Fork Ridge TR 285
This trail steadily climbs through upland hardwood forests and rhododendron thickets. After the initial ascent, the trail mostly follows ridge tops offering views of Big Creek drainage. The best viewing times are early spring, late fall and winter. The trail can be combined with the Appalachian, Green Ridge or Jerry Miller trails to form a loop. No water is available on the Fork Trail.
Total Length: 2 miles
Total Elevation Change: 2,040 feet
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult
Beginning Point: Forest Service Road # 111
Ending Point: Appalachian Trail
Average Hiking Time: 3 hours (one way)
Amount of Use: Light
Blaze Color: Yellow Rectangle
Area Trail Map: None
USGS Quad Map: Greystone
Activities
Day Hiking
Viewing Scenery
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