Groundhog Creek TR 315


This trail follows Groundhog Creek for most of its length. Just below the Appalachian Trail shelter the trail crosses an old road. Water is available along the trail and at the shelter. Offers 9.5 mile loop: Combine with Groundhog Creek, Rube Rock and Appalachian trails.

Total Length: 2.3 miles

Total Elevation Change: 1,160 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Beginning Point: Appalachian Trail

Ending Point: Rube Rock Trail

Average Hiking Time: 2 hours (one way)

Amount of Use: Moderate

Blaze Color: Blue Rectangle

Area Trail Map: Harmon Den/Hot Springs Trail Map

USGS Quad Map: Waterville

General Information

Directions:

From Burnsville, travel west on NC 19E and merge onto I-26E. Take exit 11 toward Mars Hill/Marshall. Turn left onto SR 213/Carl Eller Road, which leads into Marshall. Take US 25 Bypass/US 70 ramp, merging onto US 25/70 heading toward Hot Springs. Eventually, turn left to continue on US 25/70. Once in Hot Springs, travel south on SR 209 for 7.5 miles to SR 1175. Turn right onto SR 1175 and go 4 miles to SR 1181. Turn right onto SR 1181 and follow it to the intersection of SR 1182. Turn left onto SR 1182 and take the next right, which is NFSR 148 (Cold Springs Road). Follow NFSR 148 to the Harmon Den Parking area. Just past the parking area, turn right onto NFSR 148A. Follow NFSR 148A to the top of the ridge where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road. Access the trail by going south on the Appalachian Trail for 2.9 miles. NFSR 148 can also be accessed from I-40 via the Harmon Den exit.


Activities

Day Hiking

Alerts & Warnings

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