Middle Fork Trail #352

1.5 mi - Moderate - The trail follows an old railroad grade; you may notice some of the old ties still in the ground. It follows or crosses the Middle Fork of the North Mills River for its entire length. You will pass some wildlife fields, which are maintained by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The trail ends at FS 5097 (Fletcher Creek Road). Turning right (east/north) on FS 5097, then again on Fletcher Creek Trail (#350) provides a loop opportunity of approximately 5 miles total (from Middle Fork trailhead).

Approximate Elevation Change: 200 feet
Blaze: Orange

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. Fletcher Creek Trail begins from the Hendersonville Reservoir Road approximately 1.5 miles from the parking lot. Follow Fletcher Creek (#350) trail from the Hendersonville Reservoir Road approximately 0.9 miles, until it crosses Fletcher Creek. Horses, cross creek then turn left onto Middle Fork Trail; hikers and mountain bikers, turn left before crossing creek and cross the bridge 100 feet downstream. Take the trail straight ahead and up the hill until intersecting with Middle Fork Trail after 25 yards.