Waterfall Hero Hikes: Shelton Laurel Pisgah

The Shelton Laurel Backcountry Area is located in northern Madison County along the Tennessee state line. This remote area of Pisgah National Forest contains hardwood forests and coves in the mountainside with cascading waterfalls tumbling down. The creeks and tributaries drain into Shelton Laurel Creek, which flows into Big Laurel Creek and then French Broad River. There are almost 15 miles of hiking trails throughout the area, many of which connect with the Appalachian Trail providing countless opportunities for hiking and backpacking.

Map:

Trails:

Hickey Fork Trail (#292):

Length: 2.6 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Blaze: Yellow Triangle

Hickey Fork Trail starts from along FR-465. After crossing East Prong Hickey Fork on a footbridge, the trail leads into the West Prong Hickey Fork drainage, passing cascades and waterfalls. It ends at Pounding Mill Trail at Seng Gap.

Jerry Miller Trail (#286):

Length: 4.5 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Blaze: Yellow Triangle

Formerly known as Whiteoak Flats Trail, Jerry Miller Trail is named for a US Attorney who worked to protect national forests and their visitors in western North Carolina and whose maternal ancestors, the Sheltons, have lived in the area since the 18th century. The trailhead is along FR-111. After crossing Big Creek on a footbridge, the trail follows Whiteoak Flats Branch, passing Whiteoak Flats Falls. The trail climbs up and terminates at the Appalachian Trail at Bearwallow Gap.

Points of Interest:

Camp Creek Bald Lookout Tower:

Camp Creek Bald Lookout Tower is right off the Appalachian Trail near the intersection with Pounding Mill Trail. The top is closed, but you can climb the ladder for a view.