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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a 3.5 mile somewhat strenuous hike. From the trail head, hike east while following the orange blazes.There is a camp ground (Silvermine) on your right as you begin the hike. The first mile is a gradual up hill. The 2nd mile is almost straight up hill until Pump Gap intersects the Appalachian Trail This is an elevation gain of 1,000 ft. At the AT, turn right or hike west. This is a nice, relatively flat one mile section that follows a ridgeline. depending on the time of year, you can hear and see the French Broad River to your left. Just before heading downhill on the AT, there is a very nice over look above Hot Springs. From this over look stay on the AT until it intersects Lovers Leap Trail. Take this last 1/2 mile straight down hill until it intersects with the Silver mine service road. Turn left on Silver mine back to the cars. Trailhead: From Asheville, NC, take Hwy25/70 North. Right before the bridge outside of Hot Springs, take a right then go left back under the bridge. Drive about a 1/4 of mile and turn left on the Silvermine service road. There is parking on the left.Right across from the parking lot is a trail map/sign. (Lat:35.53 Lon:-82.48) Trail Guides for Pump Gap Loop Trail: Hiking Trails in the Hot Springs Area by Appalachian Ranger District (Appalachian Ranger District) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Appalachian/French Broad Ranger District. 828-622-3202 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 DH on 5/16/2009 I'm sure the hike is awesome but we never got there....please specify for future users what "bridge" you are talking about(ie an exit number...or maybe a few street names). Also are the GPS coordinates to your house or did you just make them up. plugged into our gps we ended up on some private road with no outlet. Thanks for the two hours of my life that I will never get back! 
Reviewed by Roger on 11/9/2008 We started off looking for the Lover's Leap trail, and messed up the trailhead, and ended up doing the Pump Gap Trail. It is challenging, and very vertical for amateur hikers, but the reward is worth the effort. We were sore, but have a GREAT story now 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, Madison County Hiking, Madison County Trails, Madison County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||