Hightop
Mile
66.7
2-3/4
hour
This
is a 2.8 mile round trip hike to a rock ledge with a fantastic view to
the west. Hikers are forewarned that this hike has some steep climbs.
You start this hike by parking at the Hightop Mountain parking on the
west side of the Drive. You cross the Drive and take the A.T.
south for 1.4 miles to the Hightop Mountain Summit. You will need to retrace your steps to complete
this 2-3/4 hour hike.
Smith
roach Gap
Mile
68.6
2
hour
This
2.2 mile circuit passes through an old homesite. You will need
to park in the area off the fire road on the east side of the Drive.
Take the A.T. north and turn right after one mile onto a dirt road
that will cross the trail. In about a half mile, you will find a
second dirt road that joins from the left. Continue right to you
starting point, now 3.4 mile away. Evidence of former mountain
residents can be found along this trail as you complete this 2 hour
hike.
Powell
Gap
Mile
69.9
3/4
hour
This
is a 1 mile round trip to a hidden view. You will be parking at the
edge of the meadow, in the grass completely off the Drive. Take the
A.T. south for 1/2 mile to a rock ledge on your left. You
will need to retrace your steps to complete
this 3/4 hour hike.
Simmons
Gap
Mile
73.2
1-1/4
hour
This
is a 1.6 mile round trip hike along a quiet stream. You will be
parking on the west side of the Drive. Proceed across the Drive and
walk down the paved road toward the Ranger Station. When you get to
the point where the pavement turns left, go straight on the dirt road
with the yellow chain across it. Upon arrival at the Park boundary and
you will need to retrace your steps to complete
this 1-1/4 hour hike.
Ivy
Creek Overlook
Mile
77.5
1
hour
This
1.4 mile round trip is to a rocky viewpoint. You need to park at the
Ivy Creek Overlook and the A.T. at the south end of the lot. The
trail will descend gradually and then climb uphill. The viewpoint is
part way sown the other side of the hill. You will need to retrace your steps to complete
this 1 hour hike.
Ivy
Creek Spring
Mile
79.5
1
hour
This
is a 1 mile round trip hike to a spring with a fireplace and a
outhouse. You will need to park at the Loft Mountain Wayside and cross
the Drive at the crosswalk. You then turn left and walk north along
the Drive for 100 yards. Turn right onto the fire road and bear right
at the fork. The spring is nice and cold, but please use a water
filtering system prior to drinking. You will need to retrace your steps to complete
this 1 hour hike.
Camping
