trails in this system offer waterside views of Lake Chatuge.
We arrived at the park on a cool, October early afternoon. It was a weekday and I was surprised by how busy it was. I figure there aren’t many other places to mountain bike around here so that might be why it’s so popular. But we were not the only hikers amidst the riders.
We hiked the Central Loop Trail with hopes of adding the Yotee’s Run Trail to it, but we ran out of time. In fact, we didn’t even finish the full loop of the main trail which is about 3 miles long. From what I’ve read there’s more to see than just the small beach we found off the side of this trail about one mile in starting on the right side of the loop. Also, I learned later that there’s a connector trail from the campground so if you’re staying here, you can easily keep the car parked at your campsite and simply ride or hike out to these trails from there. There’s also trails that start at the front of the campground too.
Firehouse 17 Pizza and More
After our hike we drove out to Firehouse 17 Pizza and More. The 12 minute drive out of the way is definitely worth it for this place. Plus the drive by Lake Chatuge is scenic. We got the garlic knots for an appetizer and we each got our own personal sized pizza which comes as a lunch special too. This is also where I asked a local how to pronounce Lake Chatuge to which I was told it’s: Shah-too-g.
Bell Knob
Our last stop on this trip to Lake Chatuge and this two-day adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains was Bell Knob. Sadly, this place is littered with graffiti. It’s so bad that there’s even signs leading up to this place that ask you not to paint here. But it seems people ignore those and do it anyway. Graffiti aside, this place is a must-visit. The views of Lake Chatuge in the valley are splendid and you can enjoy a birds-eye view of the Blue Ridge Mountains all around.
The drive up to Bell Knob is a steep, windy mountain road. Take great caution as this is one of the steepest and narrow mountain roads I’ve ever ridden. Do not attempt this in cold, icy conditions. Near the top there’s a small parking lot but you can drive up a little further and park at the very top too.
Once you arrive you’ll see an overlook platform that has a plaque about Bell Knob. Head up the stairs to get the best views. It’s a climb but so worth it. The platforms on top extend a good length and one allows you to climb even higher.
We came to watch the sunset and got an additional surprise. A couple of paragliders were launching from Bell Knob! We watched them while we waited for the sun to drop below the mountains. This spot is definitely perfect for sunset and I cannot recommend visiting enough.
In Closing
Lake Chatuge is a special place in the Blue Ridge Mountains that’s worth a visit. I hope to be able to visit again in the summer months when there’s even more to do. If you’re looking for a little weekend getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains and on a lake, this is the place for you.
Be sure to watch the YouTube video where you can watch the paragliders taking off and more. And let me know in the comments below which spot you’re most excited to explore when you visit. Or, if you’ve visited before, what’s your favorite thing to do here? Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
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