Bennett Gap

Trailhead & finish: Bennett Gap Parking Area

Blaze Color: Red

Hiking Distance: 4.3 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Time Allowance: 3 hours 30 minutes

Elevation Change: 1290 ft

USGS Map: Shining Rock, Pisgah Forest

Highlights: open vistas of Looking Glass Rock, high fields with views, hardwood forest, rhododendron tunnels, creeks and streams.

Trail Description:

Parking area located near the top of forest road 477, accessed from hwy 276 near the Cradle of Forestry.

Trail starts across the road from the parking area and is marked.

.8 mile Perry Cove connects to the left, stay right.

1.0 mile Coontree Loop connects to the right, stay straight.

1.4 miles Coontree loop separates from Bennett Gap on the right,

stay straight.

1.9 miles Bennett Gap ends on forest road 477, turn left. Caution: motor vehicle traffic.

Go past the horse stables on right, cross bridge and turn left at next gated road.

2.3 miles Perry Cove Trail, on right, orange blazes.

3.5 miles turn right on Bennett Gap.

Follow Bennett Gap back to parking area. Many connector trails give options for longer hikes.