Big East Fork Trail

At A Glance

More Difficult

3.6 mi one-way

Difficulty Rating: 3.6
Steepness: Climbs Moderately
Tread Condition: Moderately Rough
Trail Number: 357

Description

Follows the Big East Fork Pigeon River. Pristine river scenes. Trail is wide and heavily used near beginning; diminishes somewhat the further you travel. Ends at the junction with Greasy Cove Prong and Bridges Camp Gap trails, providing long loop options in the Shining Rock Wilderness.

Intersecting Trails

  • Bridges Camp Gap
  • Greasy Cove
  • This trail is located in the Shining Rock Wilderness area. For a list of all the trails in that area, see the Shining Rock Wilderness trails list page.

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    GPS Map

    Map Information

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    Average Rating: 5.0 (rated 2 times)

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    Comments

    Mary Hartigan said: The floods last year destroyed parts of the trail about 1-1.5 mi from the 276 entrance. We had to stop when it hit a big patch of unstable rock scrambling. Anyone know of any efforts to rebuild?

    Friday, May 27 2022 1:37pm

    Tanya Neplioueva said: Beautiful hike. The trail is technical, but moderate with a total elevation gain around 1,100 feet. There are countless spots to relax by the river, crystal clear (but cold!) swimming holes, and adjoining waterfalls. There are a few places the trail splits, follow the larger path. We were there in March of 2019 and somebody has helpfully marked the trail with neon orange tape blazes.

    Monday, March 25 2019 10:39pm

    Steven FitzGerald said: what a stream! it reminded us of our trip to glacier national park. gin-clear water flowing boisterously between boulders and over multi-colored rocks... we could easily see the stream bottom in five-foot deep pools... we only ventured about 1/2-mile from the trailhead on our scouting voyage, but we will return soon and often; and of course, with the fly rod... verified bobcat sightings are another reason... thankfully we recently moved to candler, so we're only 45 minutes away...

    Saturday, October 17 2015 12:25am
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