September 2, 2021
Long Branch Trail & AT to Wallace Gap
Great day for a hike with cool and clear weather. Both the Long Branch Trail and AT were in very good condition considering the heavy rains two days before. We did have a short and shallow water crossing at the upper end of the Long Branch Trail which continued for another 100 feet of water flowing down the trail, but this was not a significant problem. We also had to work around a couple of large trees which blew down across the AT. We rated this trail as mostly easy despite 1,100+ feet of climbing over the first two-thirds of the trail since the slope was so gradual with one section of the Long Creek trail being steeper just prior to joining the AT. While not a lot of scenic views of the mountains or surrounding valleys, we were rewarded with the nice sounds and occasional views of some nice cascades of Long Branch. Views from this trail would probably be good in the winter. We had an occasional splash of color from a late season wildflower, but more so from a number of very interesting fungi.
The route
5.5 mi · 1,129 ft climbing · 3h 51m out, 3h 14m walking · 1.7 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
Photos (29)
Nice water along the entire Long Branch Trail. Today's Hikers (L-R): John, Heather, Beth, Ray, Mike, Vic, Jack, Jenny, Stephanie & Christine Let's get started! Good trailhead signage. The Long Branch trail is an easy walk. Not really a lot of brush along Long Branch Trail. John sizing up this large oak. Some really large oaks along the trail. A large leafed Trillium showing off it's fruit. Typical overhead cover along much of this trail. Another view of some of the cascades along Long Branch. Water crossing near the end of the Long Branch Trail. Beth trying find another large rock to splash us! A bit of water flowing down the trail above the water crossing on Long Branch Trail. Finally joining the AT. A few, but not many rocky sections along the trail. John checking out a blowdown along the AT. Trail signs along the way. Unique bark on this tree. Another large oak with a crook reaching upward. Some late season wildflowers More late season wildflowers Eastern featherbells (Stenanthium gramineum) ??? Eastern featherbells (Stenanthium gramineum) ??? Upper: Ground Pine (Lycopodium clavatum) & Lower: Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) I didn't see this fungus . . . . Christine, what happened? While not obvious from the photo, this was the fungus of the day, being 12-15 inches across. Lots of other colorful fungus along the trail. Go figure on the weird fungus in the upper left corner ??? Lots of color from seeding plants, too! The end !!!