Big Butt Road Trip < TOP >
Bring trekking poles; some "Big Butt" hikes are steep and rocky.
Let’s get the obvious question out of the way: Yes, it’s a real place. Big Butt Mountain stands at approximately 5,880 feet above sea level in Yancey County, North Carolina, deep within the Pisgah National Forest. The name is believed to be an old colloquialism—local settlers often used “butt” to describe a rounded, bluff-like hill or a protruding rock formation. In Appalachian vernacular, a “butt” could also refer to a short, stubby mountain that sticks out from a larger ridge. So while modern ears might snicker, the name is purely descriptive.
A "Big Butt" road trip is about finding joy in the oversized, the kitschy, and the unexpected. It’s a celebration of American roadside culture, encouraging travelers to slow down and enjoy the humor of the highway. So, gas up your car, grab your friends, and get ready for a massive adventure. Share public link
Sometimes, the best road trips are found in the names that make you stop, giggle, and immediately look up directions. If you are looking to combine scenic Appalachian drives, intense hiking, and an unforgettable, quirky photo opportunity, a "Big Butt Road Trip" in Western North Carolina and Tennessee is the hidden gem you didn't know you needed. big butt road trip
The Open Road: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Freedom
Approximately 35.7892° N, 82.2594° W. But don’t rely solely on GPS—cell service is spotty at best. Download offline maps or bring a paper map.
Because your hips are wider, your torso sits further from the steering wheel even when the seat is slid back. To avoid reaching with your shoulders (which causes neck pain), keep your hands at 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock instead of 10 and 2. This keeps your elbows bent and your shoulders relaxed. Bring trekking poles; some "Big Butt" hikes are
The view? Spectacular. To the east, the rolling Piedmont fades into the distance. To the west, the Black Mountains rise like dark waves, with Mount Mitchell’s peak just visible on a clear day. And because very few people make this hike, you’ll likely have the entire summit to yourself. Take your obligatory “butt” photos—a shot of you sitting on a rock with the mountain behind you, a group “cheek” pose, whatever makes you laugh. Just leave no trace.
Below is an overview of the "Big Butt" destination and a sample "road trip plan" that can serve as the paper or itinerary you need. The Destination: Big Butt, North Carolina Located within the Pisgah National Forest Big Butt trail is accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 359). The Trail:
We got back in the car, the air conditioning mixing with the heavy scent of BBQ in our stomachs. We drove in a comfortable, meat-induced silence for the next hundred miles. The name is believed to be an old
Stop by Gifford Pinchot State Park for a lakeside lunch before heading south.
For those who find beauty in unconventional names and breathtaking landscapes, a is a must-do Appalachian adventure. Far from being a joke, this journey takes you through some of the most rugged and scenic sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
As the sun sets over the highway and your GPS says "Arrived," you will get out of that car. Your legs will be stiff. Your hips will be sore. But you will have done it. You drove 1,500 miles. You saw the world from behind the wheel.