Cat Gap Bypass Trail #120A
0.4 mi - Easy - This trail shortens the Cat Gap Loop Trail by one mile, and significantly reduces the elevation changes encountered thereon. It climbs moderately through a shady hardwood forest to a gap, which is a nice campsite. From the gap, continue straight ahead onto the Cat Gap Loop Trail toward Horse Cove and the fish hatchery parking lot. (Turning right onto the Cat Gap Loop Trail from the gap will take you up to the higher portion of that trail, which you used the bypass to avoid!) Alternatively, the John Rock Trail (#365) may be taken from the same gap: It will take you to the top of John Rock, where there is a spectacular view, and then rejoin Cat Gap Loop in Horse Cove.
Approximate Elevation Change: 100 feet
Blaze: Yellow
At a Glance
Open Season: | Year-round |
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Usage: | Heavy |
Restrictions: | Hiking Trail: foot traffic only. |
Water: | no |
Restroom: | none |
Operated By: | US Forest Service |
General Information
Directions: Leaving the Pisgah District Ranger Station/Visitor Center parking lot, turn right (north) onto US 276. Proceed approximately 3½ miles north to the first left turn, onto FS 475 (signed for Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Pisgah Forest Fish Hatchery). Proceed on FS 475 approximately 1½ miles to the fish hatchery parking lot. Follow the Cat Gap Loop Trail (#120). The Cat Gap Bypass begins approximately ¾ mile after the intersection with Butter Gap Trail (#123).Activities
Mountain Biking
Day Hiking
Alerts & Warnings
- Moss Knob Shooting Range temporary closure
- Catawba Falls Trail (TR 225) Closed
- Camping and other restrictions now in effect at Max Patch
- Nantahala RD: Multiple areas under construction
- Appalachian RD: NCDOT construction near Harmon Den may affect Forest access
- Grandfather RD: Old House Gap Rd (FS192) temporarily closed
- Recreate responsibly
- Joyce Kilmer Trail Lower Loop Closed due to rain damage
- Target Shooting prohibited on Croatan National Forest