I have lived in Haywood County for three years now and
still have a moment almost daily, where I’m struck by the
beauty that surrounds me. The hike up to the Appalachian
Highlands Science Learning Center and over to Gooseberry
Knob at The Swag Inn will provide plenty of these moments
for you. This hike is somewhat challenging as you will gain
about 1,300 feet in elevation. It is about 7 miles roundtrip
and will take about 5 hours, depending on how long you
Park at the gate on Purchase Drive and walk 1.5 miles up the road towards the learning center. Once you break out of
the woods, you will see the learning center up on the hill in front of you. There are bathrooms, water fountains, and
majestic views of Haywood County, East. Behind the learning center, a trail leads to a weather station and then to the
Cataloochee Divide trail. Hang a left onto the trail and follow the signs to The Swag Inn.
26
Take a Hike
with Molly Boyce
Purchase Road to Gooseberry Knob
Adirondack Chairs on Gooseberry Knob
Left: View from Learning Center, facing East
Zap the code for a full trail
description, directions, and
more local hikes!
Alternatively, you can skip going up to the learning center
and take the Ferguson Cabin trail that splits off to the left,
at the foot of the hill. Make your way down to the cabin
and then continue on up to the Cataloochee Divide Trail
(turn left). Once on this trail, you will have views of Haywood
County to your left and Cataloochee Valley to your right.
The last stretch up to Gooseberry Knob will leave you ready
-
bo. The grass is plush and there’s plenty of room to spread
out and watch the clouds pass. Take in the views of what is
OUR neighborhood. Watch the colors of the land change before
your eyes as the light changes and the shadows of the
clouds dance across the hills. It’s simply breathtaking.
When you are ready to make your way back, follow the trail
back the way you came. When you turn onto the trail towards
Ferguson Cabin, it splits. They both lead back to the road.
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