Hiking and Mountain Biking

 

There are over 300 miles of hiking trails in the Blue Ridge area for every level of hiker. They include the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and the Benton McKaye Trial. The Aska Adventure Area has 17 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through National Forest areas that range in difficulty and height.

 

Aska Trails

 

This trail is a 17 mile hiking and biking trail; a long ride but with very beautiful scenery located on National Forest Land . The trail is long and winding and ascends to 3200 feet, allowing one to see for miles and miles. It descends to beautiful Lake Blue Ridge where one can partake of a variety of water activities.

Directions to Deep Gap: From Blue Ridge, go east 0.25 miles on Old US 76 to Aska Road. Turn right (south) and continue 4.5 miles to the Deep Gap trailhead and parking area. The following trails are accessible from here:
Green Mountain Trail – 4.6 miles. This trail is very scenic and is a short hike compared to some of the others in the region. It makes for a great day in the mountains. It is also very nice for a short bike ride. You will notice the beautiful views of Lake Blue Ridge as you walk or ride this beautiful mountain trail.
Flat Creek Loop – This trail is a 5.8 mile loop that runs along a mountain creek. It is rated as a moderate hike and the scenery is spectacular. One cannot go wrong traveling this course!
Long Branch Loop – 2.0 miles
Stanley Gap/Flat Creek Connector - .1 miles

Directions to Stanley Gap: From Blue Ridge, go east 0.25 miles on Old US 76 to Aska Road. Turn right (south) and continue 7.5 miles to Stanley Gap Rd. (across from Toccoa Riverside Restaurant). Turn right and travel 4.2 miles to the trailhead which is on the right.
Stanley Gap Trail – 5.5 miles

Directions to Shady Falls Road: From Blue Ridge, go east 0.25 miles on Old US 76 to Aska Road. Turn right (south) and continue 5.9 miles to Shady Falls Road. Turn left on Shady Falls and go 0.2 miles to the parking area on the left.
This is an easy 2 mile loop.
Ask-A-Bear Hideaway and Lake Overlook are the cabins closest to these trails.
 

Benton McKaye Trail

The Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) runs for almost 300 miles through the Appalachian mountains of the southeastern United States. It is designed for foot travel in the tradition of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The BMT runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Davenport Gap on the northern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail passes through some of the most remote backcountry in Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina, which includes eight federally designated Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas. There are many trailheads and access points throughout the area. Since the BMT runs all through this area, most of our cabins have easy access to the trail.
The following cabins are only to steps to parts of the trail: PineView Perch, A Walk in the Woods, Reel’Em Inn and Starry Starry Night.
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Lake Blue Ridge Trail

This trail is very flat and excellent for any beginner. It is easily accessible for families, children and seniors alike to enjoy. It's only 6/10 of a mile long--a short mountain stroll that is extremely beautiful. It is the perfect place for a picnic, be it at the beginning or end of the trail. You decide!
Ask-A-Bear Hideaway and Lake Overlook are the cabins closest to this trail.
 

Rich Mountain Wilderness Area

Hikers exploring this area should be experienced, and equip themselves with maps, a first aid kit and survival gear. There is a vast array of wildlife such as deer, bear, wild turkey, bobcat and wild boar. The vegetation is stunning with miles of wildflowers to view. Along the way, you will encounter beautiful waterfalls and stream crossings. The elevation here varies from 2000 feet near Little Rock Creek to 4081 feet at Big Bald Mountain .
 

 

 

Fort Mountain State Park

As a State facility this park has a lake, many hiking trails and is wonderful for biking. It has many areas for family outings/events and is set up for swimming.
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