Fires Creek Rim Trail

“has anyone hiked this trail. It is located in the western section of NC. It makes a loop of about 21 miles.

http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/fires_creek_trail.pdf”

“I have - it was about 8 years ago though.

Its a nice hike, but water was tricky to find, there's a couple of springs along the way but they were NOT well marked. The trail itself was kinda hard to find and keep in sections too. It was fun though - it seemed remote when we were out there and we didn't see a single person in the three days we were out.”

“thanks Roam, I was hoping you had hiked it or knew someone who had. I did find a site that has a trail guide book on it and the Bartram trail for 20.00 not a bad price for 4 trail guide books.

http://www.geocities.com/j3hnr3y/purchase.html”

“That is a good price - when are ya gonna head over there. There's a great BBQ place in Hayesville (leastway there used to be) that's right on the main drag thru town for after the hike.

We did get messed up right out of the parking lot following blue blazes that went down the creek. Remember, if your not climbing out of the parking lot your on the wrong trail. It might be marked better now, but it might be worse too.”

“not sure yet, I booked marked it. Being in the south I know not to go during the summer. It would make a good late fall or early spring trip.

Also looking at the Foothills Trail. I would thru-hike it since it is only 70+ miles”

“I did Fires Creek over 4th of July - its actually got enough elevation and sits mostly on the ridge (breezes) that its tolerable in the summer.”

“as an update, this trail is now very well marked. it still isnt frequently maintained, but you won't have trouble finding the way anymore like it used to me.

the guy who wrote those guidebooks, along with friends, personally adopted the Fires Creek Rim and Chunky Gal Trails and went out and blazed them himself. And he did a good job at it too. The blazes are now metal rectangles in the trees and much more frequent and visible than previous.

He also does what he can to maintain it too, so it's better to walk now than before as well.

If you hike it and agree, shoot that guy and email and thank him for his work on that trail.”

“That's pretty cool pj - that trail was almost disappeared in sections. But it was a real nice hike up on the ridge all the way around. I'm glad someone had the time and inclination to take it on.”

“PJ, thanks for the update on this trail. I may try and make this a fall trip”

“My neighbour raves about the Fires Creek area - she horseback rides and keeps telling me I should check it out. The Foothills trail is super cool and I can't wait to do it too. I did a short section along the Chattooga from the paved road to Kings Falls with Gem. Very nice except campsites along the way are real popular. Good swimming holes - I think we went in July.”

“I still have FHT on the list of things to do. Hopefully I will get it done between Christmas and New Years this year.”

“Fires Creek sucks. Do not go there. Go to Shining Rock”

“yeppers - along with the Cumberland Trail...”

“I hiked the Fires Creek Rim trail mid April 07. I accessed it via the Old Road Gap Trail that goes up to County Corners from FS 7099. In addition to guidebook author John Ray working on the trail, there is some maintenance being done by local horse riders. In fact much to my surprise, I ran into 3 ladies on horseback with a pruning saw who were cutting some of the obstruction as they went! A storm was looming so I cut my trip short by descending into the basin via the Little Fires Creek Trail and ascending via the Trail Ridge Trail to Big Stamp. It is pretty well marked and I had little problem following the main tread.”

“Just wanted to let the group know that through alot of hard work, ALL of the trails in the Fires Creek area have been cleared, re blazed, signed and opened. Come out and have a look”

“Thanks rj. I'm trying to get up there at the first of the year for a weekend trip. Does anyone know where to still find the trailguide by Ray? All posts seem to be too old and the links outdated.”