Low Gap Trail

Low Gap Trail is a 5.4-mile, one-way point-to-point route from the back of Cosby Campground’s B section to Walnut Bottom, where it meets Big Creek Trail. It climbs 2.9 miles to Low Gap on the Appalachian Trail, then descends 2.5 miles to Walnut Bottom. The distance covers the named trail from its back-of-campground trailhead; add the walk from the hiker lot and whatever return or exit route you arrange. Walnut Bottom is a remote trail junction, not a road pickup. A simple out-and-back on Low Gap is about 10.8 miles. I’d allow about five hours for the 5.4-mile section, then add your campground approach and any exit.

Use the marked Hiker Parking Area near the campground entrance and check-in shack, then walk roughly a quarter mile through the campground to the trailhead at the back of B. Don’t park in the campsite loop. The first 0.4 mile weaves through campground paths and several trail junctions; follow the Low Gap signs where the route meets Cosby Nature Trail and Lower Mount Cammerer Trail. A few turns are easy to misread.

The opening follows Cosby Creek, with two small stream crossings on footlogs in the first few tenths of a mile. After the Cosby Horse Trail junction, the climb becomes steady. A run of switchbacks comes around mile 1.2, and the trail crosses the creek again near its headwaters around mile 2.5. The tread gets rocky and rooty as you gain the ridge. At 2.9 miles, Low Gap meets the Appalachian Trail at roughly 4,300 feet. Don’t expect the Mount Cammerer panorama here; that lookout is a separate extension.

Stay on Low Gap Trail at the Appalachian Trail junction and descend about 2.5 miles to Walnut Bottom and the Big Creek Trail junction. The route drops through forest to a backcountry campsite area, then ends at the junction; there’s no road access there. Sort out the return before setting out. Pets aren’t allowed on this trail.