Fires Creek
Serious outdoors lovers take note: The Fires Creek area—tucked away in the
extreme southwest corner of North Carolina amid some of the most remote
and pristine scenery in the eastern United States—offers varied
opportunities for superb interaction with the natural world. Its more
than 21,000 acres, which shelter abundant flora and fauna, are ideal for
Leatherwood Falls | s about 25 feet high and makes a pleasant picnic spot. In addition
to the usual southern Appalachian hardwoods, six kinds of pine, hemlock,
mountain laurel and rhododendron, ferns, and a dazzling array of wildflower
species thrive here.
The Rim Trail, a roughly 26-mile loop, surrounds the Fires Creek basin,
intersecting with other shorter trails along the way.. Although many
more equestrians than hikers use the trail, backpackers could spend
several pleasurable days exploring the loop. Camping is prohibited in
designated wildlife openings. And, as always along ridgeline trails,
hikers are advised to carry plenty of water. There is a dependable spring
near the intersection of the Shinbone Ridge and Rim trails, about 100
feet below the rim, and several other springs that may require a longer
detour to reach.
History:
The most unusual geological feature in Fires
Creek is the "bowls" or basins occurring atop Potrock Bald
(reached via the Trail Ridge Trail from Bristol Horse Camp). Local
legend says these unique depressions, of uncertain origin, were used
by the Cherokee, perhaps for cooking. A similar (and more easily
reached)
formation is the Indian Wash Pot on the bank of Fires Creek near
Leatherwood Falls. Supposedly, the Indians used it to heat water
for bathing,
though it's now filled in with leaves and debris.
Wildlife:
Fires Creek is a designated bear sanctuary,
and as development in surrounding areas limits their habitat, still
more black bears will be driven into this protected territory. The
rare Appalachian water shrew can be seen in the fast-moving, high-elevation
streams, as can the southern pygmy shrew Other local fauna include
all the small game typical of the area: squirrels, wild turkey (,
white-tailed deer , and ruffed grouse , as well as both copperhead
and timber rattlers. The pristine streams shelter native brook trout,
rainbow trout, and brown trout. Among the many bird species here are
numerous varieties of warblers, hawks, owls, and woodpeckers.
Fall size:35'
Beauty Scale:4
(1-worth seeing-10 awesome)
Directions:
From Murphy, take US 64 East toward Hayesville.
After about 9 miles, turn left at the green forest service sign (and
Citgo service station) onto NC 1302. After about 4 miles, make another
left (also marked) onto NC 1344. It's about 1 mile to Hunters Camp,
and another .7 mile to the Leatherwood Falls parking area. About 5
miles farther on is Bristol Horse Camp.
Activities:
Leatherwood Falls: picnic tables, grills.
Hunters Camp: pit toilets. Bristol Horse Camp: camping, facilities
for horses.
Facilities:
Parking, picnic tables and grills, restrooms, water.
Fees:There is a charge for some campsites.
Closest town:Hayesville, about 9 miles.
For more information:
Tusquitee Ranger District,
201 Woodland Drive,
Murphy, NC 28906.
Phone (704) 837-5152.
