Bluff Mountain Loop Trail - 298A
Follows an old logging road in a mainly mixed hardwood forest with boulders covered in moss and ferns on the north slope of Bluff Mountain. The trail crosses the West Fork Shut-In Creek and tributaries. Views of cascading streams and waterfalls through cove forests of large trees and spring wildflower displays. Extensive views in late fall and winter after leaves have fallen from trees.
At a Glance
Area Amenities: | Tent camping,Parking |
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Usage: | Light |
Closest Towns: | Hot Springs, NC |
General Information
Directions:The trailhead is approximately 15 minutes drive West from Hot Springs, making it one of the closer trailheads to Hot Springs. Take I-26 west to U.S. 25-70 west out of Hot Springs towards Newport, Tennessee. Turn left on Upper Shut-In Road. Go to the top of the road and look for the small Betty Place Trail sign on the right. Take a sharp left onto the gravel road that leads to the parking area and trailhead kiosk.
Activities
Day Hiking
Trail begins and ends at Betty Place Trail parking area on Upper Shut-In Road, off U.S. 25/70 west of Hot Springs. Look for yellow blazes that mark the trail.
Average hiking time: 3 hours
Total elevation change: 980 feet
Maps: Harmon Den/Hot Springs Trail Map or USGS Quad Map of Hot Springs
For more information see:
Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
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Viewing Scenery
Amenities
Tent camping: | Dispersed camping, no developed sites |
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Parking: | with trailhead kiosk |
Alerts & Warnings
- Grandfather RD: Locust Cove Fire burning near Hwy 80 in Sunnyvale
- Cheoah RD: Prescribed Burn Planned in Graham County
- 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: Old River Rd Temporarily Closed For Maintenance Beginning 3/1/23
- 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