Turkey Pen Gap Trail is a 6.2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Mills River, North Carolina and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and trail running and is best used from March until May. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
hiking
trail running
Mountain Views, Lush valleys, Long walk beside the river Beginning the hike you start to climb. The first mile and a half is a descent incline (at one point you will climb 600 feet in less than a quarter of a mile. Take lots of water because the first 2 miles are dry. This hike is beautifl during the fall because you can see a greater distance. There are great views on the way up. If you can survive the first hour and a half, it is literally all down hill from there. You will descent from Sharpy Mountain for about a half of mile and then you will climb again for 200 or 300 feet. At that time, (this should be about 2 hours into your hike), you will see a trail that goes to the right- Wagon Road Gap. Follow this trail down. After a short distance, you will feel like you found the Garden of Eden. Once you get to a large opening, you will hear the river. Turn right onto South Mills River Trail. It will lead right to the river. You will find a trail back 100 feet that goes to the right and to a swinging bridge.
The first few miles were extremely muddy, making any type of running difficult. Make sure you wear waterproof boots. The Wagon Road Gap trail was a peaceful walk through the woods, getting a bit strenuous near the end. The last couple miles were a tad annoying. I could have knit a spider silk sweater from all of the webs I walked through. Saw a black bear running away into the woods. I did enjoy the two suspension bridges. I think this would have been more enjoyable biking. It will also help if you have a 4x4 vehicle, as the road up is a bit rough.
Be sure to bring extra hiking shoes and socks! Most of the bridges are washed out! Also download the map from pro before heading out because the trail is not marked and very overrun. Be ready for an all out hike with many challenges including wading rushing water.
Not well marked but nice trail
Well marked trail, lightly traveled. Looks fun for horse back riding. No vistas.
Has a great range from fast pace down hill riding to slow long gentle slopes. Also great views
Pretty tough at the beginning but quickly levels out and is mostly flat. Enjoyable but no overlooks or anything spectacular.
Hiked. I found it to be very difficult. There is supposed to have been an intersecting trail so I could get back. I never found it. I will hike it again.
Great trail that borders the S Mills . there are parts that are strenuous but worth it. Trail contains great creek side camp sites. Good trout fishing on S. Mills also.
Great Hike, First 2 miles is rough but worth it. Great camping spot at the north end of Wagon Road trail.
Solid climb to start it off and get to cross the river near the end. The water is chilly in February. Good hike
awesome trail, great destinations, overlook the horse poop.