Faulkner Flats

Dogs Leashed

Access from other trail's parking location. This trail split with a sign post indicating Shortoff Mountain Trail at the top.

From the Wolf Pit Trail, continuing straight ahead at the split and signpost proceeds along a fairly flat area at around 1800 feet elevation for a short distance after which it begins to turn and roll off toward a lower part of the mountain and eventually to the Linville River. Although most of the trail is narrow, it is easy to identify with its lightly-sanded surface until it makes a noticeable turn where it opens up to a wonderful view toward the southwest.

From there you can begin to see Lake James in the distance and encounter an increasingly rougher terrain while making the descent navigating along exposed rock and some roots. Much of the trail is shaded, especially in the morning when the sun is on the more wooded side. At last you reach the bottom where another split continues along and back up the Shortoff Mountain Trail overlap with the Mountains-to-See Trail just before ending at the river.

Remains of burnt landscape is visible around the top portion of the trail.