Bear Pen
More Difficult, 1.4mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough
Blaze Color: Orange
USGS/USFS Number: 176
A little overgrown with weeds, this trail travels along old roadbeds from FR 74 to the Laurel Gap trail. Crosses staire branch. There’s lots of stinging nettle, so be sure to wear long pants on this trail (and others in the area).
Corner Rock
Easy, 1.4mi, Level, Few Obstacles
USGS/USFS Number: 173
Douglas Falls
More Difficult, 2.7mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough
Blaze Color: White
USGS/USFS Number: 162
From FR 74, it is an easy, 0.5 mile walk to the spectacular Falls – a great family hike. The trail continues above the falls, to join with the Mountains to Sea Trail, and emerge at the Parkway and the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center. Along the way, you’ll pass the Cascades, another high waterfall that’s difficult to see in the summer & during low water flow. The trail passes through rich, old-growth forests including enormous hemlocks & northern hardwood species. Shown on the map of Craggy Gardens area.
Elk Pen
Moderate, 1.9mi, Climbs Steeply, Some Obstacles
USGS/USFS Number: 166
Created for use in the movie “The Last of the Mohicans” and used in the opening scene. Connects with FR 74 at the Upper Corner Rock trail. Passes through large oaks and poplars.
Laurel Gap
Moderate, 7mi, Few Hills, Few Obstacles
USGS/USFS Number: 184
Intersects four other trails for loop options. Good views both up and down the mountainside. Old roadbed.
Little Andy
Most Difficult, 0.6mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough
Blaze Color: Orange
USGS/USFS Number: 174
Climbs steeply from FR 74 to the Laurel Gap trail.
Perkins
Most Difficult, 1.44mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough
Blaze Color: Orange
USGS/USFS Number: 175
Climbs steeply from FR 74 to the Laurel Gap trail & crosses several streams.
Staire Creek
More Difficult, 1.1mi, Climbs Steeply, Some Obstacles
Blaze Color: Orange
USGS/USFS Number: 183
Steep hike mostly on old roadbeds. Follows creek near bottom; ascends to ridge near top. Cliffs & small rock caves along the trail – at one point the rushing water can be heard in stereo as it bounces off a rock face.
Upper Corner Rock Creek
Moderate, 1mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles
Blaze Color: Orange
USGS/USFS Number: 173
Travels from FR 74 to the end of the Laurel Gap trail. Provides options for loops.
Walker Creek
More Difficult, 1.8mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough
Blaze Color: Orange
USGS/USFS Number: 165
Ascends steeply on the ridge above the creek to FR 74. Travels through mixed hardwood forests.