|
| |
Madison County North Carolina Hiking Trails
Lovers Leap-Pump Gap
Loop Trail
|
|
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.
|
|
| 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.
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.
|
| |
|
