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Mouse
Branch Trail
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 Pets
must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed
recreation areas.
Nantahala
National Forest
Length: 5.3 miles
Rating: Moderate
One of the four loop trails at Tsali
Recreation Area
From the intersection of the trailhead and County
Line Road, you will descend following a dirt road until it crosses a
stream. To the left you should see a sign for the Thompson Loop Trail. DO
NOT turn here, but continue on the road for about a ¼ of a mile. You will
come to a small open area with signs for the Mouse Branch Loop Trail. You
can choose either direction. It is recommended to take the left fork of
the trail. This is a more gradual ascent of the ridge which will overlook
Lake Fontana, and the lower Thompson Loop Trail. You will be on an old
service road for just under 2 miles when you reach the fork in the road.
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Turn to your right and you will proceed on a footpath. There are signs at
all the road and path junctions showing the trail direction. The footpath
is mostly a downhill walk. It follows the contours of the lake and crosses
several streams. The footpath eventually rejoins an old logging road that
eventually leads you back to the open area where you started your walk.
The service road leads to the parking area about ½ mile away. |
This is a well used trail and easy to follow.
Portions of the trail have suffered fire and storm damage over the past
several years. However, the trail still offers a view of nature in
recovery and many splendid vistas of the lake and the surrounding
mountains.
Directions:
The Tsali Recreation Area is about 17½ miles
from Robbinsville in the northeast corner of Graham County. From
Robbinsville, travel east on State Highway 143 until you reach the
junction with Highway 28. Turn right at the stop sign and proceed south on
Highway 28 for approximately 8.4 miles. The entrance to the Tsali
Recreation Area will be on the north side of the road and is well marked
with signs. About one and a half miles from the entrance their is a
parking area and it is a short walk to the various trailheads. The parking
area has restrooms and an informational bulletin board.
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Gatlinburg,
Pigeon Forge Cabin Rentals
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