The Adventure Collective 2019 Asheville Guide Sample | Page 42

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Dog Friendly Adventures
North Mills River Recreation Area (Mills River)
The vast Mills River area is part of Pisgah National Forest opposite Bent Creek just across the Pisgah Ridge. We like
this area for the many camping options and rivers to explore. A great option in the area is to head up to the Trace
Ridge trailhead which gives you access to the Trace Ridge, Fletcher Creek and North Mills River trails. This area has
a lot of great hiking options, so be sure and grab a trail map before heading out as cell phone service is limited in
the area. For a relatively short and easy hike that takes you down to the water, we recommend heading down the
recently revamped Lower Trace Ridge Trail (thanks Pisgah Area Sorba!) where you’ll find water and easy hiking along
the North Mills River.
Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 W to I-26 E to Exit 40/Airport Rd. Turn right onto Airport Rd for 3 miles
to North Mills River Rd./NC 1345. Turn right and follow for 5 miles to the recreation area. To get to the Trace Ridge
trailhead make a right onto Wash Creek Road/FR 479, follow this for several miles. Turn left onto the first un-gated
gravel road which has a concrete low-water bridge, follow this 0.5 mile to the Trace Ridge trailhead and parking lot.