The Apple Orchard Falls National Recreation Trail leaves Sunset Fields at milepost 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and winds down Apple Orchard Mountain generally following the headwaters of North Creek. Hikers will follow the coursing stream, enjoying the gurgling waters hopping over and pushing through boulders as it travels down the mountain. Along the way down, the trail pauses at a wooden platform overlooking the waterfalls, then travels further down to an elaborate boardwalk at the base of the waterfall.
Trail Open To:
At a Glance
Fees
No fee.
Open Season:
Open Year Round
Restrictions:
Per Forest Supervisor's Order the following is prohibited on the Apple Orchard Falls Trail: possessing or using a saddle, pack or draft animal.
Trail is open to: Hiking
Trail is closed to all motorized vehicles.
Closest Towns:
Buchanan, VA - BOTETOURT COUNTY
Water:
No drinking water available. All water taken from natural sources should be purified before use.
Trail is located on National Geographic/Trails Illustrated Map #789. It is recommended that all trail users carry a reliable map at all times. Maps may be purchased at some local District Ranger Stations, at outdoor retail locations or by visiting the National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated website.
General Information
Directions:
North Creek Trailhead: From I-81, take exit 168 (Arcadia). Follow Jennings Creek Road (SR 614) for approximately 3.0 miles to the intersection with North Creek Road (FR 59). Turn left and follow North Creek Road until the pavement ends. Continue straight on FR 59 (now gravel) until it ends at the trailhead parking. Blue Ridge Parkway: Hikers may park at the Sunset Fields Overlook, milepost 78, on the Blue Ridge Parkway north of the Peaks of Otter. "
General Notes:
Trail Length: 3.32 miles
Blazes: Blue
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Connecting Trails: FT #18 - Cornelius Creek, FT #1 - Appalachian Trail
Elevation: Beginning at an elevation of 1480 feet at the parking lot on FR #59 and climbing to 3400 feet at the trailhead at Sunset Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Trail Access Points (Approximate LAT/LONG):
North Creek Trailhead: LAT 37.53 LONG -79.55
Sunset Fields on Blue Ridge Parkway: LAT 37.51 LONG -79.52
Trail Etiquette: Trail etiquette for multiple use trails calls for horses to have the right-of-way. Hikers should yield to horses. Bicyclists should yield to horses and hikers. Horse riders are responsible for the control of their horse at all times.
Recreation Fee Dollars Make A Difference
Recreation fee dollars are an investment in outdoor recreation. View how your dollars make a difference in the Fiscal Year 2019 George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Recreation Fee Accomplishment Hghlights.
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