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 Reporter |
Summary: 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. Trailhead: Take I26 East from Asheville, NC Turn Right onto Airport Rd (280 West). You will come to an intersection which divides 191 & 280 (Mills River), stay on 280 for approximately 7 miles. At the Henderson/Transylvania County line, just past Boyleston Creek Baptist Church, Turn right onto Turkey Pen Rd. This is a really rough road. Go approximately 2.3 miles to the end. You will see the parking for Turkey Pen trailhead. Begin on the Turkey Pen Trail (Lat:35.34305 Lon:-82.65933) Trail Guides for Turkey Pen Gap Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Pisgah Ranger District, (828) 877-3265 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Reginald Vickers, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by maria on 7/18/2009 I enjoyed the hike the one thing that the person who took me hiking forgot to tell me was to come back on the same trail. After 4 hours into the hike we ran out of trail so we back tracked a 1/2 hour back at this time it was to late to back track the whole trail back, so we took another trail that looked like cars or bikes could travel on. The rest of the group were on bikes, well to make a long story short, we got lost and it was to late to back track the after 5 hours we had to call 911 to locate us. After this experice I would still walk this trail but earlier in the day and not so late in the afternoon. P.S. Thank you to the Mill River Fire and Rescure Department they located me and the rest of my group, which were 4 minor children.
Reviewed by Justin on 7/25/2008 First time I went to Turkey Pen, even though I live in Henderson County. The hike was very enjoyable, and not very strenuous.
Reviewed by Viewer on 2/18/2008 Hiked 2/18/08 Turkey Pen Gap Rd is TERRIBLE, but the hiking is wonderful. We started from the parking lot on trail #322 (blue blaze)heading west. It is quite a climb. Eventually, the trail makes almost a 90 degree turn and along that segment there are remnants of red blazes, however,you are still on the blue trail. Take Wagon Rd Gap & descend to south fork of Mill River. Pick up white blazes of South Mills River Trail. You'll get to a swinging bridge. When you're at a point where you see the trail on the other side of the river double back 100ft. to another swinging bridge.
Reviewed by Beasley on 8/5/2006 We hiked this trail in late fall (all leaves off trees) and it was beautiful. What I didn't keep in mind (which we now laugh about) is that the leaf-litter covered up much of the recognizable trail! LOL! We can read sectional maps and elevations/contour lines fine so we never had any problem: However, it might not be so easy for a first-timer or even a decent hiker without a good contour map to find the route easily if it's covered in leaves. It's a loop trail but there are plenty of places to get off-trail by accident. Dress in layers, too. When we started it was in the upper 30's or so but after less than an hour we had to shed! It's a blast! I wouldn't recommend it for dogs other than in the spring if they are also good hike
Reviewed by Jesse on 3/15/2006 The trails a great for backpacking and hiking. 
Reviewed by Joe on 12/11/2005 Have hiked this many times in the 80's and middle 70's
Reviewed by Suzy Q on 3/13/2005 3/13/05 Swing Bridge at Wagon Road Gap is washed out so make sure you take your water sandles. This time of year the river is flowing fast and you will have to get wet in order to cross. Be careful. Not recommended for children or less agile hikers. Other than, great early elevation gain, gorgeous river.
Reviewed by Ryan on 9/9/2004 AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mullinax trail... its the good stuff Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Henderson County Hiking, Henderson County Trails, Henderson County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||