GunDude

Heading to Hurricane Creek rd, Sat. 24th. A friend and his JKU and me so far. Anyone wants to come along, let me know.

Landman

Could explain a little bit where this is? I'm in Northeast TN and probably have to work but I have only heard of this place

GunDude

I have not been yet. It is just exit 8 on I-40 west in NC.

vulcan classic

The trailhead is actually between MM 7 & 8 on the westbound side of I-40 (35.723346N, 83.026566W). Do a search on Google maps and use street view to zoom in to see the trail head. You need to approach it with extreme caution since it's on a grade and curve. When you see the sign for Harmon Den-exit 7 look to turn off the hwy right past the guardrail, use flashers, especially if you have a convoy of Jeeps, and spread out some, if you miss the turn-off you will have to get off exit 7 and double back to exit 15 about 16 miles total! I hope this helps!

Mello03

If you are headed west on I-40 (which is the only way to get to it) you will see the road right after the guardrail. You'll know you are getting close to the turn off when the interstate separates and you'll see the east bound lanes come out of a tunnel. West bound stays above ground and elevated.

Landman

What's the trail like? Would it be completely stupid to go alone when fairly dry?

vulcan classic

Be prepared for some pin-striping as it narrows in some spots, and cell coverage is spotty at best. There is one off-camber ledge spot so easy does it, since the trail hugs the creek most of the way, otherwise pretty manageable, I would still recommend a buddy or two to be safe, it's also bear country!! If you have time you can go all the way up to Max Patch, nice open area at top of mountain, nice views.

Landman

Thanks buddy I appreciate the heads up!

GunDude

Thanks to all for you replies, will be very helpful. I, am still wondering though. Does the rd come out somewhere else or does it just end and you turn around and go back the same way? I ask, because the trail looks narrow from the youtube videos, so what do you do, if someone or ones are going the opposite way.

vulcan classic

When you get to the end of HC trail you'll come to FS or fire roads, they are signed so you can go left at the fork to Max Patch Rd to go up to the summit or go right on Wesley Creek Rd, which will take you south back to Max Patch Rd (turn right) and then follow NC 209 south back to I-40 at the Pilot truck stop.
If you decide to go up to Max Patch be wary of law enforcement, there was vandalism done on the Patch last winter by, sadly, young white trash punks in Jeeps and ATV's, they tore up the grassy bald at the summit, but were finally caught and prosecuted and the area has been repaired; just stay on the road and parking area and you can walk up to the summit. That area is part of the AT and is sacred to a lot of hikers and locals, LOL!