Trail Information

Topographic Map

Elevation Profile

Hike Location Overview









Email this page to a friend



Reporter


Google

Printer Friendly

Weather

MapQuest

TopoZone

TerraServer

Help

Bradley CreekTrail


Highlights:

A relatively flat creekside hike to numerous cascades.
Near:Saluda, NC
Scenery:
Distance:3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:300 ft
Hike Time:1.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: This is a relatively flat trail heading up stream of Bradley Creek. At least twice you will encounter a fork in the trail. In both cases veer right back towards the creek. I took this trail in hopes of finding Little Bradley Falls. There are numerous cascades, but I only found one of significant size. Although I don't think it is Little Bradley Falls. Nonetheless the falls and cascades I did view were easy to get to off of the trail. There were many downed trees across the trail which made for a lot of climbing up-and-over.
Trailhead: Take I-26 West from Spartanburg, SC. At the Saluda, NC exit, go right approximately 3 down-hill miles. There is a pullover for cars by a metal forest service gate. The trailhead is on the otherside of the road and heads up stream. The start of the trail is a bit confusing. There is an obvious trail that follows Bradley Creek up stream. This deadends and is not the trail you want. The trail start is actually about 20 yards east. (Lat:35.15 Lon:-82.17)
Trail Guides for Bradley CreekTrail:
North Carolina Hiking Trails
by Allen de Hart (Appalachian Mountain Club Books)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: NC Division of Forest Resources. 828-887-6527
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Tom Duchac, who has posted  23 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by ND on 1/24/2007
perfect for dogs & beginners. the only slightly difficult area is the creek crossing which any halfway athletic person could easily handle. the main trail just dies out eventually. but if you follow the sound of the waterfall and look for the trail heading towards it. you'll be rewarded with a great cliff view of the waterfall (good for picnic) and the cliff is already set up for repeling/climbing

Reviewed by GC on 8/14/2006
This was one of my favorite hikes growing up. Unfortunately, when Holbert Cove Road was widened, much of the beginning of the original trail was covered with rock that was used to widen the road. The trail is still there, but you must climb over the rock when you come upon it. The original trail immediately crossed the creek, then crossed again a few hundred yards upstream. It is possible to avoid climbing over most of the rock by climbing down the very steep bank to the stream from the road. Look for "parking areas" in some of the turns of the switchbacks, and look for trails that go down the embankment. There are also trails down from upstream, but they are difficult to find if not local.

Reviewed by Sean on 8/10/2005
Instead of starting out by the stream, take the old logging trail up above it. You will need to cross small branches of the creek twice, and then the creek itself. You will hear the waterfall- just follow the sound.


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, Polk County Hiking, Polk County Trails, Polk County Hikes

About Us    Help    Contact Us
Site Map Of Available Hikes
Copyright © 2003 LocalHikes, Inc.