Plan with
Confidence
Path Type
Loop
From the parking area on the side of the road, go south and look out for the trailhead. Sometimes it's marked, and sometimes not. It heads due east, climbing over a steep ridgeline before descending to Beech Creek. From there it follows along the creek for a few miles. Look out for side trails to a couple of different waterfalls.From the start, it's a pretty good climb, constantly gaining elevation until you reach Case Knife Gap. From there, across from an established camping area, you can leave the main Beech Creek Trail and ascend Big Scaly Mountain for some spectacular views of the area. The sunsets from the top are unparalleled, The descent on the other side is shorter and steeper, mostly following an old logging road. Once you reach the end of the trail at Tate City Road (gravel), it's about a mile and a half or so back to your starting point.
Some Issues
If you want a hidden gem this is a good one, but it definitely comes at a cost. Gorgeous waterfalls, great views if you're willing to work for it. However, it's pretty clear after the beech gap to AT trail branches off not many folks come this way. the trail is pretty visible most of the time but you will definitely want a map downloaded (there's only service at the peak), and a couple miles in I lost count of how many fallen trees and branches I had to get over, under, or around. probably 50-60 if I had to guess. I wouldn't go past April unless you have good bushwacking tools. we went backpacking here, spent the night around mile 4 where there was a clearing, water access, and a fire pit. the summit trail was just a couple hundred yards further. the summit trail was probably the most overgrown part of the trail, but views were good! did not see a camping spot at mile 6. didn't see a side trail for the 40 ft tall waterfall :( but couldn't remember what mile it was at, so write the directions down.
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AT: Winding Stair Gap to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
AT: Winding Stair Gap to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
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