Park
Lover's Leap Hiking Trail
42 locals recommend,
Tips from locals
Lucy
September 15, 2019
Hot Springs is 30mins north from the cabin. Definitely worth the visit. This short hiking trail ‘Lover’s Leap’ takes you along the French Broad river and when you reach the top there is an amazing mountain river view.
Danni
June 6, 2022
Lovers Leap Once in Hot Springs, the road changes to US 25/70. Go over the bridge that crosses over the French Broad River and make a Left on Silvermine Road. Once the road T’s, turn left and the road goes under the bridge. You will see parking along the river on the right. FISHING AND SWIMMING: River access is available for swimming and fishing in this area. The Trail: Since the famous Appalachian Trail (AT) goes through the tiny town of Hot Springs, you can hike from the center of downtown for a very scenic 2-mile loop. Find free public parking for hikers along Andrews Avenue (turn right from Bridge Street after you cross the railroad tracks). From the parking along Andrews Avenue, walk on Bridge Street (which is the Appalachian Trail) across the railroad tracks. Continue across the bridge over the French Broad River for the view above. You will want to stay on the Right Side of the Bridge. Immediately after crossing the French Broad River, there will be a guardrail with a path to the street below. Turn right and go down the stairs to stay on the AT. Follow that street up river about 50 yards until you cross a wooden bridge. Continue along the river by white blazes marking the Appalachian Trail. After a few hundred yards, see Surprise Falls, a beautiful rapid. The trail continues along the river for a short distance past camping spots. Then the trail heads up the ridge via several switch-backs to ease the climb. The trail is well-marked and well-established. Atop the ridge, you'll find three rock promontories along the trail with great views of the river, valley and town. Lover's Leap is the second rock outcropping. Take a short but steep walk down to reach the point - be very careful walking on loose rock to the edge. It's a great stopping point for snacks and water. The rocks are jagged, but you can find some spots to sit and enjoy the view. Return to the trail and continue up the ridge to the third outcropping. Just past it, take a left from the Appalachian Trail to stay on the Lover's Leap trail to Silver Mine. You will walk down the back side of the ridge to the Silver Mine parking area. Take a left on the road to walk back to the bridge where you began the hike (passing by some shabby shacks). For a longer hike, continue on the Appalachian Trail to Tanyard Gap (where the trail crosses US Highways 25 and 70 east about 3 miles by car). It's a challenging uphill hike of 5.9 miles. If you have two cars, leave one in Hot Springs and drive to Tanyard Gap and hike downhill for 5.9 miles.
Lovers Leap Once in Hot Springs, the road changes to US 25/70. Go over the bridge that crosses over the French Broad River and make a Left on Silvermine Road. Once the road T’s, turn left and the road goes under the bridge. You will see parking along the river on the right. FISHING AND SWIMMING: Riv…
Jenna
November 9, 2019
Lover's Leap is a rock outcropping on the Appalachian Trail in Hot Springs that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the French Broad River and Pisgah National Forest. Since the famous Appalachian Trail (AT) goes through the tiny town of Hot Springs, you can hike from the center of downtown for a very scenic 2-mile loop. This is a moderate hike as there is a gradual 500 feet gain in elevation. However, the hike can be done in about an hour.
Lover's Leap is a rock outcropping on the Appalachian Trail in Hot Springs that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the French Broad River and Pisgah National Forest. Since the famous Appalachian Trail (AT) goes through the tiny town of Hot Springs, you can hike from the center of downtown for a…
Kelle
May 31, 2019
Beautiful views from the cliffs above the river, a moderate, 4-mile hike. Also intersects with the AT (Appalachian Trail).
Michael & Rachael
February 11, 2019
Walk right out our front door to hike this 3 mile trail. With significant elevation gains, you'll be rewarded with fantastic views of the French Broad and downtown.
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Location
138 Silvermine Rd
Hot Springs, NC