Boyd Branch Trail #665


0.7 mi - Easy - The trail climbs gradually in a straight line, paralleling Boyd Branch Creek but not providing any easy access to the stream. The trail passes through managed hardwood forest, and crosses Boyd Branch (seasonal) shortly before ending at Forest Service road 479F. When logging starts in the spring of 2006, the trail will terminate at FS 479F, which will not then be accessible to recreational users. In the meantime, users may turn left on FS 479F to return to its intersection with FS 479, where a left turn will return one to the trailhead in about 0.2 miles.

Approximate Elevation Change: 180 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 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 2.3 miles to the Recreation Area, but do not enter it. Turn right on FS 479 (Bent Creek Road) and proceed approximately ¾ miles to a pulloff on the right; the trailhead is approximately 150 feet further on the right.

Activities

Mountain Biking

Day Hiking