Green River Gorge & Bear Branch Loop 7.5m 2500ft

I’ve never visited this trail but my topo map suggests this 7.5 mile, 2500’ loop will begin with a VERY steep incline for the first couple of miles (hiking CCW).  At the top there are some great views of the gorge and the last couple of miles of our hike will run adjacent to the Green River where rapids can get pretty intense.

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The hike is rated at the high end of “Strenuous” by the National Park Service with a rating of 194.  Strenuous hikes will challenge most hikers and only well prepared hikers should attempt these. The terrain will involve steady and often steep inclines.

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/how-to-determine-hiking-difficulty.htm

 

By signing up for my hiking events, you are acknowledging that you are fully capable of handling the physical requirements of the hike and will take sole responsibility for yourself in the event you become separated from the group. Bring a trail map in the event you find the hike too fast or difficult and need to return back to the trailhead.

 

If you’ve never hiked a “strenuous” hike before, please DO NOT sign up for this one.  

 

We will meet at 9:45 AM at the “Green River Cove Trailhead” on Green River Cove Rd in Saluda NC.  This location is available in both Google Maps and Waze navigation. This is not a large parking area so participation will be limited.  Be sure you are familiar with the meetup location prior to your departure.  Many of these trail heads do not have cell service.

 

We will begin the hike promptly at 10:00 AM.