Barnes Camp Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Some portions of this loop coincide with the LT; please pay close attention to the signs, or your hike may be a lot farther than you anticipated.

There's a very steep, washed out section on the north end of this loop.

This description is listed in a clockwise manner. From the kiosk, the trail follows along a boardwalk. Here, there are some spectacular views of Smuggler's Notch. The trail turns left into the woods and gets off the boardwalk. In a short distance, the trail reaches a junction that marks the LT south and Picnic.

For Barnes Camp Loop, follow the sign that says Picnic. The trail runs moderately alongside the river, then reaches a small spur that will take you to the picnic area. Barnes Camp Loop turns right, here, and crosses a shallow area of the river. It follows alongside the river downstream, along the eastern banks. The trail then ascends a series of small switchbacks up an eroded hillside.

At the top of this section, you'll come to another sign for the LT. To the left, the LT climbs north. For Barnes Camp Loop, follow the LT south (to the right). It descends steadily down to the Spruce Peak Village Connector. It continues its descent down to Barnes Camp Visitors' Center. The trail turns right to follow the sidewalk and ends when it reaches the kiosk.