Old Black

The hike to Old Black is considered challenging due to significant elevation gain and steep sections. The most common route, the Snake Den Ridge Trail from Cosby Campground, involves a 4.5-mile climb with approximately 4,000 feet of elevation gain. For a round trip, hikers should generally plan for a full day, often 8-10 hours or more, depending on fitness levels and time spent at viewpoints.

Old Black is primarily accessed via strenuous trails, and there are no truly beginner-friendly routes directly to the summit area. The Snake Den Ridge Trail is a demanding ascent. Hikers looking for less strenuous options in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park might consider other trails in the Cosby area, but reaching Old Black itself requires a significant physical effort.

Limited parking is available at trailheads, particularly at Cosby Campground, which serves as the primary access point for the Snake Den Ridge Trail. Arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak season, is highly recommended to secure a spot. As of early 2023, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These can be purchased online or at visitor centers.

Winter hiking to Old Black is possible but presents significant challenges. The higher elevations, covered by dense spruce-fir forest, can experience much colder temperatures, heavy snow, and ice. Conditions can change rapidly, requiring specialized gear such as microspikes or snowshoes, and excellent navigation skills. It's advisable for experienced winter hikers only, and always check weather forecasts and trail conditions before attempting.

No, dogs are generally not allowed on most trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including those leading to Old Black. This policy is in place to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of all visitors. Dogs are permitted in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along two paved walking paths: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.

While the immediate summit of Old Black is forested, a notable clearing on its northeast slope, once a helicopter landing pad, offers expansive panoramic views. From this spot, hikers can see the eastern Smokies, the Great Balsam Mountains, including Mount Sterling and Luftee Knob, and excellent views of Mount Guyot. Sections of the Appalachian Trail on Old Black's western slope also provide glimpses into Cocke and Sevier Counties in Tennessee.

Old Black is renowned for its dense Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest at higher elevations, a unique ecosystem distinct from the hardwood forests below. Hikers may encounter various high-altitude plant species, including rhododendron and blueberry patches. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, though many animals are elusive. Keep an eye out for unique birds and, with caution, be aware of larger mammals like black bears, which inhabit the park.

The primary trailhead for Old Black is at Cosby Campground, which offers basic camping facilities. For more extensive amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and various accommodation options (hotels, cabins), visitors would need to travel to nearby towns such as Cosby, Newport, or Gatlinburg, which are a drive away from the trailhead. It's best to plan for these needs before or after your hike.

Old Black is composed of Thunderhead sandstone, a type of Precambrian metamorphic rock that is part of the Ocoee Supergroup. These ancient rocks formed from ocean sediments nearly a billion years ago. The mountain itself was uplifted over 200 million years ago during the Appalachian orogeny, a period of continental collision, making it a significant feature in the geological history of the region.

Given the challenging terrain and variable mountain weather, essential packing includes plenty of water, high-energy snacks, a map and compass or GPS device, a first-aid kit, and appropriate layers of clothing (including rain gear). Sturdy hiking boots are crucial. Depending on the season, consider trekking poles for stability on steep sections, and in winter, microspikes or snowshoes may be necessary.