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Turkey Pen Gap Trail

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Highlights:

Mountain Views, Lush valleys, Long walk beside the river
Near:Horse Shoe, NC
Scenery:
Distance:5.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:2600 ft
Hike Time:4 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop



Summary: Beginning the hike you start to climb. The first mile and a half is a descent incline (at one point you will climb 600 feet in less than a quarter of a mile. Take lots of water because the first 2 miles are dry. This hike is beautifl during the fall because you can see a greater distance. There are great views on the way up. If you can survive the first hour and a half, it is literally all down hill from there. You will descent from Sharpy Mountain for about a half of mile and then you will climb again for 200 or 300 feet. At that time, (this should be about 2 hours into your hike), you will see a trail that goes to the right- Wagon Road Gap. Follow this trail down. After a short distance, you will feel like you found the Garden of Eden. Once you get to a large opening, you will hear the river. Turn right onto South Mills River Trail. It will lead right to the river. You will find a trail back 100 feet that goes to the right and to a swinging bridge.
Trailhead: Take I26 East from Asheville, NC Turn Right onto Airport Rd (280 West). You will come to an intersection which divides 191 & 280 (Mills River), stay on 280 for approximately 7 miles. At the Henderson/Transylvania County line, just past Boyleston Creek Baptist Church, Turn right onto Turkey Pen Rd. This is a really rough road. Go approximately 2.3 miles to the end. You will see the parking for Turkey Pen trailhead. Begin on the Turkey Pen Trail (Lat:35.34305 Lon:-82.65933)
Trail Guides for Turkey Pen Gap Trail:
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Pisgah Ranger District, (828) 877-3265
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Reginald Vickers, who has posted  2 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 2 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Beasley on 8/5/2006
We hiked this trail in late fall (all leaves off trees) and it was beautiful. What I didn't keep in mind (which we now laugh about) is that the leaf-litter covered up much of the recognizable trail! LOL! We can read sectional maps and elevations/contour lines fine so we never had any problem: However, it might not be so easy for a first-timer or even a decent hiker without a good contour map to find the route easily if it's covered in leaves. It's a loop trail but there are plenty of places to get off-trail by accident. Dress in layers, too. When we started it was in the upper 30's or so but after less than an hour we had to shed! It's a blast! I wouldn't recommend it for dogs other than in the spring if they are also good hike

Reviewed by Jesse on 3/15/2006
The trails a great for backpacking and hiking.

Reviewed by Joe on 12/11/2005
Have hiked this many times in the 80's and middle 70's

Reviewed by Suzy Q on 3/13/2005
3/13/05 Swing Bridge at Wagon Road Gap is washed out so make sure you take your water sandles. This time of year the river is flowing fast and you will have to get wet in order to cross. Be careful. Not recommended for children or less agile hikers. Other than, great early elevation gain, gorgeous river.

Reviewed by Ryan on 9/9/2004
AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mullinax trail... its the good stuff


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Henderson County Hiking, Henderson County Trails, Henderson County Hikes


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