Vineyard Gap Trail #324
2.3 mi - Moderate - The trail climbs moderately to the ridge of Forge Mountain; in the fall and winter, there are some nice views. Be sure to follow the paint blazes, since some unmaintained side trails intersect. From Forge Mountain the trail makes a sharp turn and drops steeply to the South Fork of Mills River, where it ends and Riverside trail (#115) begins (with a fording of the river). A short side trip downstream will bring you to an old home site, some of the remains of which may still be visible. There are some nice campsites along the river.
Approximate Elevation Change: 600 feet
Blaze: Yellow
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: From the Pisgah District Ranger Station/Visitor Center parking lot, turn left (south) on US 276 for approximately 1½ miles, and then turn left onto NC 280. Proceed east on NC 280 for approximately 5.2 miles and turn left on Turkeypen Road (FS 297) immediately after crossing the Transylvania/Henderson County line. Proceed 1.2 miles to the Turkeypen Gap Trailhead Parking Area at the end of the road. (This trailhead is sometimes congested with horse trailers). The trail starts at a set of steps on the right side of the parking area.Activities
Mountain Biking
Day Hiking
Alerts & Warnings
- Cheoah RD: NCDOT highway improvements will affect AT users
- Croatan NF: Two Roads Closed for Visitor Safety and Maintenance
- Cheoah RD: Fontana Loop Trail TR15, Portions of Bee Cove TR421 Temporarily Close
- Be Bear Aware
- 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
- Target Shooting prohibited on Croatan National Forest