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Winter at John's Kitchen, Linville Gorge
The Olson Trail is an “unofficial” offshoot trail from the main Shortoff Mountain Trail that begins at Wolfpit Road, near Lake James in Burke County, NC. It begins just after the juncture with the Mountain to Sea Trail (MST) at a small tree trunk marked by ribbon, traveling 0.66 miles as a one-way trail. Not for the faint of heart, the trail is recommended only for experienced hikers as it requires travelers to hug the side of 500 ft cliffs in places. It travels along the face of and just below the beautiful cliffs of Shortoff Mountain, making the unique views well worth the effort and trip, especially the visit to John’s Kitchen, an ancient cave once utilized by Native Americans (known from the ancient artifacts once found within the cave). The cave overlooks the western rim of the Linville Gorge and Pinnacle Mountain, offering views of both, as well as the Linville River below and Lake James to the south. Just beyond John’s Kitchen, the Olson Trail rejoins the Shortoff Mountain Trail as it ascends to the Shortoff Pinnacle. Check out a winter view of John’s Kitchen and the amazing ice formations within the cave.
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Website: www.cathyandersonphotography.com
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Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/125802685@N03/ (cathyandersonphoto)
500px: 500px.com/CathyAnderson
Winter at John's Kitchen, Linville Gorge
The Olson Trail is an “unofficial” offshoot trail from the main Shortoff Mountain Trail that begins at Wolfpit Road, near Lake James in Burke County, NC. It begins just after the juncture with the Mountain to Sea Trail (MST) at a small tree trunk marked by ribbon, traveling 0.66 miles as a one-way trail. Not for the faint of heart, the trail is recommended only for experienced hikers as it requires travelers to hug the side of 500 ft cliffs in places. It travels along the face of and just below the beautiful cliffs of Shortoff Mountain, making the unique views well worth the effort and trip, especially the visit to John’s Kitchen, an ancient cave once utilized by Native Americans (known from the ancient artifacts once found within the cave). The cave overlooks the western rim of the Linville Gorge and Pinnacle Mountain, offering views of both, as well as the Linville River below and Lake James to the south. Just beyond John’s Kitchen, the Olson Trail rejoins the Shortoff Mountain Trail as it ascends to the Shortoff Pinnacle. Check out a winter view of John’s Kitchen and the amazing ice formations within the cave.
Connect with me!
Website: www.cathyandersonphotography.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CathyAndersonPhoto
Instagram: instagram.com/cathyandersonphoto
Twitter: twitter.com/cathyanderson27 (@cathyanderson27)
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/125802685@N03/ (cathyandersonphoto)
500px: 500px.com/CathyAnderson