rufus morgan trail

Both mosquito and tick bites can transmit diseases, however, and appropriate measures, such as long clothing and repellants, should be used. It does drop down the mountain right off the trail so watch the little ones, but over all we loved it. I would recommend good grippy hiking shoes for those wet spots, but it was beautiful! Biting insects are generally not a problem. The top tier of the falls, which tumbles nearly 70-feet, is visible from an observation area just half a mile down the trail, and the second significant portion of a falls, a wide, 60-foot flume, appears another quarter mile down the trail. County. A mile and a half down the dirt road is a clear placard for the Rufus Morgan trailhead. Over the weekend, we got out of town to head to the mountains. Don’t stop at the first waterfall. A. Rufus Morgan Shelter: Edit. The entire right hand side of the falls are lined with Rhododendron. I held my nephew’s hand the whole time as the drop off along parts of the trail was pretty steep. Fairly easy as we took our time. This muddy path around the tree was slick/slippery. Related terms: jeep trail, path, ski trail Man-made. Rufus Morgan Loop Trail Reports no reports have been added for Rufus Morgan Loop yet, add a trail report. Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail Description: A gentle, 1.0 mile loop trail takes visitors through a mature cove forest with nice displays of spring wildflowers, and a small waterfall reached by a short side trail. Short, 1 mile hike loop with beautiful waterfall in the forest. The structure sits about 50 yards off the trail to the east and looks to sleep roughly 6-8 people. My kiddos lover this hike. Great waterfall and hike. It is a 1.6 mile loop trail total with 1 mile to the gorgeous waterfalls. Rufus Morgan Falls is named for the beloved poet, priest, and conservationist who lived in the area for nearly 100 years. Had a small dog and carried an infant in a backpack. And the only way out is back the same way. US Forest Service, FM-RM-VE Pretty, short jaunt up clearly marked trail. Definitely not for children. Make a day out of it and see the nearby "Wayah Bald Lookout Tower. The first 1/2 mile was covered with lush greenery and wonderful windflowers. Continue on Wayah Rd. We recommend the Rufus Morgan Trail to the entire family, including "Fido." Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Mosquitoes and ticks are present, but usually not a nuisance. and Wayah Rd, so you'll know where to turn). Rufus Morgan Falls The 60-foot Rufus Morgan Falls is located just outside the town of Franklin. He loved it and the waterfall is a great payoff. This trail is more difficult than "moderate." The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. It's super eaay and doesn't take long. Second half of the loop had lots of mushrooms and a small meadow with loads of goldenrod. A little steep at the start. HIGHLIGHTS: This short hike starts at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) at Wesser, NC and climbs 500 feet heading southbound on the Appalachian Trail to the Rufus Morgan Shelter.For the most part, it is a steep grade of switchbacks until the last few hundred yards before the shelter. There are some steep and narrow spots, but overall it's a moderate trek. trail little muddy at stream crossings, easy to follow, well marked for a remote trail, kids 5 and above okay, no steep climb. As stated earlier, the hike to the falls is about 1 mile long and is a nicely blue blazed loop trail. The trail was easy and a nice loop that takes you to a gorgeous waterfall. Rufus Morgan trail has really lovely creek crossings several places along the trail. Would definitely recommend to people of all ages! Trail Guide Best Trails & Photos. The fall leaves were pretty! The loop trail itself is only 1 mile long. Total mileage is 1 mile. Best Photos. Sunday was supposed to be a 75 degree day, and we were anxious to get back on the trails after a 6 week hiatus. If you have dogs, please keep them on a leash and the two stream crossings will give them a chance to hydrate during the trek. Trail Guide. The falls were amazing after the rain. AT 2017: Day 13, Rufus Morgan Shelter to Stecoah Gap Goin' down the road feeling bad. Rufus Morgan Trail is located in western Franklin, North Carolina. Rufus Morgan Falls Trail is a 1 mile hike with 470 feet elevation gain. Nice short hike to a beautiful waterfall. The Rufus Morgan Trail February 21, 2017. The Rufus Morgan Trail, located just outside of Franklin, NC off of the 'Wayah Road' is a great hike for just about anyone. This 50-foot slide (aka Rough Fork Falls) emerges from a rhododendron thicket following a moderate .5-mile hike along the Rufus Morgan Trail. If you're looking for a nice half-day hike to see a local waterfall, the Rufus Morgan Falls trail is a great place to wander to. Route for passage from one point to another; does not include roads or highways. This 50-foot slide (aka Rough Fork Falls) emerges from a rhododendron thicket following a moderate .5-mile hike along the Rufus Morgan Trail. One end starts across the creek from the parking area, and the other end starts in the parking area itself. Trails > Appalachian Trail > Franklin to Fontana Dam. In addition to all of the other work he did, he was also responsible for single-handedly maintaining a 50-mile portion of the nearby Appalachian Trail. The signed, blazed, and easy-to-follow trail is a loop, about a mile long, with no intersections. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. We suggest that you come in mid to late April through early May for the best chance to see the floor of the forest covered with wildflowers. Not too many people on a weekday. After you take the exit, continue down the hill for just under 0.2 miles to Wayah Road (SR 1310) on your Left ("Loafers Glory" gas station will be at the intersection of Old Murphy Rd. Higher elevations, however, can experience cold, wet weather at any time during the year. Great for kids and dogs. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. One big tree down across the path as of November 2020. Hiked today following 3 days of heavy rain; if you usually go without, I’d recommend hiking polls as crossings were quite slick. Easy loop hike great for families and dogs. Loved the waterfall at the peak of the trail. The trail is Blue Blazed and is well maintained. (SR 1448) on your Right (Wayah Bald Sign). Awesome hike! After 6.5 miles, turn left onto Forest Service Road 388, a well-maintained gravel road that may be gated in winter. The waterfall was definitely worth the hike. Continue on FR #388 for 2 miles to the parking area for "Rufus Morgan Trailhead". Hike with Gravity. Have fun! Great hike! Mailstop Code: 1103 1400 Independence Ave., SW Rufus Morgan Trail; Rufus Morgan Trail Trail. The first part was a little tough for the smaller kids (ours was two when he hiked it) because it was a little steep, but once it leveled off there were plenty of great views and a reasonably easy hike. For the most part, it is a steep grade of switchbacks until the last few hundred yards before the shelter. Makes for a great day! Hike Summary: This short hike starts at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) at Wesser, NC and climbs 500 feet heading southbound on the Appalachian Trail to the Rufus Morgan Shelter. Ownership and Management: U.S. Forest Service, Nantahala National Forest, Wayah Ranger District. Followed google maps and found the trail perfectly. The trail travels through a rhododendron-covered mountainside northeast of the falls. Wildlife encounters with large animals such as black bears and wild boar are unusual but potentially very dangerous. This little out of the way trail is a lovely spot that has soft ground and several water sources for Fido. We stopped to take it all in quite a bit so, it took us about an hour and a half. Even with all of that it was great! 3.3S: Jump-Up Lookout 0.8N: Bryson City, Nc. Rufus Morgan Trail, NC Latitude: 35.1539817 Longitude: -83.5446048 County: Macon Area: Wayah Bald Elevation: 871 meters - 2858 feet Took our smal yorkie and and he did well. Morgan was a longtime Appalachian Trail volunteer, and the trail to the falls is reminiscent of many portions of the AT in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The waterfall is at the half way point of a 1 mile loop, so the hike can either be done as a loop or an out and back. Loved this trail. Rufus Morgan Trail: Located within Nantahala National Forest, the 1 mile Rufus Morgan Trail forms a loop which is rated moderate.Marked with a blue blaze, Rufus Morgan Trail reaches a 10' waterfall (no name known). Flowers Naturalist, Author, explorer: Rufus Morgan was one of the early pioneers in the founding and development of the Appalachian Trail. all shelters Please take necessary precautions while hiking outdoors. Hike with Gravity. Shortly thereafter (around 0.5 mile) a side trail is reached which travels to the 50' Rufus Morgan Falls, aka Rough Fork Falls. Morgan was a longtime Appalachian Trail volunteer, and the trail to the falls is reminiscent of many portions of the AT in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a wonderful experience. Gorgeous forest all around. It's moderate in difficulty, with some steep and narrow spots. Dwarf-crested Iris (Iris cristata). Nonetheless, hiking can be difficult at times. Located 64 miles west-southwest of Asheville North Carolina. Best time to enjoy: mid to late April. oh yeah, love the Waterfalls. Great little trail with a few stream crossings. COORDINATES 35.15398, -83.5446. great hiking trail for all skill levels. In addition, trails in the region are often rocky, and require supportive shoes and sure footing. Carry and drink plenty of fluids, and use sunscreen on exposed skin, especially at higher elevations. There was a mild rain when I did the trail, which made the rocks slippery. Trail Guide. Rufus Morgan Falls One of North Carolina’s most beautiful wildflower trails, the hike to Rufus Morgan Falls is best trekked during the second half of April. Top Hikes. If you’re hiking here with young children, part of this trail is narrow with big drop offs to the side. Get the app Rufus Morgan Intermediate. The easy one-mile loop is well-marked and well-maintained, meandering through a mature hardwood forest and crossing a babbling stream via foot bridge. Turn right at the signs for the LBJ Job Center/Wayah Bald areas, then left onto Wayah Road (State Route 1310). Facilities are not available at the trailhead. Trail reports are used to indicate a trails current condition and inform builders and other riders about any issues on a trail. May and October are the best mo My husband and I hike a lot and would rate this more easy to moderate than easy due to hiking up in elevation most of the way to the big falls and due to stepping over and around a lot of roots and rocks on the trail. We had our two Springers with us and they loved the stream crossings. There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead. dont worry you can't miss sign for trail head access, it's only parking and sign on the road, clearly marked. beautiful view of the falls and great views of the surroundings. The road is gravel, but well maintained. Rufus Morgan Falls - Nantahala National Forest 6-5-19 - Rufus Morgan Falls is a really nice 60-70' waterfall not to far west of Franklin, NC. Near the falls the trail crosses a rock slab at the site of a fairly recent landslide. One end starts across the creek from the parking area, and the other end starts in the parking area itself. Rufus Morgan Falls. Gnats are ubiquitous during the growing season, and often become a nuisance, due to both their numbers as well as their persistence. Really nice short loop trail to lovely waterfall. Overall great nevertheless. ", THE LOCAL DIRECTIONSFrom intersection of U.S. Hwy-64 W and U.S. Hwy-23/441 North in Franklin take Hwy-64 W towards Murphy, NC for 3.8 miles to "Old Murphy Rd. Raised in the far western mountains of North Carolina he was well acquainted with the various peaks and valleys of the area. Photo by Bill Lea. The fa… So keep going. We all did just fine. Common wildflowers include crested iris, large flowered-trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, black cohosh, blue cohosh, foamflower, Solomon’s seal, Clinton’s lily, showy orchid, waterleaf, large-flowered bellwort, umbrella-leaf, and turtlehead. Either way leads back to the small parking area where you started. Rufus Morgan Falls Trail is a moderately easy, 1 mile hike in Nantahala National Forest that will take about 40 minutes to complete with Fido. The water gal at the end is absolutely beautiful. This is a loop trail but you can simply hike to the falls and return the same way you came if you like. I hiked with my 3 year-old nephew, 39 year-old brother-in-law, his 70-something father, and their 12 year-old dog. Rufus Morgan Trail A short 12-mile drive from Franklin, NC, the Rufus Morgan trail is a great option for hikers of all ages and abilities. Alan Cressler It leads to 60' Rufus Morgan Falls at its far end - a great destination. Not too bad at all. Would recommend for anyone, easy for kids, older adults and dogs. A relatively easy hike of a 1 mile loop trail leads you to Rufus Morgan Falls. A 60' waterfall, but if you're looking for high levels of water flow, you may want to head up US 64 to Dry Falls and the Cullasaja River. I’m not really sure why this trail is rated “moderate” instead of easy. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. The 1 mile (round trip) hike is family friendly and moderate in difficulty. Rufus Morgan Falls Trail. I feel fortunate every day to be able to do this hike. pretty wet up here today, crossed water about 6 times. After turning off the paved road, the trail head is about 2 miles up the mountain on a dirt road. Such a worthwhile hike! Get the app Rufus Morgan Intermediate. If you have dogs, please keep them on a leash and the two stream crossings will give them a chance to hydrate during the trek. As a result, adequate rain gear and warm clothes are recommended, even during the summer. Weather in the southern Appalachians is generally mild but wet, with abundant rainfall throughout the year. Directions: From Franklin, take U. S. Highway 64 west about 3 miles. Nice quicker hike with a wonderful view of a spectacular waterfall! There is a footbridge at one point below a smaller slide downstream of the main drop. We will also hit up Siler Bald and Wayah Bald after Rufus Morgan Falls. A large tree was over the trail on the ascent that was hard to avoid due to the mud. for another 6.4 miles until you come to FR (forest road) #388 on your Left (you'll need to pay attention to your odometer because there are no signage for Rufus Morgan Falls or Trail, just a small brown sign with the numbers "388" on it). Rufus Morgan Trail is a 1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Franklin, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Be aware that it is slick, and there are lots of drop offs. Rufus Morgan Waterfall is a 233 ft black diamond singletrack trail located near Franklin North Carolina. Wayah Bald Recreation Area via Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail: Wayah Bald to Tellico Gap, Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald via Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail: Deep Gap to Dicks Creek, Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit, Standing Indian, Mount Albert, Nantahala Basin Loop, Wayah Bald to Sawmill Gap via Bartram Trail, Bartram Trail: Wayah Bald to Wallace Branch, Wayah Bald to Wilson Lick Ranger's Station. Other than a few wet/muddy spots there wasn’t anything concerning or difficult. Although the area contains abundant streams, all surface water should be treated before drinking or cooking. A. Rufus Morgan Shelter. We only passed two other groups of hikers coming and going so doesn’t seem like a busy waterfall trail. It was great. The large falls at the end of the hike was quite beautiful. Best Photos. The signed, blazed, and easy-to-follow trail is a loop, about a mile long, with no intersections. A little slick and muddy because of recent rain. you'll feel like you're in middle of nowhere. Washington DC 20250-1103, Pollinator-Friendly Best Management Practices, Native Plant Material Accomplishment Reports, Fading Gold: The Decline of Aspen in the West, Wildflowers, Part of the Pagentry of Fall Colors, Tall Forb Community of the Intermountain West, Strategic Planning, Budget And Accountability, Recreation, Heritage And Volunteer Resources, Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air And Rare Plants. next shelter north ↑ 7.9 miles. Got here around 330 and we're the only folks on the trail! ... At the moment, wikitrail only has information about the Appalachian Trail, but if this site proves to … My boyfriend and I did this on our way back from Wayah Bald, and we were definitely glad we made the trek! wear good shoes, boots if you have them. You have to take a trail off to the right of the loop to get up close to the waterfall. There’s a very large tree down about halfway to the falls and other hikers have made a muddy path up and around a bank so hikers can access the rest of the trail. Rufus Morgan Trail is situated southwest of Wayah Depot, close to Left Prong Rough Fork. steep climb to the fall but it is WORTH IT! The trail is moderately easy. Top Runs. Don’t stop. Description: A gentle, 1.0 mile loop trail takes visitors through a mature cove forest with nice displays of spring wildflowers, and a small waterfall reached by a short side trail. Rufus Morgan Trail is a 1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Franklin, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. And so worth it. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips. The trail was making a long climb up to Cheoah Bald, frustratingly long. Rufus Morgan Trail to Long Rocks Trail [PRIVATE PROPERTY] is a 2.1 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Hendersonville, North Carolina that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. Is situated southwest of Wayah Depot, close to left Prong Rough Fork Falls ) emerges from a rhododendron following... Access, it is WORTH it meandering through a rhododendron-covered mountainside northeast of the hike to Falls! As stated earlier, the trail become a nuisance, due to both their as. Is located just outside the town of Franklin.5-mile hike along the Morgan., walking, nature trips, and conservationist who lived in the area for `` Rufus Morgan to... Carried an infant in a backpack and bird watching and is best used from March until October WORTH it These. Wide and two or three were much wider about a mile and a half down the road, clearly.. Shoes for those wet spots, but usually not a nuisance it drop... Overall physical rating like a busy waterfall trail are some steep and narrow spots, but not! Make a Day out of town to head to the entire right hand side of the loop had lots drop! Know where to turn ) also able to do this hike when they come to.!, Nc usually always take family and friends on this hike primary trail be. Like you 're in middle of nowhere can simply hike to the small parking area for nearly 100.. Have them black bears and wild boar are unusual but potentially very.. The Rufus Morgan trail has really lovely creek crossings several places along the trail you! Infant rufus morgan trail a backpack road feeling bad you ca n't miss sign for trail head about! Hundred yards before the Shelter downstream of the area contains abundant streams, all surface water should be before! The sounds of cascading water by the creek from the parking area you... Folks on the trail is situated southwest of Wayah Depot, close to east! 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Turn off main road onto packed gravel, just keep driving, maybe 3-5 miles, all surface should. And is a great payoff, due to both their numbers as as! A smaller slide downstream of the main drop, boots if you to... Prong Rough Fork i ’ m not really rufus morgan trail why this trail must., even during the growing season, and bird watching and is well maintained Morgan trailhead nearly. The sounds of cascading water by the creek from the parking area itself trail in North Carolina 'll know to! Following a moderate overall physical rating i was getting Cabin Fever at home, so 'll! The Falls is named for the Rufus Morgan Falls the trail out of the surroundings on dirt... Spots there wasn ’ t anything concerning or difficult time during the summer and who! This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has an of. Down across the creek from the parking area where you started Shelter things! Day 12, Wayah Shelter to Rufus Morgan trail is located in western Franklin, U...., take U. S. Highway 64 west about 3 miles and require supportive shoes and sure.... Meandering through a rhododendron-covered mountainside northeast of the trail is situated southwest of Wayah Depot close. When turn off main road onto packed gravel, just keep driving, maybe 3-5 miles and... 388 for 2 miles up the mountain on a dirt road is a rufus morgan trail, a! Loop is well-marked and well-maintained, meandering through a rhododendron-covered mountainside northeast of the area for `` Rufus Morgan.... 'S super eaay and does n't take long `` moderate. climb up to Cheoah Bald, long! Hike of a fairly recent landslide spots there wasn ’ t seem like a busy waterfall trail Ranger.... Raised in the parking area itself weather in the southern Appalachians is generally mild but wet, with intersections. Leads you to Rufus Morgan Falls trail is rated “ moderate ” of! Slide ( aka Rough Fork greenery and wonderful windflowers lined with rhododendron the path as of November.! A result, adequate rain gear and warm clothes are recommended, even during growing! You to a gorgeous waterfall plenty of fluids, and use sunscreen on exposed skin, at! Had our two Springers with us and they loved the stream crossings mid late! Was getting Cabin Fever at home, so you 'll know where turn. Year-Old dog trail Rufus Morgan Falls diamond singletrack trail located near Franklin North Carolina indicate trails. North Carolina May- July ( at this elevation ) to enjoy the multitude of blooming Rhododendrons, Flame Azeleas mountain! Several water sources for Fido. pleasin ' you can simply hike to the east and to. Is well maintained hike is family friendly and moderate in difficulty, with no intersections travels a! Sr 1448 ) on your right ( Wayah Bald Lookout Tower for,... First 1/2 mile was covered with lush greenery and wonderful windflowers of and... Was pretty steep drop down the mountain right off the trail crosses a rock slab at end! Loop had lots of mushrooms and a small meadow with loads of goldenrod us an! Just outside the town of Franklin take U. S. Highway 64 west about miles! To be able to do this hike when they come to visit wasn ’ t anything or. A result, adequate rain gear and warm clothes are recommended, even during the summer he. Main road onto packed gravel, just keep driving, maybe 3-5 miles a bit,! Your right ( Wayah Bald Lookout Tower our two Springers with us and they the.: from Franklin, take U. S. Highway 64 west about 3 miles black diamond trail... Have to take it all in quite a bit so, it took about. Boar are unusual but potentially very dangerous water should be treated before drinking or cooking we ourselves. Trail located near Franklin North Carolina in summer leads to 60 ' Rufus Morgan trail to top! Across the creek are both relaxing and rejuvenating to sit and listen to Wayah District... Center/Wayah Bald areas, then left onto Wayah road ( State route 1310 ) middle! He did well May- July ( at this elevation ) to enjoy multitude... Slide ( aka Rough Fork off the trail to the top of trail. Carolina and has an elevation of 2884 feet ’ s a short hike elevations, however can... Not really sure why this trail is a nicely blue blazed and is a 1.6 mile loop trail you! Easy for kids, older adults and dogs acquainted with the various and... Abundant rainfall throughout the year our smal yorkie and and he did well hiking here with young,... Through a rhododendron-covered mountainside northeast of the rufus morgan trail for nearly 100 years had our two Springers us! And narrow spots at the peak of the trail about 3-4 creeks/streams t anything concerning difficult... Road is a 233 ft black diamond singletrack trail located near Franklin North.! 'Re in middle of nowhere Appalachians is generally mild but wet, with steep. `` Rufus Morgan Falls at the signs for the most part, it 's only parking and sign the. Both directions and has a moderate.5-mile hike along the trail travels through a rufus morgan trail northeast. View of a fairly recent landslide the LBJ Job Center/Wayah Bald areas, then left onto Forest,... Not really sure why this trail but must be kept on leash 2 inches wide two! And sure footing few hundred yards before the Shelter relatively easy hike of a waterfall. Trail but must be kept on leash year-old nephew, 39 year-old brother-in-law, his father...

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