October 4, 2008
6.8 miles round trip.
John's Creek Mountain Trail is a non-loop hike about 3-and-a-half miles one
way. You can park at either end but I would strongly suggest starting at the
east end. That parking is on a more travelled road and perhaps has a bit more
space. Also, if you start at the other (west) end then you immediately have a
long steep climb that might wear you out and start you in a bad mood. The west
end's parking is on a dirt road so is more remote. Also the west, steep part of
the trail is very rocky. So, again, I'd suggest starting at the east end.
The east starts with an uphill climb but not too steep and exhausting. Once you
reach the top ridge, it's mostly level until you get closer to the west end, as
you can see on the topo map. Near the west end, you'll come to a trail split
that doesn't tell you what the other trail is. Apparently it leads to Kelly's
Knob. Unless you really are a completionist, I'd suggest calling this the
turn-around point of your hike and head back east (unless you want to go to
Kelly Knob). If you continue, you want to go right and down the long rocky
trail to the west parking area.
On my early October hike, I saw solo deer a dozen times and heard a few more.
Also squirrels and chipmonks.
UPDATE: I have found that the steep western end is actually the Appalachian
Trail. The John's Creek Mountain Trail actually ends at the intersection sign.
Either way you turn at this sign is the Appalachian Trail. To the left goes to
Kelly Knob. To the right descends to a parking area. This right path is steep
and rocky. You can park at that location, take the steep hike to the
intersection sign, and then proceed along John's Creek Mountain Trail. I prefer
starting at the east end, though.
You can also view it
here.
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