Area Status: Temporarily Closed

This trail offers many loop options and switchbacks. It crosses several small streams and provides some pleasant views of Walker Ridge. Eventually, the path emerges on Laurel Gap Trail.

Total Length: 1.2 miles

Total Elevation Change: 670 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Difficult

Beginning Point: NFSR 74

Ending Point: Laurel Gap TR 184

Average Hiking Time: 1 hour (one way)

Amount of Use: Heavy

Blaze Color: Orange

Area Trail Map: South Toe River, Mount Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map

USGS Quad Map: Mount Mitchell and Montreat

At a Glance

Current Conditions: In response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene, all recreation sites on the Pisgah and Nantahala remain closed until hazardous conditions improve and assessments can be completed.

General Information

Directions:

From Burnsville, go east on US 19E for 0.5 mile and turn right onto NC 197S. Stay on this road through Pensacola and Cane River Gap to Barnardsville for about 25 miles. The road is paved, changes to gravel and is paved once again. Turn left at the intersection of NC 197 and SR 2173 (Dillingham Road). Follow this road, which becomes NFSR 74. Follow this gravel road for 4.4 miles to the trailhead on the left.


Activities

Day Hiking

Horse Riding

Viewing Scenery