Fletcher Creek Trail #350

2.4 mi - Easy - The easy grade of this trail, combined with nice loop opportunities with other trails and the Fletcher Creek logging road, makes it a favorite for mountain bikers and horseback riders. Flat, grassy campsites and open fields also make it a good area for overnight camping. From the Hendersonville Reservoir Road, the trail climbs moderately for about ¼ mile, then drops moderately down to Fletcher Creek. From here the trail is wide and easy as it winds in and out of wildlife fields and hardwood forests. You will cross Fletcher Creek three times via rock fords. If you approach the wildlife fields quietly, you may catch a glimpse of a red-tailed hawk hunting from a dead snag.

Approximate Elevation Change: 300 feet
Blaze: Blue

At a Glance

Open Season:	Year-round
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Multiple-use Trail: Hiking, mountain bike and equestrian use trail. Motorized use prohibited. Mountain bikes are prohibited in wilderness areas.
Water:	yes
Restroom:	none
Operated By:	US Forest Service

General Information

Directions: Leaving the Pisgah District Ranger Station/Visitor Center parking lot, turn left (south) onto US 276. At the first traffic light, turn left (east) on NC 280. Proceed approximately 12.3 miles (past the intersection with NC 191 South) to a traffic light about 200 yards short of the intersection with NC 191 North. Here an official brown and white sign for “Nat’l Forest Recreation Area, N MILLS RIVER” directs you to your left. Turn left onto North Mills River Road, and then approximately 5 miles to Wash Creek Road (FS 5000), near the North Mills River Campground. Turn right onto FS 5000 and proceed 2 miles to the first left turn, a gravel road. Turn left, cross the low concrete bridge, and drive to the Trace Ridge Trailhead parking area at the gated end of the road. Take the Hendersonville Reservoir Road, which is the leftmost of the two gated roads that leave the parking area. Fletcher Creek Trail begins near the end of that road, approximately 1.5 miles from the parking lot.