Albright Grove Loop Trail

The first stretch follows a broad old gravel road through mixed woods. Baxter Cabin sits about seven-tenths of a mile in, where the trail briefly levels. Around 1.2 miles, Maddron Bald meets Gabes Mountain and Old Settlers trails at an open junction; stay on Maddron Bald. At about 2.3 miles, the wide road narrows to a dirt path and the forest begins to feel older. The trail crosses Indian Camp Creek just before 2.8 miles, then climbs steeply to the lower connection with Albright Grove near 2.9 miles.

Follow the roughly 0.7-mile Albright Grove path through the trees until it meets Maddron Bald again. The path climbs for about a third of a mile, eases off, then descends. A short spur leads to a particularly large tuliptree. At the second Maddron Bald junction, turn toward the trailhead; the other direction continues farther up Maddron Bald.

This is a forest walk, not a viewpoint hike. Albright Grove protects old-growth cove hardwoods, including tall tulip poplars and Fraser magnolias with broad, buttressed bases. Eastern hemlocks also stand among the canopy. Take time to look up, then notice the older trees and their enormous roots at ground level.

Baxter Cabin is a one-room log cabin from 1889. Local accounts say its lumber came from a single chestnut tree; stone walls farther along mark other old homesteads. Maddron Bald Trail follows an old gravel road built in the early 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Albright Grove is named for Horace Albright, the second director of the National Park Service and an early advocate for creating the park.

Begin at Maddron Bald Trailhead on Baxter Road near Cosby. Parking is limited, and a park parking tag is required when you stay longer than 15 minutes. Pets are not allowed on this trail; service animals are permitted. Potable water and restrooms were not confirmed at this access, so plan without a refill. The Indian Camp Creek crossing and the steep, rough, sometimes narrow tread call for steady footing.