Editing Maple Arch Trail

{{Trail
|Banner Image=File:PCSP Maple Arch Trail - sign at loop split.JPG
|Trail Highlight=Path along Cherokee Lake and then further up hillside
|Park=Panther Creek State Park
|Trail Marking=Black arrow on yellow diamond
|Trail Use=Hiking, Horses, Fishing
|Trail Features=Lakes
|Difficulty Rating=Medium
|Hike Time=3 hrs
|Trail Distance=3.20 mi
|Round Trip Distance=5.54 mi
|Trail Type=Loop
|Elevation Change Direction=Clockwise
|Parking location=36.216, -83.40556
|Trailhead location=36.22341, -83.40528
}}
{{Trail Map}}

__TOC__

==Trail Overview==
A long loop following the Cherokee Lake shoreline and up along River Ridge hillside.  Designated for both horses and hikes, but due to lack of maintenance over several years currently impassable for horses with some challenges for hikers.

==How To Get There==
For horses, begin at the horse trail parking area to take 2.6 mile connector trail (for 8.4 miles start-to-finish).

For hikers, best to begin at Spoone Recreation Area to take Lost Road Trail over to horse connector trail.

==Route Description==
Below description is for hikers with the required connections. 

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Mileage !! Feature !! Elevation 
|-
| (1.17) || Spoone Rec Area parking lot || 1121 
|-
| (0.85) || Horse Connector Trail || 1097
|-
| (0.14) || First beach || 1092
|-
| 0.00 || Actual trailhead at loop split || 1150
|-
| 1.60 || Last beach || 1094
|-
| 2.30 || Above kudzu field || 1280
|-
| 2.70 || High point || 1411
|-
| 3.20 || Back at trailhead / loop split || 1150
|-
| (4.37) || Back at parking lot || 1121
|}

==Typical Conditions==
'''Currently impassable for horses''' due to at least two dozen blowdowns.  Appears no maintenance performed in several years.  In September 2020, only impressions and deposits for one horse down to the first beach on the connector trail.  Older hoof impressions seen in the clay soil elsewhere.  Growth along the path very thick in places, including kudzu taking over edges of an open area.  At least one hillside portion of the trail has collapsed, thus will need to be rerouted.

Maple Arch Trail can be hiked, but with understanding that many blowdowns will need to be crossed or worked around.

==Miscellaneous Information==
Park beaches are regularly visited by boaters as trash was collected and removed.  However, these are the primary draw for this trail to enjoy the views.

==Gallery==
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Beach
|Marker Location=36.227735,-83.402367
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=First Beach
|Marker Location=36.221843,-83.405738
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail sign
|Marker Title=Trailhead
|Marker Description=3.2 MI Loop
|Marker Location=36.223413,-83.405278
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Parking
|Marker Title=Spoone Rec. Area
|Marker Description=Trailhead for Lost Road Trail
|Marker Location=36.216002,-83.40556
}}