Didn’t do the whole loop. Started over near big lost cove cliffs, hiked up there for first camping spot, moved over to lower part of this loop counter clockwise. Swim spot at hunt fish falls 2nd day then camping near Gragg prong (not many tent spots up that way but needed to get back to the car in good time on the 3rd day) Could have been a 2 day instead of 3 day but we were hoping for better weather/more swim time.
★
★
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★
My go-to for swimming and view. Difficult enough of a trail to get away from crowds and families. Continue straight over the rocks to access a ladder-like path to the top of the “tower” for a view of both directions of the river below.
★
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stars
Led this hike for a group on 10/17, and the weather was perfect. The colors near the parkway were pretty, but appeared to be a little past peak.
We did have 1 experienced hiker injure an ankle coming down Pilot Rock Trail.
★
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Super easy/accessible trail with a couple campsites. Campsites might require 4x4 to get to.
★
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Great alternative to the overcrowded black balsam area. More wooded and secluded, lots of water available on the trail for dogs.
★
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Was a nice hike after rafting 5 miles on the French Broad River. Great views but is a bit of a steep incline and decline to get to the views.
★
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★
Stop at looking glass rock overlook and cross the street to find the trail head.
★
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I took a stock JLU on trail 1 and it was a blast. I went almost 4 miles in before turning around only due to time constraints. Here are a few tips I gathered from my excursion:
1. Go with others - You shouldn't do this trail alone, at least not without proper lift/tires and even then, it's way more fun with friends.
2. Radios/walkies are a must
3. There are some difficult parts that require a spotter - back to point number 1
4. 4-low is your friend. I used this on difficult parts when ascending. Make sure you can easily get into 4 - low as climbing these obstacles is so much easier in 4-low. I used 4-High for all other areas of the trail.
5-Have fun & be safe
I'm adding some pictures and videos here. I made a much more in-depth video on youtube so feel free to check that out if you're curious. I also explored some forest service roads while in the area - those are always a good time as well.
https://youtu.be/7Su5rjiwRPg
★
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★
Beautiful early autumn day. Led by Zimmer’s with Em and Kathleen.
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★
I’ve thru hiked the Appalachian Trail, twice. This 15 mile section is in the top 5 at least for me out of the whole 2,192 miles. Don’t miss it, a perfect weekend trip! Plenty of water, cruise climbs, awe inspiring views, wildflowers, unique shelter, shuttle access, it checks every single box.
★
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Varying conditions along this hike made it challenging and mental the whole way up and down.. not a lot of flats.. constant foot chess.. the conditions on the mountain were probably great with all the water, but that water made most of the trail a tributary and had me wishing I brought my swim fins and floaties.. happy to be jon top of North Carolina.. views were clear and awesome
★
★
Fairly easy 4x4 trail for Jeep Wranglers. Be prepared for side by sides , bikes and 4 wheelers.
★
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★
Varying conditions along this hike made it challenging and mental the whole way up and down.. not a lot of flats.. constant foot chess.. the conditions on the mountain were probably great with all the water, but that water made most of the trail a tributary and had me wishing I brought my swim fins and floaties.. happy to be on top of North Carolina.. views were clear and awesome 👏🏻
★
★
This trail is very well maintained. I assume the Boy Scouts have a lot to do with this. Hiked this directly after Hurricane Sally remnants and trail was not “sloppy” like most in Pisgah area. Easily navigated plenty of water along way. Lots of fungus especially some nice reishi growing off an oak blowdown that trail maintenance had sawn thru. Wildflowers in abundance as well but not so many blueberries. I have 11.5 miles for distance. With a clear trail the whole way I would rate as moderate.
★
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Pretty hike with good elevation change. Nice diversity from bald knob with no trees down to heavily wooded areas. A lot of springs on the mountain so quite a bit of water. Trail head was very busy but once on the trail not too many people. Would definitely do this hike again.
★
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★
Pretty hike with good elevation change. Nice diversity from bald knob with no trees down to heavily wooded areas. A lot of springs on the mountain so quite a bit of water. Trail head was very busy but once on the trail not too many people. Would definitely do this hike again.
★
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Pretty hike with good elevation change. Nice diversity from bald knob with no trees down to heavily wooded areas. A lot of springs on the mountain so quite a bit of water. Trail head was very busy but once on the trail not too many people. Would definitely do this hike again.
★
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★
Pretty hike with good elevation change. Nice diversity from bald knob with no trees down to heavily wooded areas. A lot of springs on the mountain so quite a bit of water. Trail head was very busy but once on the trail not too many people. Would definitely do this hike again.
★
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★
Trails follows old grade most of the way til mount Hardy summit trail. Very nice
★
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Great trail with an amazing payoff at the summit. The climb of 2700’ is significant, but not terrible. Very enjoyable day out.
★
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★
Hiked on 16 Aug 20. Had a great time on this hike with challenges. I think Kathryn's review has good points, but think it was her mood that put her off. I should say, this trail is rugged, parts a little overgrown (where's my machete?) but you can still see the trail with a little effort.
1. Spiders do make a lot of webs. I've been hiking more this summer than ever, usually a dry fall hiker. This was a Sunday and i think Saturday had lots of rain. With the trail somewhat overgrown all the leaves etc with water on them = you get wet. Also about 20 minutes in I grabbed a stick and held it in front of me to hit the cobwebs first.
2. Off and on the trail is narrow and very sloped. So this in addition to the rugged overgrown part, makes it slow going, you will be at a slower pace, About 2/3rd way a tree has fallen on the trail parallel, you have to cut up the mountain about 10 yards, then forward 10ish yards, then back down to the trail. Also about 3/4 way i got on a sidetrack - it looked like the trail but was either a trail to a cool rock area/pee spot. I half slid down on hands etc and popped back on the trail. Think on the way back i saw where i got off the path.
3. I didn't see any orange tags at all on trail. At end you cross a small section of water, i did not need water shoes, was able to rock hop. As soon as you cross an open are and fire pit are there. Go to the right about 20 yards, you'll see the falls sorta, there's trees branches vines in way, but you see it, and hear it. Go down to the water, then you have to work your way up rocks to it. I did not see any type of trail left or right of falls to get to it. I got there at maybe 4p on a sunday, left at 5p maybe. No one was there, and no one on trail.
4. On way back about halfway point there is a set of smaller falls/ really cool rock water area. I had to shimmy down, and slid about 5' almost to water. Was able to carefully walk around on rocks. Going back up had to use shrub branches to get up to a point for footing to get back to trail.
5. Probably only 10 minutes from parking theres a cool area to walk off trail to, just 100', makeshift camp area, cool spot.
6. I would recommend a single trek pole or walking stick. Since a good part of the hike is at an angle and rock hopping etc, i was glad i had the stick. I'm an avid hiker, used trek poles before. Normally don't. Like i say this hike have one, or a stick. (also for the spider webs)
★
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Tough hike but amazing views from each of the peaks. Tough terrain—-be prepared.
★
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The trail itself was fine. Very steep ascent at the end. The falls were small and barely visible from the trail and no good views. Would not recommend.
★
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The trail itself was fine. Very steep ascent at the end. The falls were small and barely visible from the trail and no good views. Would not recommend.
★
★
The trail itself was fine. Very steep ascent at the end. The falls were small and barely visible from the trail and no good views. Would not recommend.
★
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Nice hike along Laurel Creek to French Broad River. Some private property when you start trail. No issues as long as you stay on trail. There is no trespassing on the private property.
★
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This is a scenic jeep ride right south from Blowing Rock and then west on Anthony Creek Road. Two beautiful waterfalls along Anthony Creek Road.
★
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This hike is very challenging due to the overgrowth and rocky terrain. We had to take it slow since most of the time we were wading through weeds and couldn’t see the trail. Black Balsam and Tennent were amazing!
★
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Hike along a beautiful clear rocky river. Trail has rocks and roots so poles recommended. Shady all the way. Elevation not much greater than Asheville so expect about the same temperature.
★
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We started out at black balsam trailhead cut down through a black balsam forest and came to the flat laurel creek trail it in surrounded by blueberry bushes with amazing views then descended into a young forest with many creek side campsites we turned around and came back the way we came.
★
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The majority of this hike is through overgrown trail. There isn’t much of a cure o except at key peaks which are gorgeous if you are looking to get off the beaten path and some solitude this loop is for you. It is actually 6.5 and not 5 miles as some websites state.
★
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Completed the trail going. North to south as suggested and had a blast. Once we passed Old House Gap progress slowed but had no problems in a stock JL Rubicon. Lots of neat places to stop and eat lunch along the way.
★
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The 1st mile and a half down to the old Hendersonville reservoir is just a gravel road. It is mostly shady but still gravel and hilly. After you cross the bridge at the reservoir (see photo) onto the big creek trail you walk along big creek on a real forest trail that is nice and level and very shady.
★
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July 3, 2020 — Trail from MST to Green Knob in terrible shape - difficult to follow; very overgrown; views not worth the trouble. Disappointing.
★
Pretty moderate/difficult hike— a lot of going up, had to step off the trail about 4 times for mountain bikers, but then a quick descend back down. Thought there would be some sort of overlook once nearing Cooper Mtn. but there wasn’t. Took a nice dip in the creek before leaving— a nice attribute to the hike.
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Moderate hike. Climbs climbs are modest. Beautiful trail. Highly recommended.
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Very easy hike. Definitely should not rated as difficult. Beautiful trail!
★
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Easy hike with Rhododendrum‘s in bloom during mid to late June. Nice view at Roan bluff. Interesting old cloud hotel site. Can make more difficult if you hike up from Carvers gap or hike on AT over to bear town mountain
★
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stars
Did this hike yesterday with a small group, and it was beautiful. We did it in the other direction, going up Shining Creek Path, which is nicer in some ways, since you get a better view of the waterfalls along the creek going up.
We did see two large rattlesnakes at a sunny, rocky spot along Old Butt Knob trail, so be careful!
★
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If you want a challenging 4-Wheeling experience this is a good on. Start ant the north end and come down. About half of it is improved dirt road. When you get to old house gap, you better kick the 4 wheel drive and have some traction boards. We went after a week of rain so it was super wet.
★
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Decent trail. Good camping and fishing. Some rocky spots but no too bad.
★
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Second time doing this hike. You can go counter clockwise and have the views towards the end of the hike or go clockwise and get to Slate Rock near the beginning. We went counter clockwise both times. That direction provides a cardio climb over 600ft then you level off towards the lookout. Slate Rock views are awesome. Many people hike to Slate Rock clockwise and return same way. Depends on your fitness level. Parking area is about 6.6 miles on right from where the gravel forest road begins.
★
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The hike starts at the parking lot off Black Balsam Knob Road. The trail starts out fairly level. Then you go down a set of wooden platforms and stairs to the meadow. At the end of the meadow, turn right to stay on Sam's Knob trail. The trail soon ascends. This part of the trail is narrower and has lots of roots and rocks. It's an easy trail to follow to the summit of Sam's Knob. Great views await.
★
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This is definitely a beautiful hike and quite a journey. Gorgeous waterfalls throughout the hike up and down and once on the Art Loeb, the Mountain View’s are breathtaking. Shining Rock is a large area of quartzite that is so cool! Definitely unexpected in a forest of evergreens. This was the hardest hike we’ve done in a day- it was long but also very strenuous. We were required to cross the stream several times, basically climb up rocks in some areas and steep declines were also a big element. Shining creek is the hardest of the entire hike- it’s worth getting that one over with in the beginning as the Big East Fork is much flatter.
★
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Hiked on 2/22/20. Snow was on the ground and it was beautiful! Highly recommend!
★
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Beautiful hike with lots of laurel and rhododendron. Distance might be an issue for some hikers, but I would in no way rate this as difficult. Relatively little elevation change.
★
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We hiked this section back in September 2019. What was to be a 2 day split overnight trip, we ended up crushing in a single day. Two of us were rookies, and two of our group were veteran hikers. We had a great time and the views are awesome.
★
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Beautiful area. 4X4 probably a good idea especially if it’s wet.
★
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Blue ridge parkway was closed so we made a loop hiking mtn seas to trail then back on blue ridge parkway. Would not recommend hiking blue ridge parkway when there’s traffic.
★
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Hiked this on New Years Day, which may have attributed to a crowded trail. The hike starts and ends steep, but the trail is well-maintained. There is a gravel road that also leads to the tower, so you may encounter non-hikers at the top. The view from the tower is fantastic on a clear day.
★
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Great OHV trail. Made it relatively easy in a Raptor but full flex in some areas. Would recommend going when it’s been dry for at least a few days.
★
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We were closing the MST from 276 to the Arboretum. Beautiful hike on a beautiful day with a beautiful woman.
★
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Very busy parking lot. Started the hike a bit later than usual, around 1:30. Still had plenty of time to do the trail to Black Balsam Knob. Beautiful views even though clouds rolled in during the hike. Quite a few rocky climbs but not too strenuous.
★
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Actually a 3-mile hike (2.95 on Garmin and iPhone). First two mikes a moderate climb. Then a bit more rocky and rigorous. Nothing too bad. I’m 65 with an arthritic knee. View is tremendous!
★
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Great hike, close to town, easy to navigate, with a rewarding view. There are toilets and hand washing in the camp right past the bridge just beyond the trail head. Not great for running, since it's covered, moderately rocky, slick, steep, and with downed trees. Many streams en route, bring a steri-pen. Glad we used Gaia- we got a few hundred feet down a trail offshoot on the way down and had to backtrack. Some bushwhacking near the summit but underneath a clear path. Is the view to the SE an old volcano crater?
★
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Hike to the top of Sam’s Knob was totally worth it. Nice boggy area near Flat Laurel Creek. All stream crossings were rock-hop-able.
★
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This hike is not for the faint of heart. Had to end up calling emergency services for an assist. The rim trail on the east is worth the trip but unless you really want a challenge avoid the gorge trail. Lots of steep descents and ascents around stream crossings, lots of rocks on the trail and trail easy to lose in places.
★
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Excellent hike through Rhododendron‘s,mountain laurel,fields of ferns along streams. Relatively flat. Some beautiful areas. Not much elevation changes
★
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Great scenic drive completely gravel. Saw plenty of 2wd cars. Not sure how cars make it as there are lots of exposed rocks and deep ruts! Definitely worth an overnight.
★
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Great scenic drive completely gravel. Saw plenty of 2wd cars. Not sure how cars make it as there are lots of exposed rocks and deep ruts! Definitely worth an overnight.
★
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The difference between this hike and the identically named trail marked as “easy” is that this one includes the Johns Rock Loop. Even with that included I wouldn’t rate this as hard, maybe moderate. I’m not in great shape and didn’t think it was that tough. Well worth doing. Cool river views, waterfalls, and the lookout on Johns Rock is awesome.
★
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This trail was seriously tough with the high elevation change, and actually its 3 miles in 3 miles out not 2.7. However this trail was also very cool. I did it on a cool, wet and foggy day and it made for some spectacular views of the mountains in the fog. The higher up the mountains i got, the foggier it got! Near zero visibility at the top! Made trying to look out off of looking glass rock at the top impossible but thats also what made it cool! Sloughed my cooler up the mountain with me and had lunch as i stared out into the foggy abyss. 10/10 would do it again, just on a dryer day. Since it was so wet, it was a mudhole going up the mountain and made some of the fallen trees difficult to navigate without slipping off the face of the trail. I was pretty muddy by the time i got down.
★
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This is a good walk for some exercise but not much in the way of scenery hence the four star rating. It starts an ends at the Davidson River Campground parking lot and is 5.6 miles long. Across the bridge the left onto the exercise trail along the Davidson River for a mile then right at the Art Loeb trailhead. The trail is initially steep and steadily uphill before it moderates somewhat after about half a mile. The Art Loeb section is 1.7 miles and intersects FR 5002 where you turn right and head downhill for a pleasant stroll that will bring you to a gate across the road at the Schenk job corps property. There's a sign depicting a hiker with No Throughfare written on it. Through the gate take an immediate right onto a grassy road which almost immediately becomes dirt and gravel and follow that until you see a trail on your right that will reconnect with the exercise trail on the Davidson and then left and return to the parking lot. There are a few trails connecting to the exercise trail from the Schenk property so if you miss the first one you'll still have a few more opportunities. This is a pleasant walk with a nice up and then a gradual downhill and good trail conditions throughout with no stream crossings or obstacles.
★
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★
10.8 miles, 3000 foot elevation gain, very steep climbs/descents, tough terrain, very remote - no cell service, beautiful scenery and views of river and gorge. Recommend counter-clockwise route. Take GPS map, free download availabe from Avenza maps app. Can be occassionally easy to lose trail if not careful and have GPS.
★
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Hiked on 10-7-18. Was hoping for more fall color but it is a little later this year. Hiked this same hike a few years back on first Friday of October and colors were at peak. Easy hike. Mostly flat. Very muddy after any rain at all. A lot of secondary trails have been made by hikers to go around the bigger mud holes. Falls had much less water on this trip compared to a few years back. Can get crowded on weekends. I hiked out to falls about 4:30 PM and passed more people than I could even count who were returning from the falls. When I arrived there were only two couples at the base and a few people above the falls. Within 10 minutes they were all gone and I had it to myself.
★
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stars
This is a very pretty waterfall, and a nice, short walk from the parking area. On this trip, we went at too busy of a time, and it was nearly impossible to get a photo without other people in it. Still, make a point to take the user trail over to Little Moore Cove Falls, which is much less crowded.
★
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stars
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