Trace Ridge Trail - Strenuous 8m 2100ft

 

This loop trail begins at the Trace Ridge Trail Head and heads up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, across the Shut-In trail, and back down the Bad Fork trail.  The last half mile of the hike will be on a forest road.

 

The hike is rated “Strenuous” by the National Park Service with a rating of 183.  Strenuous hikes will challenge most hikers and only well prepared hikers should attempt these. The terrain will involve steady and often steep inclines.  If you’ve never hiked a “strenuous” level hike before, please DO NOT sign up for this one.  

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.

 

We will meet at 9:45 AM at the “Trace Ridge Trail Head” in Horseshoe, NC.  This is an unpaved forest road. This location is available in both Google Maps and Waze navigation.  Be sure you are familiar with the meetup location prior to your departure.  Many of these trailheads do not have cell service.  My vehicle will be displaying an American flag.  We will begin the hike promptly at 10:00 AM.