Name: Mysterious Cabin Loop
Rating: 3.3

“A fun nine-mile loop with waterfalls and hunting cabins along the way.”

— Matt Kirby

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

In winter, the Forest Service will close the gate below the trailhead. You can park at the gate and hike 0.5 miles to the trailhead. Please respect the private property around the cabins (take only pictures).

Overview

You'll get creek crossings, waterfalls, and mysterious cabins along this route which is a great all-around trail for hiking or running.

Need to Know

There is a creek crossing in the first half mile.

Description

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.