Ledford Trail #660

Area Status: Open

0.6 mi - Easy - The trail has a few nice spots to stop and admire the stream. It first heads generally northeast, along Wolf Branch, for a quarter of a mile before turning north. It then gradually climbs, following Wolf Creek, until it ends at FS 479E (Ledford Branch Road). From this point, loop opportunities back to the parking area are available: east, then south, via FS 479E and FS 491 (Rice Pinnacle Road); or west, then south, then east, via FS 479E and Wolf Branch Trail (#666) or Deer Lake Lodge Trail (#664).

Approximate Elevation Change: 100 feet
Blaze: Blue

At a Glance

Open Season: Year-round
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: Mountain Biking Trail: Mountain biking and hiking trail. Bikers please yield to hikers. Mountain biking prohibited in wilderness areas.
Water: yes
Restroom: none
Operated By: US Forest Service

General Information

Directions: This trail, which is accessed via Deer Lake Lodge Trail (#664) and then Wolf Branch Trail (#666), 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 approximately 1.4 miles, then turn right on FS 491 (Rice Pinnacle Road). Stay on the pavement, which will bear left and end at a paved parking lot. Take Deer Lake Lodge Trail (#664) from this parking area. After approximately 0.2 miles, a short spur trail to the right will lead to the trailhead for Wolf Branch Trail (#666). About ¾ miles up that trail is the trailhead for Ledford Trail, on the right just beyond a small stream (Wolf Branch).

Activities

Mountain Biking

Day Hiking