Shinbone Trail

Length: 8.5 miles
Rating: Moderate

The trail flanks Shinbone Creek and provides views of the Unaka Mountains and the magnificent Nolichucky Gorge.

The trail follows an old logging road through woods full of poplar, oak, and maple trees. The trail is quite rocky and not currently blazed.

Directions:

From Burnsville go east 1.1 miles on US 19E and take a left (north) on NC 197. Stay on this road for 6.6 miles and look for a sign pointing to the left that says "Green Mountain". Turn left here and go 1.5 miles. Cross a narrow bridge and take a right on Jacks Creek Road. (you will still be on NC 197). Follow this road for 3.4 miles and take a right on NC 197. At 1.4 miles, you will take a right to stay on this road. Keep going for 7.9 miles, and you will see a pull off to your right (near NC/TN State line). You can park here and begin hiking on Forest Service Road 5583 to the left, or drive up FR 5583 to the locked gate on the left and start there.