Waterfall Hero Hikes: Big Ivy-Coleman Boundary

The Big Ivy/Coleman Boundary in Pisgah National Forest is a pristine and ecologically rich area located in western North Carolina in Buncombe County. Encompassing over 13,000 acres, this region is renowned for its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The area features some of the oldest and most biodiverse forests in the Appalachian range, with a mix of old-growth and second-growth timber. The Big Ivy/Coleman Boundary is also a haven for botanists and nature enthusiasts, home to rare plant species and a variety of birdlife, making it a cherished gem within the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

Map:

Trails:

Bear Pen Trail (#176)

Length: 1.5 miles

Blaze: Orange

Difficulty: Difficult

Bear Pen Trail starts at FR-74 across from Staire Creek Trail and heads up for 1.5 miles, ending at Laurel Gap Trail.

Douglas Falls Trail (#162)

Length: 2.7 miles (0.5 miles to Douglas Falls)

Blaze: White

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Douglas Falls Trail starts from the end of FR-74 and leads 1/2 mile to Douglas Falls. After this point, it climbs up to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Craggy Gardens.

Laurel Gap Trail (#184)

Length: 7.0 miles

Blaze: None

Difficulty: Moderate

Laurel Gap Trail starts from along FR-74 and follows an old gated road, intersecting with Bear Pen, Perkins, Little Andy and Upper Corner Rock Trails to provide numerous loop opportunities. The trail is somewhat overgrown, but has fantastic wildflowers in the summer.

Perkins Trail (#175)

Length: 1.2 miles

Blaze: Orange

Difficulty: Difficult

Perkins Trail starts along FR-74 across from Walker Creek Trail and heads up a ridge along Walker Branch, ending at Laurel Gap Trail.

Snowball Trail (#170)

Length: 3.0 miles

Blaze: White

Difficulty: Moderate

Snowball Trail starts from the Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Craggy Gardens and follows a ridgeline to the site of the Snowball Fire Tower, though the tower is no longer there.

Staire Creek Trail (#183)

Length:1.2 miles

Blaze: Orange

Difficulty: Difficult

Staire Creek Trail splits off from Walker Creek Trail and follows Staire Branch upstream past large boulders and scenic cascades, ending at FR-74 across from Bear Pen Trail.

Walker Creek Trail (#165)

Length: 1.8 miles

Blaze: Orange

Difficulty: Difficult

Walker Creek Trail starts from a trailhead on FR-231 and follows Walker Branch upstream. Staire Creek Trail splits shortly after the start. The trail climbs steeply up a ridge above Walker Branch and ends at FR-74 across from Perkins Trail.