25 Aug Trail Guide – Burntrock Ridge Trail No. 65A
Trail Guide – Burntrock Ridge Trail No. 65A (1.72 miles)
From Sassafras Creek Trail near Sassafras Falls to Big Snowbird Trail (64), this trail starts at a campsite alongside Sassafras Creek located about a tenth of a mile above Sassafras falls. Find trail junction sign at the campsite and turn right onto Burntrock Ridge trail and proceed on a moderately steep climb toward a gap. The trail does not continue over the gap, rather it turns to the left and continues a moderately steep ascent up the ridge. The trail reaches its highest point and continues level along the ridge. Eventually the trail descends a little while continuing along the ridge top toward the west. The trail bears to the right of the ridge and begins a descent where one is more likely to encounter short sections of overgrown trail. These include patches of briars. At no time is it hard to follow the trail. Trail descends further with water seeps and turns right at Little Flat Branch where it follows the right bank. Trail crosses Little Flat Branch and continues down left bank to the junction with Big Snowbird Trail No 64. at Big Snowbird Creek.
Turn right on Big Snowbird Trail (downstream direction) immediately crossing Big Snowbird Creek, soon passing signed junction for Middle Falls and Snowbird Alternate trail (64A) and continuing straight a short distance to reach Middle Falls.
Turn left on Big Snowbird Trail in the upstream direction, passing through several littered campsites and cross to the right bank to continuing upstream on Big Snowbird Trail to Upper Falls and eventually Mitchell Lick.
Distance: 1.72 miles
Ascent: 585 feet
Descent: 470 feet
Interior Trail
Areas: Snowbird Wilderness Study Area
Connecting Trails:
Sassafras Falls Trail
Big Snowbird Creek Trail
Snowbird Area Trails:
Difficulty: Moderate (Trail is more easily hiked in the direction from Big Snowbird trail to Sassafras Falls trail.)
Link to Google Map Directions: Robbinsville, NC to Snowbird Trail Head
Turn by Turn Directions:
From Topton and Andrews, enter Robbinsville on Hwy 129.
Turn right on North Main Street.
After proceeding through downtown Robbinsville, bear to the right on tight curve, Junaluska Road.
Junaluska Road shortly becomes Snowbird Road. Proceed on Snowbird Road for 4.7 miles
Turn left to stay on Snowbird road for another 2.1 miles. (There is a sign for Snowbird Complex?)
About 0.1 mile after passing intersection with Cornsilk Branch Road where there is another sign for Snowbird Complex, look for a 180 degree turn on Snowbird Road that descends immediately following the turn. (There is no sign and it is easy to miss. )
Immediately after a crossing bridge, turn right on a small road (Big Snowbird Road) with one-lane bridge. Cross the one-lane bridge. You will also see a sign at this junction that shows “Little Snowbird” straight ahead and Big Snowbird to the right. The key is to look for the one lane bridge on right.
Continue straight onto Big Snowbird Rd.
This road eventually turns into one lane unpaved Forest Service Road 75 with occasional campsites alongside Snowbird Creek. The road dead ends at a turnabout where there is a campsite and trailhead sign. – 4.09 mi (plus another 4 – 5 miles after Big Snowbird Rd turns into FS 75.)