Miles: 2.6
Difficulty Level: Moderate
A 2.6-mile moderate hike along the Appalachian Trail traverses a wooden Swinging Bridge over the Tye River, and travels through stands of mountain laurel and rhododendron to the Harpers Creek Shelter (AT) and Harper’s Creek, where the water gurgles through the large cascading rocks. Multiple campsites are on each side of the creek, and there’s a vault toilet up the hill from the shelter.
Directions
From State Route 56 at Crabtree Falls: Take SR 56 east for approximately 3-4 miles. The Appalachian Trail crosses SR 56 and a AT parking lot is available to the right (South side) of SR 56. Head across the street from the parking lot (North) on the AT across the Swinging Bridge, and continue up the trail towards Harper’s Creek Shelter.