Axsom Branch Trail

Access this point-to-point trail by parking at either the Hickory Ridge Tower lot or Grubb Ridge trailhead lot and going a short distance north on the relevant trail (Grubb or Terrill Ridge--you'll soon see clear signage for Axsom in either case). There are several creek crossings along the middle length of the trail. If there's been decent rainfall, your feet will likely get submerged. One of these crossings is next to a potentially confusing area where remnants of the old Blue Diamond loop trail persist. The Blue Diamond trail is no longer marked on current maps. If you find yourself heading almost straight North toward a leg of Lake Monroe, you're not on Axsom anymore! When you're at the end of Axsom, there's the matter of getting back to your car. You'll have to follow along Tower Ridge Rd for a bit--as well as a 2.4 mile segment of Martin Hollow Trail (or stay on gravel the whole time). Well, unless you plan on getting dropped off/picked up. You could of course simply do Axsom in the opposite direction. The nice ridge views are what make the trail "worth it" in my opinion. They're not long-distance views, you're looking down into ravines. Better to see through the trees in Winter. It's just enough to make you feel up high.