You'll get creek crossings, waterfalls, and mysterious cabins along this route which is a great all-around trail for hiking or running.
There is a creek crossing in the first half mile. Trail is clear to waterfall, and follows roads from cabins back to start. However, 1.5 miles of trail between waterfall and cabins is so heavily overgrown as to be impassable in places. Fallen trees/brush abound, and clearings have enough weeds that the trail has completely vanished in spots. Bring GPS if you want to attempt it, the
Hiking Project mobile app's locator will prove invaluable when the trail disappears.
To get to this trailhead, you'll want to head south on Hwy 107 from Sylva toward Caney Fork Road. Turn left on Caney Fork and continue for about 2 miles to Moses Creek Rd. Continue for 2 miles; the pavement will end and turn to gravel.
Continue for 1 more mile and look for a small pull-off BEFORE the switchback on the gravel road. You'll see a small rise where the Forest Service created a barrier to prevent 4x4s from access. This is the trailhead.
Start the hike on the
West Fork Moses Creek Trail. In less than a mile, you'll come across a creek crossing. Cross the creek and follow the trail as it continues uphill, following the creek most the way.
In less than 2 miles, you'll begin a significant climb along the creek, eventually passing a waterfall on your left. The ascent climbs above the waterfall. Continue on to a junction. Going left at this junction will take you back down near the creek crossing.
For this loop, you'll take the trail to the right and continue for about 1 more mile to the hunter's cabins. The cabins are located on private property, so please respect the owner's property.
Continue on the roadbed for 1 more mile until you come to a forest service gate. Here, you connect back to Moses Creek Road. Head down (slight right) and follow the road for 5 miles back to your parked vehicle.
Wildflowers in the spring.
Old logging roads.
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