Spencer Branch
trail_hike_comments: The upper end of this trail, above FS 5097 (Neverending Road), was recently rerouted onto a much more reasonable grade with a few switchbacks, to replace the old, extremely steep and rocky drop down from Trace Ridge. It's now an easy climb or descent.
The middle section is a more typical streamside trail, with some muddy, wet, and rocky spots.
At the junction with Fletcher Creek, the trail crosses the stream. There used to be a log bridge farther downstream near the junction with Middle Fork, but that washed away in 2004 and was never replaced. You may be able to cross on stepping stones, but only when the water is fairly low.
Downstream from the Middle Fork trail junction, Spencer Branch crosses Middle Fork. That bridge is also out, making for another tricky crossing. Beyond the Middle Fork crossing, the trail enters a narrow gorge as it follows the creek downstream
The trail receives a lot less usage on this stretch. Although not steep, the precipitous trail clings to the steep sides of the cove in places, only a foot (or less) wide with nearly vertical slopes on either side. It threads through corridors of mountain laurel and rhododendrons in some stretches and follows an old logging railroad grade in others. There are some nice sliding cascades on the stream.
There is one more creek crossing which should be easy to rock-hop (unless the water is high) before the junction with the Big Creek trail at the Hendersonville Reservoir. Keep left to finish the Spencer Branch trail on Hendersonville Reservoir Road just below the dam., trail_bike_comments: The upper end of this trail, above FS 5097 (Neverending Road), was recently rerouted onto a much more reasonably graded trail. It is now more of a flowing trail, albeit with some deliberately placed rock gardens and a few other features to spice up the ride. It's a moderate climb, but it is no longer very technical.
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Before the re-route, the old trail was extremely steep, eroded, rocky, and technical as it dropped nearly straight down from the spine of Trace Ridge to the creek. This section is now closed.
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Below the road down to the intersection with the Fletcher Creek trail, the trail is more subdued, with moderate climbs or great downhills, some rocky and/or rooty sections and creek crossings.
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At the junction with Fletcher Creek, the trail crosses the stream. There used to be a log bridge farther downstream near the junction with Middle Fork, but that washed away in 2004 and was never replaced. You may be able to cross on stepping stones, but only when the water is fairly low. Most people just ride on through, but you're probably going to get your shoes wet.
Downstream from the Middle Fork trail junction, Spencer Branches crosses Middle Fork. That bridge is also out, making for another tricky crossing. Beyond the Middle Fork crossing, the trail enters a narrow gorge as it follows the creek downstream
The trail receives a lot less usage on this stretch. Although not steep, the precipitous trail clings to the steep sides of the cove in places, only a foot (or less) wide with nearly vertical slopes on either side. It threads through corridors of mountain laurel and rhododendrons in some stretches and follows an old logging railroad grade in others. There are some nice sliding cascades on the stream.
There is one more creek crossing which should be easy to rock-hop (unless the water is high) before the junction with the Big Creek trail at the Hendersonville Reservoir. Keep left to finish the Spencer Branch trail on Hendersonville Reservoir Road just below the dam.