Hiking in Madison County, NC
The Pisgah National Forest makes up nearly 1/4 of Madison County’s land and the Appalachian Trail runs through the county (at one time passing through the main street in the town of Hot Springs). Easy hiking on a former railroad bed which runs along the Laurel River to more challenging hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains provides a myriad of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful vistas offered during every season.
Download a Madison County Map
Hiking in Hot Springs Area
| Trail | Length | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Branch Trail | 2.4 miles | Moderate |
| Laurel River Trail | 3.6 miles | Easy |
| Lovers Leap Loop Trail | 1.6 mile loop | Moderate |
| Pump Gap LoopTrail | 4.2 mile loop | Difficult |
| Roundtop Ridge Trail | 3.2 miles | Difficult |
| Shut-In Trail | 2.0 miles | Moderate |
Hiking South of Hot Springs (NC 209)
| Trail | Length | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Buckeye Ridge Loop Trail | 5.4 miles | Moderate |
| Max Patch Loop Trails | 1.4 miles & 2.4 miles | Easy |
| Van Cliff Loop Trail | 4.0 miles | Very Difficult |
Hiking Laurel Backcountry (NC 212)
| Trail | Length | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Fork Ridge Trail | 2.0 miles | Difficult |
| Hickeys Fork Trail | 2.3 miles | Difficult |
| Jerry Miller Trail | 4.5 miles | Difficult |
| WhiteoakTrail | 2.3 miles | Most difficult |
NOTE: Conditions and trail maintenance may change especially on the more remote trails. For the most current information, check with Bluff Mountain Outfitters at 828 622-7162 (located at 152 Bridge Street in Hot Springs) or http://bluffmountain.com
Disclaimer: Madison County TDA assumes no responsibility for contents of this information because roads and trails may change due to weather or lack of maintenance. Please note that many of these trails and roads may not be marked with signs. Mileages are approximate.
Select for download of an AppalachianTrail Guide 8.20.09
