Lover's Leap Trail

At A Glance

More Difficult

0.8 mi one-way

Difficulty Rating: 0.8
Steepness: Climbs Steeply
Tread Condition: Moderately Rough
Blaze Color: Orange
Trail Number: 308

Description

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 overlook, 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.

Intersecting Trails

  • Pump Gap Loop
  • This trail is located in the Hot Springs area. For a list of all the trails in that area, see the Hot Springs trails list page.

    All Photos from the Trail

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    GPS Map

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    About the Map

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    Average Rating: 5.0 (rated 2 times)

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    Comments

    Maria & Tracy Monk said: The climb to Lovers leap by way of most difficult tail and beyond was well worth it. It was our first time hiking. We loved it. Plan to do it again next year if not sooner.

    Thursday, September 26 2013 2:13pm

    Robert Singleton said: With out a doubt, this is one of the nicest short hikes in the Hot Springs area. The photogenic views of the river are worth the climb. Several variations can be taken with adjoining trails which can extend your hiking if desired.

    Wednesday, September 12 2012 9:02pm
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