Where better to celebrate the Appalachian Trail than in the town of Hot Springs, NC, where the AT runs right down the center of the town and crosses the third oldest river in the world–the French Broad River?
Where better to celebrate the Appalachian Trail than in the town of Hot Springs, NC, where the AT runs right down the center of the town and crosses the third oldest river in the world–the French Broad River?
Sams Gap Access Point is the closest accessible place on the Appalachian Trail to the Mars Hill area or the route on I 26 from Tennessee into North Carolina. It has one of the nicer parking areas for Trail access in Madison County. There is a nice hike for under 2 miles going south to High Rock for a good view.
Tanyard Gap Access Point on the Appalachian Trail is easy to reach from a major highway and allows good parking space. The hike south to Hot Springs is mostly downhill. The first mile is on an old road and at the end you have a 1/2 mile section of walk along the French Broad River as you come into the town.
The Hot Springs Access Point is, without a doubt, the best spot in Madison County to find the Appalachian Trail since the Trail runs right through the main street of the town (Bridge Street). How easy can that be! If you are not a hiker, you can simply stand on the sidewalk and “hike” the Trail.
Take in the most beautiful view on the AT in Madison County. On Max Patch, you are at 4,629 feet and, on a clear day, have a 360- degree panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains to the south and a glimpse of Mt. Mitchell (at 6,684 feet, the highest peak east of the Mississippi) to the east.
Lemon Gap Access Point on the Appalachian Trail is a somewhat remote access point as you will travel almost 10 miles on a gravel road. But, the beauty of the remoteness is appealing. The hike to Max Patch from here is a beautiful one with little elevation change.
Little Creek Cafe
Walnut Creek Gallery
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
Mad Co. Brew House
Sandy Bottom Trail Rides
The Berry Farm, LLC
56 South Main Street
Mars Hill, NC 28754
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(828) 680-9031
(877) 262-3476
PO Box 1527
Mars Hill, NC 28754
