Mortimer Piedmont - FS 982

Total Miles
7.0

Technical Rating

1

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Trail Overview

This Forest Service road follows Upper Creek and Craig Creek, with sections that also touch Wilson Creek. While there are some views of the surrounding forest, the most notable scenery comes from the creeks below. The trail also features several scenic single-lane bridges, adding a unique element compared to other trails in the area, though these can become choke points, especially when shared with construction equipment or logging trucks. Campsites are scattered along the route, varying in size from small spots for a couple of vehicles to larger areas accommodating six or seven. All campsites include a fire pit, with some also offering small walking trails or direct creek access. A few offshoot trails branch from the main route, though some are only open seasonally. One of these offshoots includes a shallow water crossing at the beginning, but access is restricted behind a gated section that is only open at certain times.

Photos of Mortimer Piedmont - FS 982

Mortimer Piedmont - FS 982
Mortimer Piedmont - FS 982

Difficulty

This forest service road is rather easy, with only mild trail damage and ruts only a few inches tall. There are a few corners throughout the trail that are very narrow from storm damage which caused the trail to break down. These sections are noticeable, however, caution should be taken.

History

This area was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene in late 2024, and evidence of the storm's destruction will likely remain visible for years to come. Fallen trees, displaced boulders, and remnants of damaged structures can still be seen, many of which were swept into the river by the hurricane's force.

Technical Rating

1

Access Description

This trail can be accessed from the west via Highway 181 or from the east via Brown Mountain Beach Road. Highway 181 is a high-traffic, paved road, while the eastern access consists of approximately 10 miles of dirt and hard-packed gravel roads.

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