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A little-used but fun wilderness hike in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness area.


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Map Key

9.9

Miles

15.9

KM

Loop

5,065' 1,544 m

High

2,578' 786 m

Low

2,649' 807 m

Up

2,650' 808 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

56%

Max Grade (29°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Overview

A nice loop hike with a side trip up Big Scaly Mountain for some impressive views of the area.

Description

From the parking area on the side of the road, go south and look out for the trailhead. Sometimes it's marked, and sometimes not. It heads due east, climbing over a steep ridgeline before descending to Beech Creek. From there it follows along the creek for a few miles. Look out for side trails to a couple of different waterfalls.

From the start, it's a pretty good climb, constantly gaining elevation until you reach Case Knife Gap. From there, across from an established camping area, you can leave the main Beech Creek Trail and ascend Big Scaly Mountain for some spectacular views of the area. The sunsets from the top are unparalleled,

The descent on the other side is shorter and steeper, mostly following an old logging road. Once you reach the end of the trail at Tate City Road (gravel), it's about a mile and a half or so back to your starting point.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Pennell

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 6 votes

#3764

Overall
  4.0 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#150

in North Carolina

#3,764

Overall
14 Views Last Month
2,709 Since Aug 27, 2017
Difficult Difficult

0%
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33%
67%
0%

Photos

The view atop Big Scaly Mountain, Jan 2019.
Mar 4, 2020 near Hayesville, NC
Hiking along the Beech Creek Trail on a foggy afternoon.
Mar 6, 2020 near Hayesville, NC
The falls at the peak of the climb.
Jul 20, 2020 near Hayesville, NC
Day one of our Beech Creek trip.
Aug 27, 2017 near Hayesville, NC
beech creek
Dec 20, 2018 near Hayesville, NC
big scaldy
Dec 20, 2018 near Hayesville, NC
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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

May 29, 2023
Glint Gossamer
9.8mi — 3h 43m
Dec 27, 2021
Tony Green
Nov 28, 2020
James Hervey
Truly one of the most incredible hikes in the area. View from Big Scaly is hard to beat. Lots of blow down. Bring a GPS 12mi — 10h 00m
Jul 19, 2020
Sandi Yoder
Feb 9, 2019
Tim Tate
9.9mi
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