Cat Gap Loop

This moderate and easily accessible hike (FS #120) will also take you to the face of John Rock if you choose to add that section of trail at the top of the ridge. You’ll cross several small streams and enjoy waterfalls and attractive woods.

The trail crosses John Rock Creek, and then soon converges with Cedar Rock Creek, where there is a pleasant cascade and a popular primitive campsite on the left. It then passes Picklesimer Fields, near the intersection with Butter Gap Trail (#123). Mountain Laurel blooms in early summer along this section.

Note: Cat Gap Loop is open (seasonally) to mountain bikes, but only from the described trailhead to the intersection with Butter Gap Trail.

The trail then climbs moderately to Cat Gap to join the Art Loeb Trail. Turn left and proceed about 100 feet before leaving the Art Loeb Trail and dropping steeply toward Horse Cove. [If the Art Loeb Trail is not on your itinerary, the rather uninteresting and steep climb to it may be largely avoided by taking the Cat Gap Bypass (#120A), which is to the left about ¾ mile from Picklesimer Fields.] The trail then becomes moderate and rocky as you pass large hemlocks and tulip poplars.

After crossing the gravel road in Horse Cove, the grade becomes easy. The last mile is a pleasant walk along the Davidson River to return to the parking lot. Spring is a good time to see Pink Lady’s Slippers along the river.