Gully Creek Trail at Cumberland Knob - Alleghany County, NC

North Carolina

May 26

Experience all things with the enthusiasm of a child, as if you were seeing it for the first time. This is the Zen Mind - Always new, always aware, always that of a beginner.

“In the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” - Kahil Gibran

The Story -

On a very hot and very humid Saturday morning, Amelia, Alex, Ginger, Sophie and I hiked three miles on the strenuous Gully Creek Loop Trail at Cumberland Knob in Alleghany County near Low Gap, NC. The Gully Creek Trail is yet another great example of a short trail that can be both challenging and worthwhile, and also a reminder to not discount a trail just due to its length.

The Return of Summer -

Yes, summer has returned and hiking in the heat and humidity has many challenges. Starting early is a must, as well as taking additional breaks and intentionally drinking more water. I also try to choose hikes that offer respite from the sun, either near water, in a forest, or are in an unexposed area. And even though the Gully Creek Trail has both water and shade, it is impossible to avoid the sun and heat altogether like most trails. Just listen to your body, take breaks, drink plenty of fluids, and remember the saying, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Gully’s Creek Trail -

The Gully Creek Trail is a strenuous loop trail located just west of Mount Airy, NC at the Cumberland Knob Recreation Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Virginia and North Carolina State line. We chose to start our hike clockwise, beginning with a steep descent towards Gully Creek through a series of switchbacks. As you descend the trail, the sound of the cascading water grows louder and stronger as the creek grows in power. Once reaching the bottom, you have multiple creek crossings and rock hops, and literally dozens of beautiful cascades and mini waterfalls. It is truly fantastic. After a mile or so of heaven, the trail begins a steep climb to an anticlimatic Cumberland Knob minus a view, with just an old rustic shelter and an open field as the sole points of interest at the summit. From the shelter, it’s an easy and flat half-mile walk through the woods back to the parking lot.

Spill The Tea -

If you like hiking next to and in water, the first two miles of the Gully Creek Trail at Cumberland Knob are for you. The multiple cascades are spectacular with one seemingly around every switchback turn. Dozens of creek crossings and rock hops await you after the switchbacks. Leaving the creek, the hike up to Cumberland Knob is quite strenuous even for those who are in great shape, especially in the heat. Yet the nondescript open field next to the shelter that marks the summit of Cumberland Knob is somewhat disappointing. Most visitors to Cumberland Knob opt to hike to the creek, and then back up the switchbacks the same way they came down, thus avoiding the strenuous uphill to the summit.

Wrap It Up -

The Gully Creek Trail at Cumberland Knob is all about the creek. And a pretty strenuous climb. Come for the water and the abundant cascades, some exercise, and a secluded hike in nature, and not the views. Be sure to go in the morning, take your time and some extra water, and you will not be disappointed.