Graham County North Carolina

Naked Ground Trail


Deerhead ProfileDirections: Naked Ground Trail access is located at the entrance to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, about 15 miles from Robbinsville in the western part of Graham County. From Robbinsville, take Highway 129 North for 1½ miles to the junction with Highway 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Turn left and proceed West on Highway 143 for approximately 5.0 miles to a stop sign. Turn right onto Kilmer Road. You will drive for about 7.3 miles and arrive at the top of Santeetlah Gap and the junction with the Cherohala Skyway. Bear to your right and continue on for another 2½ miles to the entrance of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Turn left into the entrance and it is about ½ mile to the parking area. There are picnic tables and restrooms available.

 

Trail Page Naked Ground Trail #55


    Cable Cove
    Cheoah Trail
    Fitness Trail
    Hangover Lead
    Joyce Kilmer
    Lewellyn Cove
    Lookout Rock
    Mouse Branch
    Naked Ground
    Panther Creek
    Rattler Ford
    Santeetlah Creek
    Slickrock Creek
    Snowbird Nature
    Stecoah Gap
    Swan Cabin
    Thompson
    Tsali
    Yellow Creek
    Yellowhammer

 

  • Trailhead: Take the right fork of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail from the parking area.  At about three-tenths of a mile you will come to the Naked Ground Trail junction.  It ascends to the right onto the Naked Ground Trail designated by a wooden trail sign. There is also a trailhead out of the Rattler Ford Campground.
  • Distance: This is a 5.7 mile backtrack trail and is well used and easy to follow.
  • Difficulty: It is rated as a moderate to strenuous hiking trail with shallow stream crossings.
  • Use Guide: The Naked Ground Trail is highly recommended for novices or experienced hikers who are in good condition. It would be a challenge for smaller children. With a group at a casual pace, allow 6-8 hours for the round trip. For the more aggressive hiker, 5-6 hours should be sufficient time. Bring water and protective clothing if your trip is going to be more than a few hours.  Hollow Poplar Tree  

  • Description: Follow the signs from the information shelter and you will soon cross the Little Santeetlah Creek footbridge and begin an ascent into an old growth forest. There are benches along the route where you can stop to admire this untouched forest. At about two miles there is an alternate trail.  It is recommended that you stay on the main Naked Ground Trail at all times. On portions of the trail there are may stands of yellow poplars, rhododendron, and hemlock. There are several stream crossings, many with foot bridges in place. On the lower two-thirds of the trail there are campsites available. The upper portion of the trail turns into a switchback and is quite a steep grade. The trail terminates at Naked Ground Gap.  There is overused campsites, spring water and the junctions for the Stratton Bald Trail, Haoe Lead Trail, and the Slickrock Creek Trail.  Camping at the Gap can be a rewarding experience. However, be prepared for the possibility of high winds and cooler temperatures any time of the year.

Trail Sign

 

Links to Naked Ground Trail Maps:   Map 1Map 2, Map 3

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This page is maintained by Tom Livingston, Robbinsville, North Carolina