Directions:
Take I-40 to Exit 20 (Maggie Valley). Almost immediately upon exiting, take a right hand turn onto Cove Creek Road. Follow this winding, curvy road to the very top at Cove Creek Gap. Near the top, the road becomes very narrow and gravel and remains so across the Gap down into Cataloochee Valley. If possible, please take a car rather than a truck, van or SUV as passing on this section can be scary in the limited space. A passenger car will have no trouble on the gravel road. At the top is a sign indicting entrance to Great Smoky Mountain Park. Parking is very limited here. The trailhead is signed and begins on the west side of the road.
How long to get there from Asheville: 45 mins
Trailhead at Cove Creek Gap
Distance: 6.4 miles to Double Gap
Elevation beginning: Approximately 4100'
Elevation at Double Gap: Approximately 5100'
Description:
This trail is a lovely bounce along the ridge dividing Cataloochee Valley from Maggie Valley and Jonathan’s Creek. It follows the southeastern boundary of the park, which means most of the trail is accompanied by a split-rail wooden fence. Opposite this fence is all private land. Fortunately for the hiker, when the balds come along, so far the private owners of those areas allow the park hikers to enjoy the views on their side of the fence. Please treat their generosity with respect so this privilege can remain.
As the trail follows the ridge line, there is still some up and down as it bounces over the mountain tops, but nothing excessive. In fact, the total elevation gain between the trailhead and Double Gap at the beginning of the Hemphill Bald trail is right at 1,000 ft, but it’s taken 6.4 miles to get there.
Approximately 2.5 miles in is Taylor’s Turnaround, also affectionately known as "the bus stop." There’s a small shelter here resembling a
bus stop and wonderful views of the beautiful valley below known as Jonathan’s Creek. Better hurry, though. A developer is trying to buy this land intending to build an obnoxious resort.
Going another 2.5 miles brings one to The Swag, a mountain vacation lodge. http://www.theswag.com/ Prior to actually reaching the lodge, The Swag owns a wonderful bald called Gooseberry Knob or Roger’s Hideaway. This large grassy area complete with picnic tables and lounge chairs can be a destination in itself. It’s certainly a wonderful spot for lunch. The Swag has made this bald a very comfortable location.
Half a mile beyond the lodge is the Double Gap trail intersection, or 6.4 miles from the trailhead at Cove Creek Gap. Hemphill Bald itself is another half mile further (along Hemphill Bald Trail) with a 400 ft climb. But once reached, lunch can be enjoyed at a large stone table under a lone shade tree as provided by the owners of this property. The views are incredible to the south, east and west, and a map located on the stone table will help identify the peaks observed. The Cataloochee Ski area is right in front, and on a clear day, Mt. Mitchell to the east and Pisgah Mountain to the south can be seen, among many others.
Horses also use this trail and a couple of sections can get muddy. However, wooden planks have been provided for hikers making even muddy spots on this trail a pleasant obstacle.
Take I-40 to Exit 20 (Maggie Valley). Almost immediately upon exiting, take a right hand turn onto Cove Creek Road. Follow this winding, curvy road to the very top at Cove Creek Gap. Near the top, the road becomes very narrow and gravel and remains so across the Gap down into Cataloochee Valley. If possible, please take a car rather than a truck, van or SUV as passing on this section can be scary in the limited space. A passenger car will have no trouble on the gravel road. At the top is a sign indicting entrance to Great Smoky Mountain Park. Parking is very limited here. The trailhead is signed and begins on the west side of the road.
How long to get there from Asheville: 45 mins
Trailhead at Cove Creek Gap
Distance: 6.4 miles to Double Gap
Elevation beginning: Approximately 4100'
Elevation at Double Gap: Approximately 5100'
Description:
This trail is a lovely bounce along the ridge dividing Cataloochee Valley from Maggie Valley and Jonathan’s Creek. It follows the southeastern boundary of the park, which means most of the trail is accompanied by a split-rail wooden fence. Opposite this fence is all private land. Fortunately for the hiker, when the balds come along, so far the private owners of those areas allow the park hikers to enjoy the views on their side of the fence. Please treat their generosity with respect so this privilege can remain.
As the trail follows the ridge line, there is still some up and down as it bounces over the mountain tops, but nothing excessive. In fact, the total elevation gain between the trailhead and Double Gap at the beginning of the Hemphill Bald trail is right at 1,000 ft, but it’s taken 6.4 miles to get there.
Approximately 2.5 miles in is Taylor’s Turnaround, also affectionately known as "the bus stop." There’s a small shelter here resembling a
bus stop and wonderful views of the beautiful valley below known as Jonathan’s Creek. Better hurry, though. A developer is trying to buy this land intending to build an obnoxious resort.Going another 2.5 miles brings one to The Swag, a mountain vacation lodge. http://www.theswag.com/ Prior to actually reaching the lodge, The Swag owns a wonderful bald called Gooseberry Knob or Roger’s Hideaway. This large grassy area complete with picnic tables and lounge chairs can be a destination in itself. It’s certainly a wonderful spot for lunch. The Swag has made this bald a very comfortable location.
Half a mile beyond the lodge is the Double Gap trail intersection, or 6.4 miles from the trailhead at Cove Creek Gap. Hemphill Bald itself is another half mile further (along Hemphill Bald Trail) with a 400 ft climb. But once reached, lunch can be enjoyed at a large stone table under a lone shade tree as provided by the owners of this property. The views are incredible to the south, east and west, and a map located on the stone table will help identify the peaks observed. The Cataloochee Ski area is right in front, and on a clear day, Mt. Mitchell to the east and Pisgah Mountain to the south can be seen, among many others.
Horses also use this trail and a couple of sections can get muddy. However, wooden planks have been provided for hikers making even muddy spots on this trail a pleasant obstacle.
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