Lickstone Gap Road

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Lickstone Gap Road is an easily accessed, year-round trail, that provides access to many frequently accessed trails along the northern and eastern boundaries of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow along the northern edge of the Middle Prong of the West Fork of the Pigeon River, as you climb deep into the remote wilderness that is the Middle Prong Wilderness. Along the way, you'll have several opportunities to venture right off trails edge to view a few small unnamed waterfalls.

Lickstone Gap Road is a gravel forest service road located in the Middle Prong Wilderness of Haywood County in Western North Carolina. With easy year-round access, this trail is perfect for a quick afternoon out-and-back hike, or for a more lengthy hike that can extend to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail can be accessed by parking either directly beside NC-215 or by turning right onto the beginning of Lickstone Gap Road if approaching from Canton or left if from the BRP. After turning, you'll continue straight until crossing through the Righthand Prong of the West Fork of the Pigeon River before reaching a gate that marks the beginning of the hike.

There is a gate at the beginning of the road that prevents vehicle access, so the trail is quite quiet.

Though all trails in Middle Prong Wilderness are unblazed and unmarked for protection of wilderness status, this wide gravel road is easy to follow. Continue on the gravel road for 1.9 miles and through two major switchbacks before reaching a split with Haywood Gap Trail. Lickstone Gap Road continues further into the wilderness if you choose to remain on trail and proceed further, or you can turnaround for a refreshing descent to the trailhead.

Lickstone Gap Road in the Middle Prong Wilderness is a great trail for viewing many different species of plants and wildlife. Many Western North Carolina favorites can be found here, including black bears, bald eagles, deer, etc. You can also find tall stands of aged hardwoods, including poplars and oaks. During the spring and summer, the forest floor around the trail is often littered with many species of wildflowers. This trail is perfect for a quick peak leaf season journey through the woods.