Turkey Pen Gap Trailhead

Turkey Trail starts off steep but manageable, but if you plan to turn it into a loop with Mills Creek, be prepared. Both bridges are washed out, so you’ll have to cross the creek, which is at least knee-deep. The path leading down isn’t maintained, so expect to walk through overgrown brush and navigate fallen trees. There are no signs warning you about the missing bridges. In December, the trail is muddy, covered in slippery leaves, and the creek water is freezing. We hiked it with our three dogs—ended up carrying two of them through the creek, and the third had to wade through. US gov says this is ~5.5 miles but it was closer to ~7 miles, taking 3 1/2 hours. Trail was HARD due to having to cross two creeks. Entrance is a one mile, gravel road with one lane FYI.

TPG is still recovering from the hurricane. Some trails are only passable with LOTS of climbing over and under fallen trees. Still, I had 3 very pleasant days wandering. Oh, expect to get your feet wet. There are innumerable water crossings. Although I only gave it 2 stars, I will be back!

The road coming in can be rough, it's only large enough for one vehicle to drive down. The parking lot had plenty of parking but this is a mix use trail. This trail can be busy from hiking, MTB riding and horse back riding. All in all this trail is great for hiking with your dog. I utilized South Mills River Road to Mullinax then to Pounding Mill. This route pretty much followed water the entire way. There are beautiful areas to stop along the river and overall the ascension was steady.

Great trail. My wife and I decided to overnight pack here over Labor Day. It was easy to get to a site, easy to leave and the sites were large. If it hadn’t rained, it would have been a wonderful trip. I highly recommend this trail if you’re just getting into backpacking and live in Western NC or Upstate SC

Great trail. Took the upper loop down to the lower loop. Took about 5 hours and were in decent shape. Not super avid hikers, but enough to say we're not noobs. Nice animals and scenery. Went in late September and saw some decent foliage along with views. Enjoy it!

Easy beginers trail we took our three year old on his first hike in with pack and camp and hike out trip he did great and it was lovely.

Staying nearby, this trailhead gave us a great experience for an afternoon! Definitely download the “offline” google maps for the local region before starting out, as you will lose service at points. We started out taking the blue trails with the steps, right in front of where you park. It was a STEEP 1 mile climb and then much more bearable once you reach the marker in one of these pictures. Will get muddy at points! Overall, totally worth it and would do it again.

Save some energy for the last 1/2 mile on your way out. Awesome trail and if you're ambitious enough the remains of the Cantrell Creek lodge is a worthwhile destination