South Mountains State Park
Burke County, NC
South Mountains State Park website on NCParks.org describes Chestnut Knot Trail as "very strenuous." The first part of the trail (about half a mile) is a steep ascent. There are plenty of timber steps along this section of the trail.
At the top of that ascent, there's a sign indicating you can visit Jacob Fork River Gorge Overlook. The side trip is recommended for great views including distant views of High Shoals Falls.
After taking the side trip to the Jacob Fork Overlook, the Chestnut Knob Trail follows the ridge line for a while. This part of the trail is easier than the first part but it's narrow in many places.
You do a little more climbing when you get close to the overlook. The views from Chestnut Knob Overlook were gorgeous. When we arrived at the overlook, other people were just leaving so we had the place to ourselves for about 5 minutes. The overlook is a large outcropping of rocks. We sat on the rocks and soaked up the views while enjoying a snack.
