The Big Butt Trail has two trailheads. The southern lies on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Walker Knob Overlook. The other lies along NC-197 to the north. Shuttling is an option but infrequently chosen. Most choose an out-and-back hike from one trailhead to the summit - nearly 3 miles from either. A well marked spur to the summit leads through a maze of mountain laurel before reaching a small rocky overlook to the west.

When approached from the south, the trail passes over Little Butt first, then follows with a rugged push up to Big Butt. The access point along the Blue Ridge Parkway makes this a slightly more popular option to reach the summit.

In contrast, when approached from the north you begin with a brutally demanding climb from the road. The trail is built extremely well and consistently maintained as it switchbacks its way to the ridge. As you begin a southbound traverse, the grade of the trail levels as you wander around Flat Spring Knob and to Big Butt. Roughly 2-miles in, look for a gnarled, leaning tree pointing north. While its origin is unclear, Native Americans historically bent tree saplings when young to force them to grow in a particular direction. Most times, these trees would point to water, shelter, or other identifying landmarks.