Hot Springs Trail Information
This is your guide to individual trails in the Hot Springs area.Jack Branch
Blaze Color: Blue
USGS/USFS Number: 299
Jack Branch Trail combined with the River Ridge Trail offers panoramic views of the French Broad River. The trail traverses open fields and Oak-Hickory forests.
Laurel River
USGS/USFS Number: 310
This trail follows an old railroad bed along the Laurel River to its junction with the French Broad river at the ghost town of Runion. This trail is especially scenic in early spring when there are many wildflowers blooming along the path and riverbanks. The trail is an old railroad bed which used to carry logs to the Runion sawmill in the 1920's, and as such, is mostly level. The Laurel River is quite large and scenic by this point, and it's popular with boaters and fishermen. A few small streams flow across the trail at various points, and bluffs tower over the river making the valley narrow and enclosed. The trail ends at the former town of Runion. In its heyday, Runion was home to more than 1,000 people. Brick chimneys and crumbling foundations still remain - one of the few "ghost towns" in North Carolina.
Lover's Leap
Blaze Color: Orange
USGS/USFS Number: 308
Climbs steeply from the Silvermine trailhead parking area to the Appalachian Trail, near the top of Lovers Leap Ridge. The Silvermine trailhead is across the French Broad River bridge from downtown Hot Springs. The main rock overloop, located at a rock outcrop just beyond this trail's intersection with the Appalachian Trail, affords panoramic views of the French Broad River, the town of Hot Springs, and the surrounding mountains.
At its lower elevations near the parking area, the trail follows the stream a short distance through an interesting "rock garden". There are some steep mountainside forests, and further up - through some switchbacks - some notable rock outcrops.
Can be used along with the Appalachian Trail to form a nice, 1.6 mile loop.
Mill Ridge
Blaze Color: None - signs
This trail offers views of Big Laurel Creek Gorge and the Rich Mountain area. The fields have panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
River Ridge Loop
Blaze Color: Yellow
USGS/USFS Number: 281
This trail offers scenic views of the French Broad River year round. Picnicking, fishing and vault toilets are available at Murray Branch Picnic Area.
Roundtop Ridge
Blaze Color: Yellow
USGS/USFS Number: 295
This trail offers a walk through oak-hickory hardwood forests. The trail provides access from Hot Springs to the Rich Mountain Fire Tower. There is loop opportunity with the Appalachian Trail.
Shut-In
Blaze Color: Yellow
USGS/USFS Number: 296
This trail enters the woods and begins a steady downhill grade. Most of the way, the trail follows a creek on an old wooded road. In most places, the trail acommodates side-by-side walking for two hikers. To the right, the trail traverses some boggy sections, especially in rainy weather.
Spring Creek Nature
USGS/USFS Number: 312
This trail offers a pleasant hike through a hardwood-pine forest and along a cascading mountain stream known for its trout fishing. Once part of the Brook's farm, an old house foundation, rock fences and a cemetary remain. Picnicking, restrooms, water and camping are available at Rocky Bluff Campground from May through October.
Van Cliff
Blaze Color: Yellow
USGS/USFS Number: 313
This trail offers a walk along streams and ridge tops where remains of old homesteads and fields are evident. The vegetation changes from low, dense vegetation along the stream to cove hardwoods and piney ridge tops. Picnicking, water, restrooms and camping are available at Rocky Bluff Campground May through October.
