Foothills Trail - Gum Gap

The 12-mile hike includes a 7.5-mile portion of the Foothills Trail as well as 4.5 miles of trails leading to the Foothills Trail from the Raven Cliff Falls area.

The hike (described from east to west) begins on Raven Cliff Falls Trail, off US 276. After 1.4 miles, turn right onto Gum Gap Trail. After about a mile and a half, you’ll reach the junction with Naturaland Trail, which is a 0.4-mile trail to a bridge across Raven Cliff Falls; if you have the time and the energy, the trip is definitely worth the effort. About 1.5 miles from the Naturaland Trail junction hikers reach Gum Gap. Turn left onto the dirt right, the bear right when the trail forks. The trail leads through a series of gorges, and isn’t too difficult until you get close to Sassafras Mountain, at Sassafras Gap. The climb from the gap to the peak is very steep, and has no switchbacks. A parking lot is located across the road (SR 199) from the end of the trail.