Things to Do in Headwaters State Forest
Headwaters State Forest is a 6,730-acre state forest located in Transylvania County, North Carolina, bordering the South Carolina state line. This area features the headwaters of the East Fork of the French Broad River, along with numerous waterfalls and pristine trout streams. The forest offers a rugged, backcountry environment, characterized by diverse natural beauty and a unique ecosystem that includes rare Appalachian mountain bogs. It connects to a larger conservation corridor, providing significant habitat for wildlife.
Things to Do in…
69
Routes
4.9
(23)
Average rating
722
People visited
5.0
(2)
9
hikers
15.5km
04:41
250m
960m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
6
hikers
21.1km
07:06
680m
840m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4
hikers
9.37km
02:41
230m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
4.10km
01:26
340m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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69
riders
47.6km
04:56
990m
990m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
98
riders
19.4km
01:57
410m
410m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
23
riders
6.18km
00:37
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
4.54km
00:30
130m
130m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
20
runners
11.3km
02:03
600m
600m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.0
(1)
16
runners
13.1km
01:59
650m
650m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5
runners
14.7km
02:06
610m
610m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
9.28km
01:12
220m
220m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9
riders
85.2km
05:48
1,460m
1,450m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
74.9km
05:13
1,400m
1,390m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
64
riders
13.5km
01:29
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
6
riders
36.6km
02:18
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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84
riders
59.4km
02:44
460m
460m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
102km
05:20
1,750m
1,750m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
58.9km
02:45
720m
720m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
10
riders
25.8km
01:18
280m
280m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Frequently asked questions
What activities are permitted in Headwaters State Forest?
Headwaters State Forest permits hiking, jogging, hunting, and fishing in its trout streams. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Mountain biking and horse riding are not permitted within the forest.
Where can I find hiking routes in Headwaters State Forest?
Headwaters State Forest offers a variety of hiking routes, including a nine-mile spur of the Foothills Trail. Information on various hiking options can be found in the Hiking in Headwaters State Forest guide. There are 10 hiking routes available on komoot.
Are there easy hiking trails in Headwaters State Forest?
Yes, Headwaters State Forest includes options for less strenuous walks. Specific routes suitable for beginners are detailed in the Easy hikes in Headwaters State Forest guide. These trails provide accessible outdoor experiences.
Are there family-friendly trails in Headwaters State Forest?
Headwaters State Forest offers trails suitable for families. These routes are generally less challenging and provide an enjoyable experience for all ages. Details can be found in the Family-friendly hikes in Headwaters State Forest guide.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Headwaters State Forest?
Dogs are permitted in Headwaters State Forest, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Specific dog-friendly routes are highlighted in the Dog-friendly hikes in Headwaters State Forest guide.
What are the notable natural features in Headwaters State Forest?
The forest encompasses much of the headwaters of the East Fork of the French Broad River. It features approximately 20 waterfalls, including East Fork Falls, Reece Place Falls, and Graveley Falls. Rare Appalachian mountain bogs and over 50 miles of trout streams are also present.
Are there scenic viewpoints in Headwaters State Forest?
Headwaters State Forest offers panoramic views from Sassafras Mountain. Dramatic vistas of Table Rock in South Carolina are also accessible from Bursted Rock. These locations provide significant scenic overlooks.
What cycling opportunities are available in Headwaters State Forest?
Touring cycling and road cycling are permitted activities within Headwaters State Forest. Information on routes can be found in the Cycling in Headwaters State Forest and Road Cycling Routes in Headwaters State Forest guides. There are 3 cycling routes available on komoot.
How many routes are available in Headwaters State Forest on komoot?
There are 14 routes available in Headwaters State Forest on komoot. These routes cover various sports including hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and road cycling. The average rating for these routes is 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Where can I find information about waterfalls in Headwaters State Forest?
Headwaters State Forest is home to numerous waterfalls, such as East Fork Falls, Reece Place Falls, and Graveley Falls. Detailed routes to these natural attractions are available in the Waterfall hikes in Headwaters State Forest guide.
How can I contact Headwaters State Forest for inquiries?
For general inquiries regarding Headwaters State Forest, contact the N.C. Forest Service Region 3 Office at +18286658688. Additional information is available on the official N.C. Forest Service website.
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