- …
- Yak
- Quests
- South Beyond 6,000
- Old Black
6,360 ft · Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee
Old Black
Old Black is a 6,360 ft peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee. The standard route is the Snake Den Ridge Trail and Appalachian Trail: 12 mi, 4,000 ft of gain, Class 2.
Old Black at a glance
- Elevation6,360 ft1,938 m
- RouteSnake Den Ridge Trail and Appalachian TrailClass 2
- Distance12 mi4,000 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonYear‑round
- RangeGreat Smoky MountainsNorth Carolina/Tennessee
Climbing the Snake Den Ridge Trail and Appalachian Trail
From Cosby, Tennessee, drive to the hiker parking at Cosby Campground. Take the Snake Den Ridge Trail 5.3 miles up to the Appalachian Trail near Inadu Knob, then head south about a mile past the old helicopter pad onto the west slope of Old Black. The trail passes within a tenth of a mile of the top, but the Class 2 bushwhack through blowdown, briars and thick spruce is slow and easy to lose. Commonly combined with Mount Guyot on one long day from Cosby. Expect ice in winter and fog on the crest. A parking tag is required. Wear long pants and gloves.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- Remote location
- Slippery terrain
Quests with Old Black
South Beyond 6,000Peaks near Old Black
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Old Black?
Old Black is 6,360 feet (1,938 m) tall. It is in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee.
How does Old Black rank among the South Beyond 6,000?
At 6,360 feet, Old Black is the 12th highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.
How hard is it to hike Old Black?
The Snake Den Ridge Trail and Appalachian Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Old Black?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Snake Den Ridge Trail and Appalachian Trail, covering 12 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Old Black?
The Snake Den Ridge Trail and Appalachian Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Old Black?
Old Black is open for hiking year-round. Conditions change with the seasons, so check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Old Black?
The Snake Den Ridge Trail and Appalachian Trail starts at about 2,360 feet, roughly 4,000 feet below the summit.
Climb Old Black 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