A favorite hike of long-time Nantahala Hiking Club member Katharine Brown is Buck Creek. This time of year, and into the winter, especially, the old logging road hike is a dog walker’s delight for several reasons.
Number one: much of the foliage dies down, so the wide U.S. Forest Service road can be enjoyed without wading through weeds. Number two: there is less opportunity to encounter critters, like snakes, when the weather begins to chill. Number three: Buck Creek affords both humans and canines the beauty (and enjoyment for some dogs) of the stream, as well as some small waterfalls.
The Nantahala Hiking Club was established to maintain close to 60 miles of the Appalachian Trail, but also to provide guided hikes, education, and social activities. Annually, the club often chooses, for member and guest excursions, the approximately four-mile out-and-back Buck Creek trail.
Brown is one of the club’s knowledgeable guides. Accompanying her when she hikes solo, since most NHC guided hikes are people-only, is her Australian shepherd, Whitney, named for Mt. Whitney. She enjoys allowing Whitney to explore and run on the wide path. Plus, Whitney likes water.
“Buck Creek is a favorite of mine because it has late fall and winter views, and the hike varies with uphill and flat areas,” she said. “And, with so much rhododendron along the route, there is greenery year-round. The tallness of the pine areas against the blue sky creates an awe-inspiring sight as you walk this trail. Lastly, if you desire a solitary hike this one fits the bill.”
Brown describes the first mile of the trail as a slight, but steady, incline with switchbacks. “Then it levels out,” she said.
A remnant of bygone logging days is a chestnut log bridge at the end of the trail to Little Buck Creek. No longer walkable, except for daredevils, the bridge is constructed of American chestnut trees that once thrived in the area but are now depleted because of a disease referred to as the Chestnut Blight.
The bridge was most likely built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, according to Brown. To continue on the old logging road beyond the chestnut bridge, one must ford Little Buck Creek.
However, to visit a beautiful meadow that runs along Buck Creek, before returning to the parking area, hikers can turn around at the chestnut bridge and walk a short way to an obvious left-hand trail that winds down into a wide-open area.
Dogs do not have to be kept on a leash, unless they are prone to run off. Brown also notes that besides a plethora of bird sightings in the trees, turkeys and grouse are commonly seen on the Buck Creek trail. So, dogs who will not stay close to their owners and who might like to chase ground birds may need to be leashed or connected to some sort of beep/training collar. Additionally, Brown cautions that during hunting season, it is best for humans to don a blaze-orange vest on the Buck Creek trail.
The Buck Creek trail is not just for foot traffic. Because it was once a logging road, it is mostly packed down, making it ideal for mountain bikers as well.
“If you can get on this trail when the leaves are changing, or when it snows, it becomes even more beautiful,” added Brown.
To get to Buck Creek from Highlands or Cashiers, turn off Hwy 64 near the Highlands Hospital. Turn onto Buck Creek Road. Go about eight to 10 miles to the trailhead parking; look on the left for Forest Service Road #4591 and a parking spot near the gate for about four vehicles.
Editor’s Note: In my review of Deena’s Dog Days with Dingo, A True Travel Tail, I noted that she’d captured the spirit of an exuberant dog set free amidst the sensual delights of the natural world. Here, Deena once more reveals this deep understanding of the canine mind.
From Franklin, the trailhead is almost the same distance. Travel down Highlands Road toward Highlands. Make a left on Buck Creek Road, and go about two and a half miles. Look for the Forest Service Road #4591 gate on the right.
Interested in Nantahala Hiking Club? A club member based on the Plateau leads hikes for the group. Visit nantahalahikingclub.org.
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