Shut-In TR 296

This trail enters the woods and begins a steady downhill grade. Most of the way, the trail follows a creek on an old wooded road. In most places, the trail acommodates side-by-side walking for two hikers. To the right, the trail traverses some boggy sections, especially in rainy weather.

Total Length: 2 miles

Total Elevation Change: 820 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Beginning Point: Appalachian Trail at Garenflo Gap

Ending Point: SR 1183

Average Hiking Time: 1 hour (one way)

Amount of Use: Moderate

Blaze Color: Yellow Rectangle

Area Trail Maps: Harmon Den/Hot Springs Trail Map

USGS Quad Map: Lemon Gap

General Information

Directions:

From Burnsville, travel west on US 19E and merge onto I-26E. Take exit 11 toward Mars Hill/Marshall. Turn left onto NC 213/Carl Eller Road, which leads into Marshall. Take US 25 Bypass/US 70 ramp, merging onto US 25/70 and head toward Hot Springs. Eventually, turn left to continue on US 25/70. Once in Hot Springs, travel south on NC 209 to the Bluff community. Take SR 1173 to the right and continue to the parking area at the end of the road. The Appalachian Trail crosses Garenflo Gap here. The Shut-In Trail begins on the right side of the road, just below the parking lot. To reach the trail's other end, travel west from Hot Springs on US 25/70 to SR 1183 on the left. Follow SR 1183 for about 3 miles. The trailhead is on the left just before crossing the Jones Branch Bridge.


Activities

Day Hiking