Moormans River Overnight Loop via Appalachian Trail

Great hike and lots of swimming options, especially for us since we chose a weekend of torrential downpours. This made fording the rivers a bit of an adventure. Started at Turk Gap and, on the recommendation of a buddy, hit the trail counter clockwise. It was mostly down hill or level for the first 12 miles or so. We started climbing right when we were looking for a spot to camp for the night. Unfortunately, the northern portion of the loop is bordered by private property on either side (as noted by signs and barbed wire) and lacks much level terrain. We ended up hitting the AT and heading north another .8 miles up and then down to black rock spring where there was a shelter and ample camp sites. May have been due to the several days of rain, but the camp site was pretty packed w/ thru hikers. Finished the second day heading back south down the AT, where we experienced some moderate climbs intermixed with gradual climbs. Only regret is that we didn’t go on a warmer day when the mandatory swimming (ie river fords) would have been recreational, vice a challenge to surmount. Hike would be much more scenic during spring or fall. Clicked 21.4 miles over the two days. Over all a great hike!

Hiked it this weekend. Great river fordes!

Didn’t expect the Moormans river section to be partially two-tracked, but it was still a beautiful trail with plenty to see!

It was long trail but good.

Did this whole route. Followed the NPS recommendation and started at the Turk Gap parking lot. Did part of the AT then turned onto the North Fork Moorman's trail. Spent the night after 10 miles. I was visited by 2 black bears while filtering my water. As soon as I stood up they took off like lightning, not to be heard of again. Make sure to bring a bear bag and hang your food. After talking to the ranger on my way out he said there are about 400 hundred bears in the park. Not aggressive, but still hang your food.

Hiked 8 more miles to finish back to the Turk Gap parking The last 2.5 miles coming back on the Turk Gap Branch Trail was about 1000 feet of elevation gain in that short trek. Was definitely doable but challenging.

The leaves were changing colors and the river was really low. It was a beautiful hike.

Followed the NPS recommendation for this loop. Start at Turk Gap parking, north along AT, over to North Fork Moorman's, then picking up South Fork Moorman's trail for a very beautiful final 7ish miles. There's some great secluded swimming along this loop, but maybe I shouldn't say exactly where? Have fun!

Oh, and while parts of the trail are easy as noted by AllTrails, the full loop is moderately strenuous, especially the final elevation gain.

We did 4 miles out and and back for the sole purpose of swimming. Falls were low at the end of June, but there are plenty of beautiful spots to plunge in along the way.

Easy hike. The watering hole is great for kids and pets.

We did a shorter hike. It was about 2.5 miles from the parking lot near the reservoir. 3 river crossings, lots of beautiful swimming holes (including one at the bottom of Big Branch Falls.)