Bald Mountain Creek Preserve Outer Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

From the big views of the higher mountains to the cozy waterfall.

From the parking lot trail, you start off on Bald Mountain Creek Loop. You start by cutting along the side of the hill before it meets an old logging road. A 1/3 mile in you pass the Weaver Knob Loop while staying just above the healthy creek and it's abundant rhododendrons.

About a half mile in you turn right and through the powerline corridor onto Panther Knob Loop.

Just after the corridor, you pass where the hike closes its loop. Head uphill to the right to more quickly get to the overlook. Currently the overlook is not a very open view but it gives hints of the majesty of the mountains you are surrounded by. Continue along through this mature forest that is spotted with cascading streams and steep mountainsides until you eventually meet back at the beginning.

Turn right onto Bald Mountain Creek Loop, and after a few hundred feet you turn right onto the Waterfall Loop.

The first half mile moves through a powerline corridor. This might sound unpleasant but it provides lots of opportunities to see song birds and wildflowers.

Once you move back into the forest you head along an old logging road that pushes up through mature forest. Soon you arrive at a lovely picnic spot along the gently cascading creek.

Leaving the picnic area you make your way to a gravel road. Stay to the left as you head down the road which provides some bigger views of the area.

Peel off to the left on another old logging road that drops down to end at the Bald Mountain Creek Loop.

A few hundred feet into the loop you turn right and uphill to meet the Weaver Knob Loop. Wind your way up through thick forest and then boulder fields. About a mile into this trail, it drops down to an old logging road where you want to stay to the left. Cross the Bucktown Loop and then cross the Bald Mountain Creek. Turn right and you are soon back in the parking lot.

Southeastern Trust For Parks and Land have protected and developed this land.