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 Reporter |
Summary: This makes a great springtime hike for wildflower viewing and an easy backpack to McGee Springs. The climb will be stout and steady from the beginning but take your time and enjoy and test yourself as you name all the flowers along the way. At 2.8 miles you will intersect with Hyatt Ridge, after a short break turn right for the gradual climb that will take you to Campsite #44. This will be your lunch spot or home for the night depending on your outing. From here the trail once continued to Balsam Mtn Trail near Tri-Corner Knob shelter hence Tri-Corner Knob! It is now closed and overgrows. When you are ready to return use the same route. Trailhead: Hwy 441 South, 1.3 miles south of Oconaluftee Visitor Center turn left on Big Cove Road then veer right to Straight Fork Road and then 3.8 miles from park entrance which is just beyond business on right. (The park entrance is hidden behind the business' fence) Road is open from March to October Free backcountry permit available at the OVC (Lat:35.6212 Lon:-83.21098) Trail Guides for Beech Gap Trail to Campsite #44: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Day & Overnight hikes in GSMNP by Johhny Malloy (Menasha Ridge Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Oconaluftee Visitor Center 865-436-1200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Brian on 5/9/2008 I hiked this trail last weekend as a loop, Beech Gap to campsite 44 for the night and then Hyatt Ridge Trail back to Straight Fork road and walked back up the road to the truck. Nice camping area though not much flat area for pitching a tent. The trail is 3.8 miles to the campsite and the first 3.3 or so is an uphill climb and a continuous downhill decent either way you come back. 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, Swain County Hiking, Swain County Trails, Swain County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||