Hurricane Gap

Total Miles 9.8
Technical Rating
1 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Hurricane Gap trail photo

Trail Overview

Hurrican Gap is a well-maintained gravel road that travels from the Houston Valley area to just outside of Hot Springs, NC. While it's not particularly challenging, there are some great side trips along the way. The Rich Mountain Lookout Tower is just a mile off of the road, and if you're looking for a more challenging route you can take Shad Road that connects near the northern and southern ends of Hurricane Gap. At the northern end of this road, there is a forest service campground in the Paint Creek area. You'll also find some great waterfalls and creek access close by.

Photos of Hurricane Gap

Difficulty

It's usually kept in great shape since it's one of the main access roads through the national forest.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

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Alex Brown
Nov 16, 2025
Open
Some washed out rough areas. Mostly gravel roads. Encountered 8-10 people. Paint creek to hurricane NC via hurricane gap.
Alex Eyssen
Oct 25, 2025
Open
Lots of fall leaf tourists.
Joe Rosa
Sep 27, 2025
Open
About halfway in before the Rich Mountain Lookout turnoff, from the Hurricane side there is a downed tree across the road. I was able to go under it on my bike. Will need a chainsaw to clear it. This was around Noon on 9/27/25
Lori Armstrong
Aug 01, 2025
Open
A few wash outs on the Hurricane Gap portion. A few big mud holes but nothing crazy. Was nice until an Acura SUV decided to drive too fast to enjoy the scenery and somehow passed us 3 times.
Rick Dinkins
Apr 18, 2025
Open
The trail was fairly unoccupied. we saw one motorcycle, three hikers and a couple of other vehicles on the side of the road (apparently hikers). The mountain laurel were budding but not yet blooming. We also w3nt upto Rich Mountain Lookout which was great. Panoramic views were incredible.
Elkan Polston
Mar 08, 2025
Open
Chris Holland
Jul 12, 2024
Open
Saw a bear about 3/4 on way up to the lookout tower. Good time!
David Haney
Jul 16, 2023
Open
Corey Chambers
Mar 18, 2023
Open

Hurricane Gap Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Hurricane Gap Map

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