Lover's Leap Loop Trail
This trail follows the river a short distance and climbs Lover's Leap Ridge. It offers panoramic views of the French Broad River and the town of Hot Springs. Combine Lover's Leap Trail and the Appalachian Trail to form a short hike along the French Broad River and its steep rocky ridge.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Total Length: 1.6 miles
Total Elevation Change: 500 feet
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult
Beginning Point: Silvermine Trailhead
Ending Point: Silvermine Trailhead
Average Hiking Time: 1 hour (one way)
Amount of Use: Heavy
Blaze Colors: Lover's Leap Trail: Orange Rectangle & Appalachian Trail: White Rectangle
Area Trail Map: Harmon Den/Hot Springs Trail Map
USGS Quad Map: Hot Springs
Address: 632 Manor Road Mars Hill, NC 28754
Phone: (828) 689-9694
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 7:30am-3:30pm; closed for lunch from 1-1:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: appalachianrd@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
From Burnsville, travel west on US 19E and merge onto I-26E. Take exit 11 toward Mars Hill/Marshall. Turn left onto NC 213/Carl Eller Road, which leads to Marshall. Take the US 25 Bypass/US 70 ramp, merging onto US 25/US 70 heading toward Hot Springs. Eventually, turn left to continue on US 25/US 70. Immediately before crossing the French Broad River turn left onto SR 1304. Turn left at the first intersection and follow signs to the Silvermine trailhead parking area.