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A tough trail over knobs and ridges.


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Map Key

6.3

Miles

10.1

KM

Point to Point

5,258' 1,603 m

High

3,426' 1,044 m

Low

2,251' 686 m

Up

419' 128 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The Haoe Lead Trail originates near the Maple Springs Observation Point on Maple Springs Road. Beginning at 3300 feet, the trail winds along ridges and intersects six trails by the time it ends at Haoe (HAY-oh) (5250 feet). Near the terminus is the Hangover Overlook with which offers incredible panoramas of mountains and lakes.

Beginning at the overlook, the trail climbs about a mile to the intersection with the Deep Creek Trail at mile 0.90. The first few miles are not well maintained, so pay close attention to the trail in this section. The trail continues up along Haoe Lead, which offers great ridge line views, but no water sources. At 3.5 miles, you'll intersect the Jenkins Meadow Trail on the left.

After Jenkins Meadow, the trail becomes easier to follow as you ascend to the peak with a tough final climb to mile 4.8 at the intersection with the Hangover Lead Trail # 56.

The next 0.9 miles are a gentle descent with stellar views on both sides of the ridge until the intersection with Naked Ground and Slickrock Creek trails at mile 5.7. There is great camping at this junction and water a short hike down the Slickrock Creek Trail.

The last 0.6 miles is a climb up to the Stratton Bald Trail #54 at mile 6.3. A short jaunt further will take you to some great campsites and views from Stratton Bald.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ben King

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#4

in Tapoco

#8977

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#4

in Tapoco

#329

in North Carolina

#8,977

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1,254 Since Mar 29, 2017
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Photos

The upper terminus of the Jenkins Meadow Trail (right) with the Haoe Lead Trail (left), just below Jenkins Meadow. Both trails are extremely overgrown.
Jul 10, 2024 near Robbins…, NC
Camping site at Naked Ground
Jan 7, 2019 near Robbins…, NC
Wolf Laurel Trail intersection with Benton MacKaye Trail #2
Jan 7, 2019 near Robbins…, NC
Prepare to turn
Jan 7, 2019 near Robbins…, NC

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Check-Ins

Apr 5, 2019
Willie Owens
Mar 11, 2017
Jack Deb
It was very difficult we hiked in with old military pack. The trail was burnt because of the wildfire that went through. We tried to make it to hao... 24mi
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