Buckhorn Gap Trail Map

Route map for the Buckhorn Gap Trail as tracked (over multiple trips) by the Gaia GPS app and depicted a la Google Earth...

Buckhorn Gap Trail Map

Route map for the Buckhorn Gap Trail as tracked (over multiple trips) by the Gaia GPS app...

Buckhorn Gap Trailhead (F.R. 477) -- 2,600'

This is the small pull-off, along Forest Road 477, which is located at the south end of the Buckhorn Gap Trail. This spot is located 2.7-miles north of U.S. 276 and/or 0.9-miles north of the Pisgah Horse Stables...

Buckhorn Gap Trailhead (F.R. 477) -- 2,600'

The Buckhorn Gap Trail as it departs from its trailhead on Forest Road 477...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,580'

A gradual descent through a green tunnel of rhododendron starts things off...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,560'

The trail isn't in a real hurry to get to the bottom of the valley but rather follows a gradual meandering descent along the ridgeline...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,540'

Passing a small, rain-swollen, tributary...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,560'

Getting a bit closer to Avery Creek now...

Buckhorn Gap Trail (Avery Creek Falls) -- 2,560'

Rushing water can now be heard and soon Avery Creek Falls appears through the trees below. There is no good approach from this side of the creek, access is via the Avery Creek Trail which the Buckhorn Gap Trail intersects shortly...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,560'

After a meandering first 3/4-mile, the trail finally drops into the flat lands along Avery Creek...

Buckhorn Gap/Avery Creek Trail Lower Junction -- 2,560'

About 8/10-mile along, the Buckhorn Gap Trail comes to its lower junction with the Avery Creek Trail which arrives from the right. For the next few hundred yards the two trails coincide... (This is where you could take a right to see Avery Creek Falls a short distance downstream)

Buckhorn Gap/Avery Creek Trail -- 2,570'

At this point the trail pulls right up next to the cluttered creek...

Buckhorn Gap/Avery Creek Trail -- 2,570'

This is a beautiful stretch along Avery Creek...

Buckhorn Gap/Avery Creek Trail -- 2,580'

Just before reaching the two trails upper junction the route hops across the small channel via a wobbly log bridge...

Buckhorn Gap/Avery Creek Trail Upper Junction -- 2,580'

Arriving at the upper junction of the Avery Creek and Buckhorn Gap Trails. The Buckhorn Gap Trail now makes a turn right to immediately cross a large bridge over Avery Creek. The Avery Creek Trail continues straight ahead...

Buckhorn Gap/Avery Creek Trail Upper Junction -- 2,580'

Looking to the right at the Buckhorn Gap-Avery Creek upper trail junction. The Buckhorn Gap Trail breaks away to cross Avery Creek, as seen here...

Buckhorn Gap Trail @ Avery Creek -- 2,580'

Overlooking Avery Creek from the bridge in the previous photo...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,580'

Immediately after crossing the log bridge, seen here looking back, the Buckhorn Gap Trail makes a sharp left...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,580'

The trail now turns its back on Avery Creek as it begins ascending the valley of Henry Branch...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,590'

Huge dead trees dominate the surroundings here...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,600'

Though noticeably ascending now, the grade remains very easy...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,600'

It's always a bit odd to find these old signs far from trail junctions. I always wonder what prompted those who hung them to choose these seemingly random spots...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,610'

The Buckhorn Gap Trail as it makes its lower crossing of Henry Branch...

Buckhorn Gap Trail -- 2,620'

Ascending along Henry Branch through yet another grove of deceased hemlock...