Homestead Trail #333


1.0 mi - Easy - This is an easy loop, and popular for families with children since it is short and easy. Follow the creek upstream. You will pass the dam and spillway and continue toward Lake Powhatan. Just before the swimming beach, the trail intersects with Small Creek Trail (#334) on your left. The trail is closed to bikes from this point to the gravel service road beyond Bent Creek (see below; bikes must backtrack or proceed on Small Creek Trail). Beyond the swimming beach you will again cross Bent Creek. Beaver activity is sometimes evident here, so you may see fresh wood chips and gnaw marks on the trees. The boxes you may notice on some trees are for wood ducks. The trail also passes a fishing pier that was constructed jointly by the N.C. Wildlife Commission and U.S. Forest Service to provide fishing access to all people. The trail then follows a gravel service road (bear right), where it is again open to bikes. The road and trail return to the bridge near the trailhead.

Approximate Elevation Change: 50 feet
Blaze: Orange

At a Glance

Open Season: Year-round
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: Hiking Trail: Foot traffic (Sections of trail open for mountain bike use).
Water: yes
Restroom: none
Operated By: US Forest Service

General Information

Directions: This trail is in what is popularly called the Bent Creek area, near Lake Powhatan Recreation Area. Leaving the Pisgah District Ranger Station/Visitor Center parking lot, turn left (south) onto US 276. At the first traffic light, turn left (east) on NC 280. Proceed approximately 12.5 miles, to NC 191 north. Turn left (north) onto NC 191, and then proceed 7.7 miles to Bent Creek Ranch Road (SR 806), which is ½ mile north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, signed for the Recreation Area, and at a traffic light. Turn left on Bent Creek Ranch Road and proceed 1.9 miles to the Hardtimes Trailhead parking area (signed). Park here, go behind the gate, and proceed on the dirt/gravel road approximately ¼ mile to a “T” intersection at Bent Creek. Turn right, proceed 100 yards and cross a bridge on your left. The trail starts on your right approximately 50 feet beyond the bridge.

Activities

Mountain Biking

Day Hiking

Alerts & Warnings

View All Forest Alerts