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Easy nature trail that showcases the beauty of venturing into the high peaks.


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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

98%

Runnable

5,665' 1,727 m

High

5,637' 1,718 m

Low

30' 9 m

Up

24' 7 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Clingmans Dome Access Road, the only access to the trail, is closed from December 1 - March 31.

Runner Notes

The loop is virtually flat, and can be narrow especially on the wooden boardwalks, making it somewhat difficult to run when there are other visitors.

Description

This is a very easy route with minimal elevation gains, which makes it perfect for runners of all ability levels. As the name implies, the short trail loops through a forest of red spruce and Fraser firs that are found mainly in the high peaks. Although the trail is in great shape, proper close-toed comfortable footwear is recommended.

From the trailhead, follow the path to a fork and choose either direction. Certain parts of the trail will use wooden boardwalks to cross the wetter parts of the forest. This is a self-guiding nature trail with information posts located throughout the loop that give information to the different plant life. Large white quartz rocks also make appearances as you make your way through the trail.

You'll notice several downed trees which are the result of the Balsam woolly adelgids that starve the Fraser firs to death. Yellow birch, and blackberries can also be found here among other flora.

Flora & Fauna

Fraser firs, red spruce, yellow birch, mountain-ash, wildflowers, salamanders, winter wrens, and cedar waxwings can all be seen from this short loop.

Contacts

Shared By:

R Kahboohigh

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#2

in Newfound Gap

#15873

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Newfound Gap

#298

in North Carolina

#15,873

Overall
16 Views Last Month
705 Since Sep 4, 2015
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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