Catawba County High Point Trip Report
Baker Mtn (1,780 ft)
Date: February 29, 2004
Author: Ron Tagliapietra
Baker Mountain County Park was established about 2 years ago. It is a free park
currently open Friday through Mondays. The road is paved to the park. The park
does not include the summit ridge. The road beyond the park is not paved and is
gated twice (the first open and the second closed on our visit) and posted heavily.
We met a guy who said that the owners have had trouble with ATVs and
will prosecute them.
There are several ways to get to the overlooks at about 1650 feet on the west
slope but the shortest is to hike from the trailhead between the two buildings
and turn right onto the Eagle Pass trail (signed junction). Follow this to its
end at the upper old homestead site (with chimney). Turn right and head uphill
to the overlooks. From here, follow a road uphill, crossing a low wire fence to
the gap between the radio tower bump and the middle bump. Follow the road east
to a junction. Turn left and hike north past the east side of the middle bump
and go right up the northern bump. The Baker 2 No. 3 BM is still on the highest
ground but it shows an arrow pointing to Baker 2 BM (also 1948), which we also
found nearby but lower.
Trip statistics: 2 miles round trip; elevation gain 400 feet.