Winston-Salem North Carolina Travel Guide

A Fishing and Hiking Paradise UP WILSON CREEK AND DOWN JOHNS RIVER

This route leads you through the southern drainage of Grandfather Mountain in Pisgah National Forest, which provides some of the finest streamside hiking in the state. This region is also rich in historical relevance, evoking the era of the logging industry during the first decades of the twentieth century.

Before emptying into Johns River, Wilson Creek (more like a small river according to North Carolina mountain standards) flows through Wilson Creek Gorge. Scenic water-sculpted rocks, cascades, and deep, emerald-green pools make this a popular destination for trout fishers, sunbathers, and tubers. Designated a National Wild and Scenic River by President Clinton in 2000, Wilson Creek stays hugely popular from summer to autumn.

Lost Cove Trail parallels Gragg Prong in Pisgah National Forest, providing intimate views of the scenic stream.

Start out on NC 181 north of Morganton. Turn east onto Brown Mountain Beach Road. Drive 5 miles and turn left to remain on Brown Mountain Beach Road. Drive 9 miles to a T intersection and turn left. Follow the usually unmarked road for 10 miles (without turning) to the community of Gragg, where it becomes Globe Road. Follow it a mile and bear right. Drive 6 miles (road becomes Anthony Creek Road), then turn left onto NC 90. Drive 6 miles, then turn right onto Old Johns River Road. Follow it 6 miles back to NC 90 and turn right. Drive three-quarters of a mile to Colletsville and turn right on Adako Road. Follow it 3 miles back to Brown Mountain Beach Road. (47 miles)

Coffey’s General Store, recently closed, served the community of Edgemont for nearly a century.


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