Lost Cove Creek Trail (262)

Amazing hike with the wife and two kids, 8 & 12. As many people said the trail is not well marked and overgrown with fallen trees at time but this added to the adventure. Did not research the trail in advance but glad we went counter clockwise because it put all our unexpected water crossings at or near the end of the trail. Unfortunately being January and 4:30pm we had no time to turn back so we had to go bare foot and hike up our pant legs and brave the cold! Could had done with a few less water crossings but we all appreciated the challenge . Definitely like to come in the summer and go straight to some swimming holes we saw.

Absolutely hate this trail. Worst marked trail ever. Overgrown, bushwhacking, narrow single track, no views, steep, several deep water crossings. There are far better trails out there to go on than waste a few hours on this hike. Not enjoyable at all. I don’t have kids but wouldn’t recommend this trail for kids. Doable for water savvy, hike savvy dogs. Will never hike this trail again.

Hiked this trail on 10-03-2020, and let me tell you this is the worse trail I have been on in a National Forest. We parked off of Roseboro rd and started out going clockwise as we did not see another trailhead entrance. The trail was marked with white round circles and very clear. Very nice scenery and waterfalls, and river crossings. At first we took off our shoes but after the third time decided to leave them on and be wet, and you will get wet , up to your knees. Now at 4.2 miles in you’ll come to two large waterfalls and large pools, very nice. As you walk pass them on your left side you see small set of stairs and a white round circle on a tree, so you think that is the way to go, no need you break out your map, but boy you should have, because this is not the trail, it goes to a small parking lot about .8 up! So after returning to the stairs we look around and finally see an Orange ribbon hanging from a branch and on the other side of the river is another Orange ribbon and so the trails starts to disappear here. On the other side you must have your map or phone, with Alltrails out to figure out where to go as there are no marks at all. Once on the trail you’ll see an Orange ribbon only at the river crossings, nothing else. Now the BAD spot!. You’ll come to a sign that says “Fly fishing only” There will be a camp site on your right and what looks like, (and it is) a trail going left around and up. We think this is the trail and don’t even check our maps or phone. Well, about a mile up we both think somethings not right and sure enough we are off the trail by a MILE!. We return to the sign and look around for any markings as to where to go. So thru the campsite and down to the river and there hanging in the tree is one small ribbon and about 75-100 yards away is another ribbon before you cross the river. On the other side is a sign that says 2 miles to Roseboro rd. Now this part of the trail is also not marked at all, you will start to hike up and I mean up. We went from the river to the top of Bee Mountain, 1800 feet up. This part of the trail is VERY STEEP! And not marked. Once on top again, map or phone will help you find the trail as no marks are to be found. You will have to keep your phone/map out to find the 262 trail, if not you will go straight onto 261 trail and not make it back on time. So, once on the final 1.1-1.5 back you’ll see only a few Yellow circles on trees very few. We made it back to the car after 10.3 miles and 8 ½ hours of hiking and that’s with only a few stops. Worse trail in a National Forest because lack of markings.

We did the counterclockwise. It may seem that there is NO trail. With fallen trees, muddy trail, and overgrown weeds... it may seem like no trail. FOLLOW the Alltrails map. You will need to go over or under so many trees. You start the trail on the left pass the parking lot and after you crossed the bridge. It may look like there is no trail that's why make sure you have the AllTrail map download. Some trails are NOT well marked esp not from counterclockwise. This is not a hike you can wing it. Preparation is definitely a must. Millions of grown vegetation. Plenty of snakes to hide. This is by far the most challenging difficult hike I've done in NC. But in the end, it is rewarding. The name of LOST COVE is definitely fitting. Must Carry/Bring: Hiking Poles (life saver!!!!!) Water shoes Flip flip after hike Hiking shoes Snake chaps (thank goodness!) Backpack Water bottles Mosquito repellent Small first aid kits (you'll never know when u need it). Change of clothes Towels Bandana This is definitely a bucket checklist for me. I'd never ever crossed a stream that MUCH in my life. The poles helps u find best secure place to step. The current is strong. You will get wash away. U will be taking breaks in between steep climbs but keep going and rewarding in the end. Again, most trails are NOT maintained. Hence, snake chaps. Glad no poison ivy rash and snake bite. Download the AllTrail map. YOU WILL GET LOST WITHOUT IT! We did the entire loop which is about 8.4 miles bec we got lost. We started the hike at 10:40am and finished it at the parking lot by 6:40pm. <iframe class="alltrails" src="https://www.alltrails.com/widget/recording/recording-may-31-07-12-pm-45be583?u=i" width="100%" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" title="AllTrails: Trail Guides and Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running"></iframe>

Went counterclockwise. Got off trail because very poorly marked especially the last 2 miles.

This area is not well marked, come in prepared. Ok so this entire loop is marked on the map as one single trail. The Lost Cove Creek Trail. However, half of this trail is marked with white blazes and has a clearly defined footpath, and the other half has no blazes and the trail is fairly easy to lose at certain points. The trail is also closer to 8 miles than 7. If you want to start on the southeast side you have to cross the creek to get to the white blazed trailhead. If you want to start on the northwest side, you have to take the trail at the end of the cutoff road right before the bridge. Once you get the end of the cutoff road the trailhead will be on your right. Then you'll see a fork and you should stay right to climb up to Bee Mountain. If you go left you head to the timber ridge trail. Aside from the confusing layout, the trail itself is pretty awesome. Theres lots of water crossings (you will get wet), a few high quality waterfalls, and a little overlook. It's a solid workout too, there's some steep sections. I will definitely be back to hike again and possibly camp. There's tons of great campsites along the trail.

Trail was good. Had a few down trees but nothing too serious. Water level is up more than normal but not crazy just very cold. Wind was a little bad in spots but not too bad with a good jacket. Overall a great hike. Will be back.

Park at the primitive lot off Roseborough Road and make sure you begin your ascent on the NW side of the spur creek (I started on the SE and ended up having to backtrack). The climb up Bee Mountain was alternately pleasant and grueling as slight ascents were followed by muddy 25-30% scrambles. Once at the top, I opted for the Timber Hollow Ridge Trail and was glad I did! The trail slowly descends to the MST near the confluence of Lost Cove Creek and Gragg Prong and has a beautiful view of Grandfather Mountain about halfway down. From here I hiked upstream on the MST past 5 medium to major waterfalls and sliding rocks, ultimately back to my car. Couple of bits of advice: be ready for muddy and rocky scrambling, lost of blowdown and 3-4 not unpleasant water crossings. Upper Gragg Prong Falls has a magnificent 8 foot deep pool just below a 10 foot waterfall. Perfect for swimming!