|
|
Madison County North Carolina Hiking Trails
Pump Gap Loop Trail
|
|
Length: 4.2 miles
Rating: Moderate/Strenuous
Begin by taking Lover's
Leap Trail from Silvermine trailhead parking area and follow it to the
first major switchback-Pump Gap Trail goes straight and
Lover's Leap Trail continues to the right. The trail follows a stream
and then forks. This is the beginning/ending point of the loop section, so
either fork can be taken. The easiest route is to bear right at the fork.
The trail climbs to a ridge, crosses the Appalachian Trail, then descends
along a creek. (At the trail's low point along this creek, a side trail to
the right follows an old road to Big Laurel Creek- about .75 mile away.)
Pump Gap Loop Trail continues straight and begins to climb. It merges with
the A.T. and follows a short section of closed gravel road.
|
|
|
The trail leaves the road on the left, descends steeply along a stream and
comes to the fork where the loop section began. From here, the trail
continues to its intersection with
Lover's Leap Trail, which returns to the Silvermine trailhead parking
area. |
|
Directions:
From Hot Springs, go east on US 25/70 across the French Broad River
bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left onto State Road
1304. Turn left at the first intersection and follow the signs to the
Silvermine Trailhead.
|
|
|
