Pisgah
National Forest
Though the 12.0 mile 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.
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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.)
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