Near High Line Loop
Creek Crossing Mile 8.5
Near High Line Loop
Running down MST
Near High Line Loop
Philips Creek

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

High Line Loop

3.5 (4 Ratings)
A 13-mile loop on old logging roads and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
13.1
mi
Distance
2,911
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekSpringViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
13.14mi
Distance
2,911ft
Elevation Gain
2,911ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
5,582ft
High Point
2,873ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
To access this trailhead, head south on Hwy 107 from Sylva toward Caney Fork Road. Turn left onto Caney Fork and continue for almost 10 miles. The pavement will end;continue on gravel road. Upon crossing the second bride, parking can be found in the area that is locally known as Camp Ten. From here, the hike starts on Beech Flat Creek Trail, an old road bed that heads northeast. Continue climbing to cross an old bridge, and once across the bridge take the trail to the left. You'll pass an old homesite on your left and continue. You'll pass another old cabin and then come to a creek crossing. Once across the creek, you'll follow the trail to a switchback and then pass a forest service gate. The trail will begin a significant climb toward the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. At about 3.5 miles, you pass the Mountains-to-Sea Trail;this section will take you toward Cherokee. For this hike, you'll continue east for another 0.5 miles. Now you are above 5,000 feet in elevation and on the locally known "High Line", which is also the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Continue for about 3 miles. You'll slowly descend, eventually ending at a trail junction. If you continue left on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail you'll be headed toward Asheville. For this hike, take the right-hand trail down to Piney Creek. At mile 8-ish, you'll come to another creek crossing;use caution. At mile 9, you'll come to another forest service gate. From here, you'll be on Piney Creek Trail, a gravel road. For the next 3 miles, continue descending. You'll eventually hit another gravel road. This is Caney Fork Road, the same road you drove up. Turn right, and head back to your vehicle which is a little over a mile away.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Matt Kirby