Area Info

Hiking Areas:

Appalachian Trail & Max Patch Bald – Public access to the AT is at the end of Gorenflo Gap Road, just 2 miles from Hot Springs Log Cabins. (go south 1/2 mile on 209, then right on Gorenflo Gap Road. Gorenflo Gap Road is 1 1/2 miles long and terminates at the AT trail access point.) Bluff Mountain Outfitters operates a shuttle service for hikers. You can also get onto the AT from Max Patch Bald (see below).

Rocky Bluff Recreation Area & Hiking Trails – located halfway between the town of Hot Springs and Hot Springs Log Cabins, Rocky Bluff boasts a beautiful walking trail along Spring Creek (watch for signs of beaver activity!) as well as the Vann Cliff trail. You are always welcome to park your car at the gate and walk down to the trail if the parking lot is not open.

Harmon Den WMA – Exit #7 from I-40 leads you through Harmon Den. This is a gorgeous area full of horse and hiking trails to enjoy the natural beauty of the Appalachian mountains. See the “Adventure Driver” directions and the Harmon Den Trail Map for a preview of the area.

Dupont State Forest – South of Asheville is this beautiful forest with lots of trails for hiking and biking, plus many gorgeous waterfalls that are easily accessible on a loop trail.

Trails Closest to Hot Springs Log Cabins:

Spring Creek Nature Trail – This trail gets four paws from Hot Springs Log Cabins pet guests! Accessed from Rocky Bluff Recreation Area, 3 miles north on 209, on your right as you go into Hot Springs. You are always welcome to park your car at the gate and walk down to the trail if the parking lot is not open. Easy 1.6-miles loop along Spring Creek. Let the dogs swim, throw out a fishing line, or just enjoy the sound of rushing water. Lots of beavers in the area too!

Van Cliff Loop – Also from the Rocky Bluff Recreation Area. 2.6 miles. A steep, difficult hike along streams and ridge tops where the forest has reclaimed old farmland. The Trail leaves the south end of the Rocky Bluff Recreation Area, crosses NC 209, and ascends Taylor Hollow Creek.

Max Patch Bald Absolutely, positively, the best hike if you only have time for one! Elevation: 4,692 feet. Drive right out of the driveway onto NC-209, right on Meadow Fork Rd, right on Little Creek Rd, then a last right onto Max Patch Rd for a total distance of 10 miles to the trail head. Be sure to stop at Panther Branch Rd along the way to see a lovely waterfall. Panther Branch dead-ends so head back to Meadow Fork Rd once you have seen the waterfall.

Just one half mile from the parking lot to the top and you have panoramic 360 degree views into Tennessee, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and even all the way to The Blue Ridge Parkway! Max Patch offers a gentle climb across the southernmost bald on the Appalachian Trail to its grassy summit at 4,629 feet. During the warmer seasons, the trail abounds with wildflowers.

Privately owned until 1982, the land covered by the trail had been used for grazing sheep and cattle. An offer to sell to a ski development was fortunately countered by the U.S. Forest Service, which bought the 392 acres for the Appalachian Trail.

Take a jacket as it is often very windy and exercise caution during the winter months as the road to Max Patch may be icy and dangerous even when there is no snow at Hot Springs Log Cabins.

AT Trail from Max Patch: Max Patch can also be the starting point for an AT trail hike to the north (towards Hot Springs) or south (towards The Great Smoky Mountains National Park).

The northern segment travels 20 miles to the town of Hot Springs. The first 7 miles along this segment are easy, gaining less than 1,000 feet in elevation, but the path soon climbs steadily toward the wooded summit of Walnut Mountain (elevation 4,280 feet). After a short stretch on an old roadbed, the trail reaches Catpen Gap and ascends Bluff Mountain (elevation 4,686 feet). From here the trail drops steadily, losing more than 3,000 feet along its 10-mile descent into Hot Springs.

AT Trail access at Gorenflo Gap: The trailhead at Gorenflo Gap is reached via traveling south on 209 for one half mile, then following Gorenflo Gap road for 1.5 miles to the trailhead. From here you can hike into Hot Springs or Upper Shut-In (see below).

Trails from the Silvermine Trailhead in Hot Springs:

Lovers Leap Trail 1.6 mile loop. From the Silvermine Trailhead walk down the road and get on the Appalachian Trail(white blazes) along the French Broad River. After about 0.5 mile the trail climbs steeply to Lover’s Leap ridge where rock outcrops provide great views. Return on the Lover’s Leap Trail(Blue Blazes) and decend to the trailhead.

Pump Gap Loop 4.4 miles. Follow The Lovers Leap Trail from the Silvermine trailhead. At the first major switchback, the Pump Gap Trail goes straight. At the next right fork the trail climbs to the AT at Pump Gap, crosses then returns by a combination of old forest roads and foot trails. The Trail is Moderate in difficulty, offering many changes in elevation and scenery. Can be looped with the Appalachian Trail.

Appalachian Trail from Hot Springs to Allen Gap (14.7 miles, white rectangle blazes). Heading north, the AT crosses the bridge over the French Broad River the jumps the guardrail to the right. The AT follows the river upstream ascends Lover’s Leap Ridge then after 5 miles comes to the grassy meadows and pond of Mill Ridge. The trail then descends to Tanyard Gap where it crosses US 25/70 on an overpass, climbs to the junction of the Roundtop Ridge Trail, passes the Rich Mountain Fire Tower Trail then comes to the junction of FS#467a, FS#422 & FS#3514. Shortly after this junction the trail comes to Hurricane Gap (FS#467). The trail then continues north passing Spring Mountain Shelter and finally coming to NC208 (Allen Gap). A nice loop can be made with the Pump Gap Trail or the Roundtop Ridge Trail. Another loop option begins at Tanyard Gap and returns to Tanyard via the Salt Box Road (FS#3514).

Roundtop Ridge Trail 3.2 miles one way. From the Junction with the Appalachian Trail on Rich Mountain the Roundtop Ridge Trail meanders down the ridge, past old farm fields and through an oak-hickory forest. The Trail ends on Reservoir Road near the Hot Springs Water Tank. Resevoir Road joins the River Road 1/4 mile downstream of US 25/70. This trail can be hiked as a loop with the AT (8.8 miles AT-3.2 Miles Roundtop Ridge-1.5 miles road)

Trails Accessed from Shut-In Road, just outside Hot Springs:

Follow 209 North into Hot Springs, then turn left onto US 25/70 West and follow it for 3 miles, then turn left on Upper Shut-In Road (SR#1183).

Betty Place Trail 1.2 Miles. An Easy loop on a magnificent north-facing slope of Bluff Mountain. The Trailhead is nearly at the end of Upper Shut-In Road on the left. The trail passes remnants of several home sites.

East Fork of Shut-In 2.0 Miles one way. A moderate hike along Shut-In creek from Upper Shut-In road to the Appalachian Trail at Gorenflo Gap. Arrange a shuttle ride with Bluff Mountain Outfitters, us, or another couple as Hot Springs Log Cabins are just 2 miles from the AT trailhead at Gorenflo Gap! So this would be a nice 4 mile hike from Upper Shut-In to the hot tub on your porch!

Trails outside the town of Hot Springs accessed via River Road:

Follow 209 North into Hot Springs and stay on the “main street” through town. This turns into 25/70 East. Follow 25/70 across the French Broad River Bridge. Turn left on River Road (SR #1304). Follow River Road to Murray Branch or Paint Rock.

Murray Branch Picnic Area The Murray Branch Recreation Area is located 6 miles down the French Broad River from Hot Springs. The area offers recreational opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and canoe access to the river. Facilities at Murray Branch, under the shade of pines, include picnic tables, grills, restrooms, water, and two picnic shelters for large groups.

River Ridge Loop Trail 1.3 mile loop. A moderate loop that climbs through a pine forest for a bird’s-eye view of the French Broad River and the surrounding valley. The trail begins across from the Murray Branch Picnic Area.

Jack Branch Trail 2.4 miles one way, blue blazes. A steep, difficult trail that climbs to 2900′ for good views of Hot Springs and the French Broad River. The trail begins on The River Ridge Loop crosses The Polecat Hollow Road (FS#468) and ends at The Shad Road (FS#422).

Paint Rock Trail 1.3 Miles, difficult, distance from Hot Springs-7 miles. Trail begins at Paint Rock 7 miles from Hot Springs via river road. Take FS #54 towards Lone Pine Gap 1/10 mile. Look for trail on left near Forest Service road sign. Trail ascends steeply to the intersection of The Chimney Rocks Trail. There is a beautiful view of Weaver’s Bend and the north side of Bluff Mountain at this trail junction.

Trails Accessed from the junction of US 25/70 & NC 208:

Follow 209 North into Hot Springs and stay on the “main street” through town. This turns into 25/70 East. Follow 25/70 across the French Broad River Bridge to its junction with NC 208.

Laurel River Trail 3.6 miles one-way. Begins near the junction of NC 208 and 25/70 on a dirt road that turns into the trail. Single track on an old railroad grade to the ghost town of Runion where the Laurel empties into the French Broad River. Easy grade. This riverside trail gets four paws from Hot Springs Log Cabins pet guests!

Shelton Laurel Backcountry:

Follow 209 North into Hot Springs and stay on the “main street” through town. This turns into 25/70 East. Follow 25/70, then turn left (north) on NC 208 at the Steady Eddy Coffee Shop until it intersects with NC 212, and take a right. Continue for 6.8 miles to NC 1310, which is known as Hickey Fork Road. Turn left and drive until you see the parking area on the right. The trailhead begins about 200 feet up the road, on the left.

Hickey Fork Waterfall Only 1.1 miles in length, the trail to Hickey Fork Waterfall is strenuous. The falls are rich with growing mosses. The small grottos that can be spotted behind its mist provide a habitat for the spray-cliff natural community. Hike in about 1 mile. At this point, a smaller yet beautiful cascade occurs on the right. To reach the main waterfall, continue another .1 mile. Some bushwhacking is necessary to reach the base of the waterfall. Hemlock, white pine (Pinus strobus), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense and maximum), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), dog-hobble (Viburnum alnifolium), and ferns are all common.

Maps:

There are many available at Bluff Mountain Outfitters

1. National Geographic Trails Illustrated Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests: #782 French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers in TN/NC – excellent overall color map with topography, roads, trails, points of interest, etc. Available online from National Geographic.
2. US Dept. of the Interior Geological Survey modified for USDA Forest Service Use – Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests – Lemon Gap Quadrangle – excellent detailed topographic map for hiking. Available from US Forest Service.
3. USDA Forest Service Appalachian Ranger District – Pisgah National Forest NC – Harmon Den & Hot Springs Area Trail maps – a great color topographic map with clearly marked horse and hiking trails in the area. Available from US Forest Service.
4. USDA Forest Service Grandfather, Toecane, and French Broad River Districts – Pisgah National Forest – another Forest Service map that shows trails and roads. Available from US Forest Service.
5. Madison County North Carolina Street Map – Available in local gas stations or by contacting the Madison County Chamber of Commerce at 1-877-2-MADISON or www.madisoncounty-nc.com.
6. Street Map of Madison County –Marshall, Mars Hill, and Hot Springs – This is probably the best map of the area and is available on line at www.maphill.com.
7. 2 sided map of Asheville/Western North Carolina – available FREE from the visitor’s center in Asheville.

Other Asheville area hikes:

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Dining:

Big Pillow Brewing Company
828-539-1939. Wowsers! Hot Springs has its’ own craft brewery now. Lovely outdoor seating. Also offering hard ciders and other beverages. Sometimes live music or bingo. For food, they feature the Grey Eagle Taqueria for street tacos and such.

The Iron Horse Station
828-622-0022. Casual fare and drinks in a lovely historic downtown Hot Springs location. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week with a tavern, coffeehouse, local artisans, wines, antiques, large screen TV, and FREE Wi-fi.

ArtiSUN Gallery Cafe
828-622-3573. Coffees, wine, baked goods, and ice cream available with a gorgeous collection of local arts and crafts. Right next door to the Iron Horse Station. Has FREE Wi-fi.

Spring Creek Tavern
828-622-0187. Located in Hot Springs next to Spring Creek, it offers casual pub fare and drinks. Sometimes offers live music on weekends. The outdoor balcony overlooking Spring Creek usually allows smoking – this may be a plus or minus for you. Inside seating also available near the wood-fired pizza oven. Well-behaved pooches usually allowed to join you. Call ahead to confirm current smoking and pet policies if this is important to you.

The Smoky Mountain Diner
828-622-7571. Breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Good country fried steak or chicken caesar salad. Pizzas available in house or to go. Great strawberry rhubarb pie. Open year round, but get there early as they close at 7PM.

Trust General Store and Cafe
828-622-7400. At the junction of 209 and 63 (about 9 miles south of Hot Springs Log Cabins), The Trust General Store is next door featuring a nice grocery store, fishing supplies, gas, and the Mountain Home Properties real estate office. Please call ahead for hours.

Zuma Coffee Shop
Downtown Historic Marshall. 828-622-1617. Good coffee and great lunches right on historic Main Street. Free Wifi.

Salsa’s
6 Patton Ave. – Downtown Asheville) 828-252-9805. Exquisite novel Mexican fare. The Poppers will make you cry so order a Perfect Margarita too.

Yao’s
(formerly Asiana Grand Buffet- 153 Smoky Park Hwy in Asheville, just east from I-40 exit #44. 828-667-0410. Massive Asian buffet featuring many Chinese dishes, soups, salads, desserts, sushi, noodle bar, and peel to eat shrimp!

Dave’s 209

13075 Hwy 209 Hot Springs. 828-622-0001. They offer amazing food, games, free WiFi and a view that some people pay big bucks to see!

Vinyl Pies

164 Bridge Street, On the Appalachian Trail. 828-682-8850

Vaste Riviere

158 Bridge St, Hot Springs. Gourmet Market that serves craft beer, fine wine and delicious homemade plates.

Star Diner

828-649-9900. They offer contemporary food in a nostalgic setting in Marshall. Reservations highly recommended.

Mad Co Brewing and Pizza

45 N. Main Street, Marshall. 828-649-8600

Other dining options in Asheville: Click Here

Massage in Hot Springs:

The Hot Springs Spa 828-622-7676. Call ahead to book a natural mineral bath and body treatment. The most unique “spa” in the US and the only natural mineral baths in North Carolina! Excellent therapists. Take the waters by booking your own private riverside tub for an hour or two of indulgent relaxation. (You can also bring a bottle of champagne and cheese and crackers – or provision yourself on the way in at “The Camp Store”.) Please note that this is a great and unique experience as the “tubs” are set outside along Spring Creek and The French Broad River.

The Muscle Whisperer 770-601-4871. Located inside of the Iron Horse Station Inn, second floor at 24 Andrews Ave S, Hot Springs. You can also visit them inside Marshall Acupuncture & Herb Clinic, located at 177 Bailey's Branch Rd., Suite B, Marshall, NC.

Flowers:

Shady Side Florist: 828-649-3343 is located in Marshall, but they are happy to deliver flowers to the cabins. Please contact them directly to request flowers and arrange payment.  Let us know about your flowers so we can keep an eye out for their arrival. Flowers cannot be delivered prior to 11AM on the day of your arrival. Sunday arrivals may want to request them to “surprise her” with flower delivery on Monday morning. Visit their website and receive 10% off your order!

Weddings:

Elope Asheville: We have also had rave reviews about them and they do Max Patch weddings too.

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Asheville:

The Biltmore Estate 828-225-1333. See their website for all the info! If you are arriving or leaving Hot Springs Log Cabins on a Sunday, you may wish to visit The Biltmore on your way. The Deerpark Restaurant on Biltmore Estate offers up a lovely Sunday Brunch, but make sure to allow time to see the house, the gardens, and the winery too! The Biltmore is in south Asheville and is reached via exit #50 from I-40 and is a little over an hour from Hot Springs Log Cabins.

The Grove Park Inn 1-800-438-5800. Huge old stone hotel that features fine dining, a world class spa, golf, and beautiful views over Asheville.

The WNC Nature Center 828-259-8080.

The North Carolina Arboretum 828-665-2492.

Asheville Trolley Tours 828-251-8687. This is a great way to get introduced to Asheville as the trolley tours you through Montford, Downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village, and The Grove Park Inn. Go early so you have time to get on and off as you like.

The Folk Art Center 828-298-7928. Located directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway with beautiful crafts from local artists.

Asheville Downtown Art Galleries Art galleries in downtown Asheville.

Arts & Crafts homes of Montford

Explore Asheville

Top 60 Asheville Area Attractions

Asheville Area Waterfalls:

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Driving Destinations:

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Cade’s Cove and the Roaring Fork Nature Trail are well worth the drive but do tend to be crowded so plan to go early in the day. Or skip the rampant commercialism of Cherokee, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge and visit the Cataloochee area in the SE corner (reached via exit 20 from I-40). A walking trail of historic buildings is found here along with the recently reintroduced Elk.

Blue Ridge Parkway The section from Asheville west to 23/74 (near Waynesville) is the prettiest of all the Parkway in my opinion. The views are stupendous and it makes a perfect driving excursion from Hot Springs Log Cabins. Here is a local guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway: Click Here