Mills River Loop

This run starts at the Trace Ridge Trailhead. Seems most people head northwest from this trailhead, but the trail marker for Trace Ridge Trail sends you downhill to the southeast. The trail starts a bit bland, but improves dramatically as it changes to singletrack and starts to descend toward the North Fork of Mills River. The Wash Creek #606 connects about a mile in and then the trail begins to descend more steeply. Continue to follow the trail until you reach the river. At that point, Trace Ridge Trail ends and the trail will swing to the right, upstream, and becomes North Mills River Trail #353. Continue to follow North Mills River Trail #353 upstream, crossing it about a dozen (no kidding!) times. This trail ends at Hendersonville Reservoir Rd. (FR 142). At that point, turn right onto this road and follow it back to the parking area. This makes for a varied, easy, scenic, and fun hike.