South Mills River Trail

Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas.

Pisgah National Forest

Length: 12.0 miles
Rating: Strenuous

Though the South Mills River Trail is on a relatively easy grade, there are nine bridgeless river crossings, thus the "most difficult" rating. There are numerous intersections with other trails for loop opportunities.

From the end of FS Road 476, hike 4 miles to Wolf Ford, where there is a nice campsite. There is a suspension bridge for hikers, but from here to Cantrell Creek there are no bridges. You will notice signs of the old railroad for the length of the trail. Look for old trestles at stream and river crossings. Due to the trail location at the bottom of a steep valley, it remains cold in the winter, but is very refreshing in the summer. Between Cantrell Creek and the Turkey Pen Gap Trailhead there are suspension bridges for hikers to cross.

Directions:

You may begin from either the Turkey Pen Gap Trailhead at the end of FS Road 297, off of Highway 280 near the Transylvania/ Henderson County line, or from the end of FS Road 476 in the Pink Beds area. (Horse trailers should not go beyond the loop campsite on the right on FS Road 476 because there is no turn around at the end.)