The Shut-In Trail is a long, historic route which travels from NC 191 near Bent Creek and Asheville to the Mount Pisgah parking area. George W. Vanderbilt, builder of the famous Biltmore Estate near Asheville, constructed the Shut-In Trail around the year 1890. He used it to climb the Pisgah Ridge, linking his hunting lodge at Buck Springs below the summit of Mt. Pisgah to his famous Estate. Although parts were obliterated with the construction of the Parkway, parts of this trail still follow the original route.

Though the trail can be used as a long-distance route, it is most frequently used for short exercise and day hikes. This is generally necessary since overnight camping is not allowed along the Parkway (and 16.3 miles, with 3000 feet of vertical climbing, is a bit long for most day hikers). There are many convenient access points where the trail touches and crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway, mainly at overlooks.

Not everyone limits themselves to day hikes, though. For over 20 years the Shut-in Ridge Run has been using the trail as an event venue, on the first Saturday in November. Joggers cover the entire 18 miles on this run. You can get more information on the official website.

The Shut-In trail was named for the tunnels of rhododendron and mountain laurel through which it passes, giving the traveler a "shut in" feeling. The trail follows the same path used by the Mountains to Sea Trail for its entire length. Since you're close to the Parkway (never more than about 1/2 mile) and not far from Asheville, expect lots of hiker and jogger traffic on the trail.

Here is a map of the Shut-In Trail.

Map Information

Features

Get Data

Download

Entire Map (GPX)
Individual Trails (GPX) - Click a trail on the map for a download link in the pop-up balloon.

About GPX

All data comes in the GPX format, which stands for GPS Exchange - a free, open, XML format for exchanging GPS and map data. GPX is compatible with Google Earth, many other mapping programs, and most GPS devices.

Usage Terms

All map data is available for free under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License. This means you may copy and share this map data in any way you like, without having to ask. Just give attribution to HikeWNC.info if you share it with others. Enjoy!

Tips

  • The map will scroll and zoom, just like a normal Google Map.
  • Click Topo to use USGS topographic maps as the base layer.
  • Hover over a trail to see it highlighted. Helps to see start and end points for an individual trail.
  • Click a trail for more details and to download it as a GPX file.
  • Click a hiker symbol to highlight a Best Hike/Ride route and get more details.
  • Be sure to send us your feedback on these new maps!
Pisgah National Forest