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6,571 ft · Black Mountains, North Carolina

Mount Gibbes

Mount Gibbes is a 6,571 ft peak in the Black Mountains, North Carolina. The standard route is the Cherry Ridge Manway from Stepps Gap: 2 mi, 600 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Gibbes in the Black Mountains, North Carolina

Mount Gibbes at a glance

  • Elevation6,571 ft2,002 m
  • RouteCherry Ridge Manway from Stepps GapClass 2
  • Distance2 mi600 ft gain
  • Time1 – 3 hrsEasy effort
  • SeasonApr – Nov
  • RangeBlack MountainsNorth Carolina

Climbing the Cherry Ridge Manway from Stepps Gap

From Asheville, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway north to milepost 355.3 and take NC 128 to the park office at Stepps Gap. Cross the road to the gated gravel service road toward the radio towers, then pick up a faint, unmaintained manway that climbs south through dense fir, over the false top of Cherry Mountain, to the benchmark about a mile out. This is Class 2 with several confusing forks, so carry a map. Neighboring Clingmans Peak is fenced and off limits. Too short alone for SB6K; pair it with Mount Hallback and Mount Mitchell, checking current Old Mitchell Trail status first.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Low visibility
  • High winds
  • Slippery terrain

Quests with Mount Gibbes

Peaks near Mount Gibbes

  1. Blackstock Knob

    Blackstock Knob

    6,338 ft · 1.8 mi away

  2. Mount Mitchell

    Mount Mitchell

    6,684 ft · 2.1 mi away

  3. Mount Craig

    Mount Craig

    6,646 ft · 3.0 mi away

  4. Balsam Cone

    Balsam Cone

    6,596 ft · 3.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Gibbes?

Mount Gibbes is 6,571 feet (2,002 m) tall. It is in the Black Mountains, North Carolina.

How does Mount Gibbes rank among the South Beyond 6,000?

At 6,571 feet, Mount Gibbes is the 8th highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.

How hard is it to hike Mount Gibbes?

The Cherry Ridge Manway from Stepps Gap is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 2 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Gibbes?

Most people take 1 – 3 hours round trip on the Cherry Ridge Manway from Stepps Gap, covering 2 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain.

Can a beginner hike Mount Gibbes?

Usually, if you are fit. The Cherry Ridge Manway from Stepps Gap is a common first summit for hikers ready for 1 – 3 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Mount Gibbes?

The usual hiking window is April to November. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Gibbes with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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