Lovers Leap Loop
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Trail Overview[edit]
Join two trail segments to create a loop hike to a rock outcropping above Hot Springs, NC. A short distance with a climb good for a couple hours of exercise. While within the Easy trail rating guidelines for this wiki, this loop hike upped to Medium because of the rapid rate of ascent during the first mile.
How to get there[edit]
From Johnson City, TN
- Take I-26 south to Exit 43.
- Turn left to pass under the interstate, then right onto US-19W.
- After 1.1 mile, take slight right onto TN-352, then shortly pass again under I-26.
- After roughly 9 miles, continue into North Carolina where roadway becomes NC-212.
- After 14 miles, turn left onto NC-208.
- After 3.5 miles, turn right onto bridge for US-25/US-70. Note: Trailhead for Laurel River Trail is at the interchange.
- Just before the bridge into Hot Springs, take a right onto Silvermine Road.
- Then a left onto Silver Mine Road and pass under the highway bridge.
- Continue to the end of the road where the public A.T. parking lot (roughly 8 spaces) is located.
You’ll pass the NOC parking lot which is private except for the general public using the river.
Route Description[edit]
From the Silvermine parking lot, a counterclockwise loop (putting the steepness early and uphill) begins with a short road walk (passing by some shabby shacks) towards the river. At the bend in the road, the white-blazed Appalachian Trail heads to the left following the French Broad River for 0.4 mile, then turns uphill. At 0.5 mile and 100' climb, the A.T. take a sharp switchback to the north. At 0.9 mile after a few more switchbacks and another roughly 500' total ascent the overlook is reached. Three rock outcroppings are in this area, with Lover's Leap being the middle one reached by a short, steep spur trail. Available views are of the French Broad River, valley and Hot Springs town. Be very careful walking at the edge due to loose rocks.
To make a loop, continue uphill past the third outcropping to take a left off the Appalachian Trail onto orange-blazed Lover's Leap Trail. (Blazes were refreshed sometime between Labor Day and Thanksgiving 2018.) Descend Lover's Leap Trail roughly 375' in 0.3 mile on the back side of the mountain. At intersection with yellow-blazed Pump Gap Trail (blazes need refreshed), take a left/west to stay on the orange-blazed path 0.3 mile down to the Silver Mine Creek and the A.T. parking lot.
Typical Conditions[edit]
Appalachian Trail is well maintained by volunteers, but is a rocky path is places with steep drop-offs. Sturdy footwear and trekking poles are recommended. The Lover's Leap Trail is maintained by USFS staff. When this wiki page was written, a couple of hours had been spent on the latter trail heavily trimming the uphill rhododendron to allow hikers back into the middle of the path.
Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]
No parking fee at the A.T. lot. Make sure to lock vehicles and hide any valuables from sight.
After the Hike[edit]
Have lunch or dinner (depending on timing of your loop hike) in Hot Springs. Suggested are Spring Creek Tavern or Iron Horse Station.
Misc. Information[edit]
Some small camping spots were seen along the French Broad River, but also really close to the A.T. There are no further good camping places along this loop. There is a USFS group campground on Silver Mine Road which can be rented from the Pisgah NF/Appalachian Ranger District (brochure).
Diminishing amount of fire damaage can be seen in the area from a wildfire which swept through here in April 2016.
USFS Webpage [1] on Lover's Leap Loop TR 308. Also included in list of Pisgah National Forest Appalachian District trails [2].
Maps[edit]
Photos[edit]
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