South Mills River Trail

South Fork Mills River Trail: An Enigma Wrapped in Natural Beauty and Overgrowth

Essential Information: What You Need To Know Before You Go

• Distance: 14 mi
• Level: Intermediate
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Location: Brevard, North Carolina

Getting There: Preparing for an Adventure or a Challenge

From Bent Creek Rd. and Hwy 191, drive southeast for approximately 8 miles through Mills River. Turn southwest on Hwy 280 and continue for 15 miles until reaching Turkeypen Rd. The trail head is 1 mile up this road. Caution is advised; the road is deeply rutted, and a high-centered vehicle is recommended. If that's not an option, park at the bottom but make sure to leave room for the school bus to maneuver.

Trail Overview: Beauty Marred by Neglect

While this trail showcases the natural beauty of Pisgah, with a scenic route running parallel to the South Fork Mills River, it has a duality that riders need to be aware of. The first part of the journey from the Turkey Pen trailhead to the Castrail trailhead provides a flat and smooth riding experience, making it one of the fastest sections in the Pisgah 55.5K. Riders can expect an easy out-and-back trail with several suspension bridge crossings and some shallow fords, leading to the site of the old Cantrell Lodge.

Features to Expect:

• Terrain: Predominantly flat and smooth
• Scenery: River and feeder creeks run alongside most of the trail
• Special Features: Suspension bridges and fords
• Accessibility: Overgrown sections past the second bridge

Ride at Your Own Risk: A Tale of Overgrowth and Frustration

The story changes dramatically past the Castrail trailhead, heading towards Squirrel Gap. The trail becomes so overgrown it's nearly impassable. Fallen trees, thick underbrush and numerous, often deep, river crossings make this part of the trail a literal obstacle course. With brush on both sides often touching, expect to come out with a plethora of scratches on your legs and hands.

Pro Tips for Those Who Venture:

1. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching the trailhead.
2. Prepare for multiple water crossings; they range from knee to waist deep.
3. Avoid the section between the Cantrell Creek and Squirrel Gap; it's heavily overgrown.
4. Be prepared for a challenging experience if you decide to complete the full trail.

Final Thoughts: A Trail of Two Halves

South Fork Mills River Trail has the potential to offer one of the more enjoyable non-technical rides in Pisgah. However, the trail currently feels like an enigma; inviting at the outset but increasingly challenging and frustrating as you venture deeper. While the initial sections offer fast and flat terrains beside a beautiful river, the latter part will test your mettle and patience due to its lack of maintenance. With its current condition, it's a trail best enjoyed in parts rather than in its entirety.