Snake Den Ridge Trail

Snake Den Ridge Trail is a strenuous 10.6-mile out-and-back from Cosby Campground to its junction with the Appalachian Trail. The climb is about 5.3 miles each way and gains roughly 3,300 feet on the way up. Its appeal is the changing forest, two creek crossings and a few views into Cosby Valley, not a long run of overlooks. Allow about eight hours. At the Appalachian Trail junction, turn around; continuing on the Appalachian Trail toward Deep Creek Gap adds a different hike.

Park in the signed Hiker Parking Area by the campground entrance, then follow the campground road to the trail sign near campsite B51. The route begins on a broad old gravel road through hardwoods. The small Williamson Cemetery is beside this lower stretch; at the road's turnaround, stay on the main foot trail as it narrows into the woods.

The trail crosses Rock Creek and later Inadu Creek. Earlier route descriptions place a footlog at Rock Creek and a rock hop at Inadu Creek, where small waterfalls sit just above and below the crossing. Those are natural crossings, and their condition can change. Wet rocks and a slick log make the climb harder; high water can make a crossing unsafe, so be ready to turn back. Do not count on creek water unless you can treat it.

After Inadu Creek, the grade steepens into long switchbacks. The lower hardwood forest gives way to heath, rhododendron and conifers as the route gains the ridge. A narrow opening looks across Cosby Valley toward Mount Cammerer's distant octagonal fire lookout. It's one of the few broad views on the hike; frame it with the ridge vegetation in the foreground. Farther up, the shaded forest closes in again.

The Maddron Bald Trail junction comes before the final climb to the Appalachian Trail. The Snake Den Ridge route ends at that junction; continuing on the AT is extra distance and leads into a different backcountry itinerary. The return follows the same 5.3-mile corridor, so save energy for the steep descent and creek crossings.

This is a long, steep hike with no short loop option on the named route. The campground has restrooms and seasonal drinking water near the start, but no store, and there is no reliable water service along the climb. Carry food and enough water for a full day. Pets are prohibited on this trail. Check current park notices before leaving, since streams and other backcountry conditions can change.