Trails in the Hot Springs Trailhead Area

Here is a list of all trails in the Hot Springs Trailhead area.

Each trail has its own printable page with all the information and links, including (where available):

  • directions to the starting point
  • difficulty
  • length
  • elevation change
  • a map
  • photos from along the way, and
  • a detailed description and trail directions.

For general information about the Hot Springs trailhead, see the Hot Springs Trailhead page.

Need to find trails by another method? Go back to Trails.

Betty Place Trail

Easy
  • Loop trail winds its way up a lush cove beside the West Fork Shut-In Creek and some of its tributaries. Passes several old homesites in a lush cove with big boulders covered in soft moss. Most of the creek crossings are bridge except the upper...
  • 1.2mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles

Bluff Mountain Loop Trail

More Difficult
  • Following an old logging road, Bluff Mountain Loop trail winds its way up the West Fork Shut-In Creek drainage to an elevation of just over 3600 ft. It passes through a forest of mainly mixed hardwoods, including Tuliptree, Read and White Oak, Black...
  • 3.3mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles

Golden Ridge Loop Trail

More Difficult
  • Loop follows old roadbeds.
  • 7.5mi, ,

Jack Branch Trail

More Difficult
  • Starting at the tip of the River Ridge Loop trail, Jack Branch climbs along an old road bed in places, while in others it slips away to amble along the ridge. The forest burned in the early 2000s in this area, giving it an open feeling except where...
  • 2.4mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles

Laurel River Trail

Moderate
  • This trail follows Big Laurel Creek through a scenic gorge to its junction with the French Broad river at the old logging ghost town of Runion. This trail is especially nice in early spring when there are many wildflowers blooming along the path and...
  • 3.6mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles

Lover's Leap Trail

More Difficult
  • Climbs steeply from the Silvermine trailhead parking area to the Appalachian Trail, near the top of Lovers Leap Ridge. The Silvermine trailhead is across the French Broad River bridge from downtown Hot Springs. The main overlook, located at a rock...
  • 0.8mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough

Mill Ridge Trail

More Difficult
  • This trail offers views of Big Laurel Creek Gorge and the Rich Mountain area. The fields have panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • 5.4mi, ,

Pump Gap Loop Trail

More Difficult
  • This trail is named after a water pump near the trail. The pump delivered water to Runion, which is now a ghost town. The trail accesses the Appalachian Trail and may be used as a loop or as part of a loop with the AT. Aside from that, it doesn't...
  • 5.5mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough

River Ridge Loop Trail

Moderate
  • This is a loop with a short section of out-and-back trail up to the loop portion. Described here in a counter-clockwise direction for the loop portion. Starting at the picnic area, ascends the steep river valley on a nice, newly-built path through a...
  • 1.3mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles

Roundtop Ridge Trail

More Difficult
  • This trail offers a walk through oak-hickory hardwood forests. The trail provides access from Hot Springs to the Rich Mountain Fire Tower. There is loop opportunity with the Appalachian Trail. **Note**: a wildfire affected parts of this trail in...
  • 3.1mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles

Shut-In Trail

Moderate
  • Starting from the Appalachian Trail junction at Garenflo Gap, this trail enters the woods and begins a steady downhill grade. Most of the way, the trail follows a creek on an old wooded road. In most places, the trail accommodates side-by-side...
  • 4mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles

Spring Creek Nature Trail

Moderate
  • This trail offers a pleasant hike through a hardwood-pine forest and along a cascading mountain stream known for its trout fishing. Once part of the Brook's farm, an old house foundation, rock fences and a cemetary remain. Picnicking, restrooms,...
  • 1.6mi, Climbs Gently,

Van Cliff Trail

More Difficult
  • This trail offers a walk along streams and ridge tops where remains of old homesteads and fields are evident. The vegetation changes from low, dense vegetation along the stream to cove hardwoods and piney ridge tops. Picnicking, water, restrooms and...
  • 2.7mi, Climbs Moderately,

Nearby Trails

The following trails cross into this trailhead area, but are primarily accessed from another trailhead: