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Madison County North Carolina Hiking Trails
Lovers Leap-Pump Gap Loop Trail
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Length: 7.5 miles
Rating: Moderate
This area provides several loop possibilities. Lover's Leap is a rock
ledge high above the French Broad River overlooking Hot Springs and the
river valley.
While the Lover's Leap
Loop Trail, at 1.6 miles, is quite popular, you can usually get away
from people on the 4.2 mile Pump
Gap Loop. The Appalachian Trail, 3.0 miles from the Silvermine
Trailhead to Pump Gap, can be used to form another loop.
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| Start at the Silvermine Trailhead
on the Lover's Leap Trail. At the first major switchback (the Lover's Leap
Trail, turns right), take the Pump Gap Trail (yellow blazes) straight ahead
1.2 miles to Pump Gap. At the intersection with the Appalachian Trail (AT),
turn right.
Follow the AT (white blazes) up on Lover's Leap Ridge. The French
Broad River gorge is 1,000 feet below. Views are superb from Lover's
Leap Rock. Watch your footing. Then the AT descends with steep
switchbacks and continues along the river to the access road. Go
right to return to your car.
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Directions:
From Hot Springs, go east on U.S. 25/70 across the French Broad River
Bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left Turn left at the
first intersection on River Road and follow the signs to the Silvermine
Trailhead.
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