North Mills River Recreation Area
The vast Mills River area is part of Pisgah National Forest opposite Bent Creek just across the Pisgah Ridge . We like this area for the many camping options and rivers to explore . A great option in the area is to head up to the Trace Ridge trailhead which gives you access to the Trace Ridge , Fletcher Creek and North Mills River trails . This area has a lot of great hiking options , so be sure and grab a trail map before heading out as cell phone service is limited in the area . For a relatively short and easy hike that takes you from the river up a nice section of singletrack trail , we recommend hiking the recently revamped Lower Trace Ridge Trail ( thanks Pisgah Area Sorba !). The trail begins with a short flat hike to a river crossing where you ’ ll find a tricky boulder filled water crossing before making your way up the gradual climb through the hardwood forest . If you ’ re looking for a longer hike , link up Lower Trace Ridge with several options found at the Trace Ridge Trailhead .
Getting There : Take I-240 W to I-26 E to Exit 40 / Airport Rd . Turn right onto Airport Rd for 3 miles to North Mills River Rd ./ NC 1345 . Turn right and follow for 5 miles to the recreation area . To get to the Trace Ridge trailhead make a right onto Wash Creek Road / FR 479 , follow this for several miles . Turn left onto the first un-gated gravel road which has a concrete low-water bridge , follow this 0.5 mile to the Trace Ridge trailhead and parking lot .
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