Nine Trails Loop - Elkwallow area ~9 miles and ~1700 feet elevation

Parking: Elkwallow Picnic Area Parking
Note: this is not the Wayside. The entrance to the picnic area is south of the Wayside entrance on Skyline Drive. Follow the road to the back of the picnic area
The hike: Nine Trails Loop
This hike was borrowed from our friend and Blue Mountain hike leader John H. It is a pleasant walk in the woods – about nine miles, taking in parts of nine different trails. There will be an optional tailgate at the end of the hike so bring your chair, beverage and snacks at your discretion.

We begin our hike from the Elkwallow picnic area, taking the spur to the AT and descending to Jeremy’s Run Trail and onto Knob Mountain Cutoff Trail where we will ascend to Knob Mountain Trail. We will hike on Knob Mountain Trail to the intersection with Weedlewood Trail which will then take us to Matthews Arm Road which we will walk for a short distance until we meet up with Traces Trail. We will follow Traces Trail to the Matthews Arm Campground entrance where we will cross the road to Elkwallow Trail. Elkwallow Trail will take us back to the AT which we will follow back to the picnic area spur trail and our cars.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. With your RSVP you agree to participate at your own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to your property and/or any injury to yourself or your guest. When joining GetHiking you affirm that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of/or related to this event against the organizers of this group.
Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:00AM - cancellations will be posted on the hike comments section. Steady rain with not much chance of clearing and/or dangerous conditions will call for postponing the hike.
RSVP: If you find that you are NOT going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to “No” as soon as possible. This allows those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.
RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO BRING: - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 2-3 Liters of Water, Good Day Pack