The best running trails around Hoopers Creek

The Wildcat Rock Trail offers a dynamic jogging experience, starting with a gentle path through an old apple orchard before quickly plunging you into a demanding ascent. You'll encounter diverse terrain, from narrow, steep sections with numerous rock steps to old logging roads and boulderfields, all while passing through rhododendron thickets and old-growth forest. The highlight is undoubtedly the panoramic vista from the Wildcat Rock Overlook, revealing the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge and distant mountains.

This difficult 8.4-mile (13.6 km) route involves a substantial 2014 feet (614 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 58 minutes. It's a strenuous workout, particularly beyond Little Bearwallow Falls, so come prepared for a significant physical challenge. Spring and fall are ideal for visiting, offering comfortable temperatures and vibrant wildflowers.

What makes this trail truly notable is its role in the developing Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trail system, designed for sustainability and to protect rare plant communities. It provides a direct route to outstanding natural landmarks, including a stunning waterfall and dramatic rock outcrops, offering immense scenic payoffs for your effort.

The Cane Creek Greenway offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through a mix of shady forests and open farmland. You'll follow the gentle curves of Cane Creek, enjoying the natural feel of the wooded paths, or opt for a loop that provides views of the surrounding agricultural landscape. The trail features diverse surfaces, from hard-packed gravel to partially paved sections, making it a comfortable and scenic journey for all.

This easy 2.8-mile (4.6 km) jogging route, with a minimal 15 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 28 minutes. You can easily access the greenway from Bill Moore Community Park, where you'll find plenty of parking and convenient amenities like restrooms. It's a great option for a quick, accessible run or walk, especially if you're looking for a beginner-friendly route.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Cane Creek Greenway stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere and educational elements. Interpretive signs along the trail offer insights into local wetlands, adding an interesting layer to your outing. The multi-use nature of the greenway, combined with the park's playgrounds and disc golf course, makes it a perfect spot for families to enjoy outdoor activities together.

The Rattlesnake Knob Observation Point loop offers a rugged and rewarding jogging experience, winding through natural ground and singletrack trails within the Florence Nature Preserve. You'll navigate steep sections and rock outcrops, culminating in the Rattlesnake Knob Viewpoint, which provides expansive vistas of the Hickory Nut Gorge. It's a journey that feels secluded and connected to nature, perfect for those who appreciate a challenge.

This difficult 5.1-mile (8.2 km) route, with its 1063 feet (324 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 9 minutes to complete. It's a less popular trail, so you can expect lighter traffic. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and for the clearest views, consider visiting in winter when the trees are bare. Be ready for a consistent climb and natural, uneven surfaces.

Located in the Asheville, North Carolina area, this trail is part of a larger network within the Florence Nature Preserve. While the Rattlesnake Knob section itself is relatively short, it's accessed via longer, steeper trails, making the overall loop a significant workout. The rock outcrops at the top provide multiple vantage points, ensuring a memorable reward for your effort.

The Strawberry Gap Trail offers a fantastic, challenging jogging experience through the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. You'll wind through beautiful, boulder-strewn forests on a consistent uphill climb, eventually reaching a rock outcrop on Ferguson Peak with westward views. The trail culminates at Blue Ridge Pastures, a grassy bald summit at 3,760 feet, where you're rewarded with dramatic panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and surrounding mountains.

Planning your visit requires noting a few restrictions: dogs are not permitted on this trail, nor are horses, camping, or off-trail trekking, as it crosses private land. The trail is generally considered difficult, covering 4.9 miles (7.9 km) with 997 feet (304 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes to jog. It's a great option for experienced joggers looking for a solid workout with high scenic payoff.

Opened in September 2022, the Strawberry Gap Trail is a relatively new and significant addition to the region's trail network. It plays a crucial role in connecting over 16 miles of trails and is part of the larger vision for the 100-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. This conservation effort, made possible by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and Conserving Carolina, protects hundreds of acres and provides access to the remote Blue Ridge Pastures.

The Trombatore Trail offers a truly immersive jogging experience through dense forest canopies and along clear mountain streams, culminating in the breathtaking 360-degree views from Blue Ridge Pastures. You'll encounter varied terrain, from steep wooded slopes and singletrack paths to sections of old logging roads, making for a dynamic and engaging run. Keep an eye out for unique natural features like a giant buckeye tree and a picturesque tree with a uniquely curved trunk as you navigate the challenging ascents and descents.

This difficult 5.1-mile (8.2 km) route, with its 1040 feet (317 metres) of elevation gain, is designed for experienced trail runners and joggers, taking approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes to complete. The initial descent is followed by a steep climb, and the return trip involves significant uphill sections, particularly the final 1.5 miles. Plan your visit for a clear day to fully appreciate the panoramic vistas of Hickory Nut Gorge and distant peaks like Mount Mitchell.

The Trombatore Trail is a testament to successful conservation, existing thanks to a public trail easement on private land and protection by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. It connects to the new Strawberry Gap Trail, expanding your running possibilities, and passes through the Upper Brush Creek watershed along the Eastern Continental Divide. This trail is a standout for its natural beauty and the rewarding challenge it presents.