Farlow Gap Trail

This trail is quite steep and very rugged in places. Make sure you're ready for it. This is also very popular with mountain bikers who use it primarily as a downhill; though bikers should yield to foot traffic, please be aware of your surroundings and of other users on the trail. From the junction with Art Loeb Trail, Farlow Gap Trail descends steeply for about a mile. The trail is quite rugged in places with tree roots and loose rocks along much of it. There are several stream crossings (difficult crossings include Shuck Ridge Creek and the Right Fork of the Davidson River-use caution) and three ridge crossings. Though cutting straight past the switchbacks may be tempting, please stay on the main trail to avoid erosion. There is a variety in scenery and vegetation to enjoy on this trail. You travel from a forest of cove hardwoods, such as yellow poplar and red oak, to an upland hardwood forest of oak, black gum and red maple. There are small waterfalls, cascades, and an old mica mine near the trail below Farlow Gap.