Lover's Leap Loop (2.5 miles; d=3.50)
Read MoreLovers Leap Loop Hike Route Map
My hike of the Lovers Leap Loop as tracked by the Gaia GPS app and depicted a la Google Earth...
Lover's Leap Loop Hike Route Map
My hike of the Lovers Leap Loop as tracked by the Gaia GPS app...
Lover's Leap-Appalachian Trail Junction
Perhaps three-quarters of a mile from the trailhead the Lover's Leap Trail reached its junction with the A.T. atop the ridge...
Lover's Leap-Appalachian Trail Junction
Looking back at the Lover's Leap Trail, which I had been ascending thus far. The Appalachian Trail heads north to the right...
Lover's Leap-Appalachian Trail Junction
Stepping onto the southbound A.T. the cliffs weren't far off...
Appalachian Trail - Overlook #1
Within a few feet of stepping onto the A.T. the trail makes a tight switchback with this rock ledge extending out from it. This is the first of three overlooks I'd be passing as I descended to the river...
Appalachian Trail - Overlook #1
The view of the French Broad River Valley from the first overlook...
Appalachian Trail - Overlook #1
A bit tighter shot from the first overlook. The town of Hot Springs is partially hidden behind the pines to the left...
Appalachian Trail - Overlook #2
A few more steps down the A.T. and the trail switches back yet again with a short spur path extending from it which leads to the second overlook...
Appalachian Trail - Overlook #2
The second overlook is a bit more open and offers some views upstream along the French Broad Valley...
Appalachian Trail - Overlook #2
The view of Hot Springs from the second overlook...
Dave Kathy Weemhoff
on March 1, 2016Quite the trail.... and breathtaking views!! I don't think I've ever seen the French Broad that wild!