Woody's Knob facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woody's Knob |
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Woody's Knob From NC-226N
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,177 ft (1,273 m) NAVD 88 |
| Geography | |
 Woody's Knob
Location in North Carolina
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| Parent range | Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Spruce Pine, NC |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | c. 3/4 Billion years |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Firetower Rd. |
Woody's Knob, also called Charlie Woody Mountain, is a tall hill or "knob" in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. It stands 4,170 feet high. This makes it one of the highest spots in the small village of Little Switzerland. It is also a very high point in Mitchell County, North Carolina.
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Where is Woody's Knob Located?
Woody's Knob is found about 2.1 miles (3.4 km) northwest of Little Switzerland. It is also about 3.25 miles (5.2 km) southwest of Spruce Pine, North Carolina. A special bronze disk marks the very top. This disk says "SPRUCE PINE NCDOT 4170 ft". It is set into a concrete marker right under the old firetower.
What's at the Top of Woody's Knob?
A firetower was built here in 1958. The Forest Service used it to spot forest fires. Today, this 68.9-foot tall tower is not used by people. Instead, it helps send out radio and phone signals.
You can drive to the top of Woody's Knob. It's about 5.1 miles from Little Switzerland and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road leading up is called Firetower Road. It is a gravel road that ends at the grassy top. Besides the firetower, you'll see other buildings. These include electric houses, a microwave tower, and many radio antennas. There is also a U.S. Forestry Service air monitoring station. A very tall 180-foot tower for Homeland Security and the North Carolina Highway Patrol is also there.
Amazing Views from Woody's Knob
From the firetower, you can see all around you. It's a 360-degree view that covers at least four counties!
What Can You See to the North and East?
To the north, you can see the white cliffs of Chalk Mountain. This mountain is above Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Looking east, you might spot Grandfather Mountain (5,964 feet tall). You can also see Hawksbill (4,020 feet) and Table Rock Mountain (4,100 feet).
What Can You See to the South and West?
To the south, you'll see Marion and parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Black Mountains rise to the west. They have many peaks covered in spruce and fir trees. Mount Mitchell (6,684 feet) is one of these tall peaks. It's the highest point in eastern North America! Further north in the Black Mountains, you'll see Celo Knob (6,327 feet).
Looking west, you can see Emerald Mine Road and Bushy Creek. In the valley beyond, you'll find Micaville and the South Toe River. Burnsville is also visible towards the horizon. To the far north, the Roan Highlands stretch along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.
Weather at Woody's Knob
The weather on Woody's Knob can change a lot.
Summer and Winter Weather
In summer, it's often foggy in the mornings. Daytime temperatures are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit. Nights cool down to the low 50s. In winter, temperatures can drop far below zero. Strong winds from the northwest make it feel even colder. These winds can sometimes be as strong as a hurricane!
Rain, Snow, and Seasons
Ice storms can happen as early as late November. This makes it hard to travel up the mountain. Woody's Knob gets about 58 inches of rain each year. It also gets 20 to 25 inches of snow. Spring arrives late here. Flowers and leaves don't fully bloom until after late April. Rhododendrons, mountain laurels, and wildflowers bloom by mid-May. Blackberries and strawberries are ready to pick by mid-summer. The fall colors on the mountain are most beautiful in the last week of October.
Animals and Plants of Woody's Knob
Many different animals and plants live around Woody's Knob.
Common Animals You Might See
You might spot white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Other animals include bobcats, bats, and different kinds of squirrels. These are eastern gray squirrels and southern flying squirrels. You could also see eastern box turtles.
Birds and Other Wildlife
Many birds live here, like hummingbirds, cardinals, hawks, and owls. Sometimes, a black bear with cubs might appear. You might even see a golden eagle flying overhead!
Snakes and Amphibians
Two types of snakes found here are eastern diamondback rattlesnakes and scarlet kingsnakes. You can also find different kinds of salamanders.
Images for kids
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Fire Tower at Summit
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Western Slope & Towers at Summit
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Celo Knob (6,327') Southwest View
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Sunrise Behind Hawksbill & Tablerock
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Black Mountains (Fall)
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Black Mountains (Summer)
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Sunset
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Sunset
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West-Southwest View Towards Burnsville
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Boone Knob; Northwest View
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Local Population
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Local Population
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Snowfall; January, 2011
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Snowfall at Summit
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Farm Equipment
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Rime Ice
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Rime Ice
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Woody's Knob From 221
