Welch Ridge Trail

Welch Ridge Trail is a remote 6.34-mile point-to-point route from the Cold Spring Gap Trail junction to the Appalachian Trail near Silers Bald. Heading north, it climbs about 1,300 feet overall and rolls through a chain of gaps and knobs, with a fern-covered ridge and a side trip to High Rocks as the payoff. Allow roughly 4½ hours for the trail itself; reaching either end adds substantial walking. I’d plan it as one leg of a longer backcountry trip.

There is no road or parking at either endpoint. The south junction connects with Cold Spring Gap Trail and Bear Creek Trail, so you reach it on foot through the backcountry network. The north end meets the Appalachian Trail near Silers Bald; plan the exit and vehicle logistics separately. There are no services at the route junctions. A weak spring is mentioned on the ridge, but don’t count on its flow as a dependable refill. If your itinerary includes an overnight, the park requires an advance reservation and backcountry camping permit. Dogs are prohibited on this trail.

From Cold Spring Gap, the route climbs steep, rocky ground below High Rocks before easing into broader ridge sections. It rises and dips over Bearwallow Bald, Hawk Knob and the west flank of Mount Glory, then crosses gaps near the upper Hazel Creek and Jonas Creek trail junctions before the final brushy approach to the Appalachian Trail. Much of the upper ridge is broad and fern-covered, but some traverses are narrow and cling to steep slopes. Expect natural tread and uneven footing, especially near the lower end.

The optional High Rocks spur leads to a narrow rocky opening over the Hazel Creek watershed. A 46-foot fire tower once stood here; four concrete footings were recorded at the site in 2017. Trees ring the opening, so the view is a focused look into the watershed rather than a wide-open summit. For a photo, frame the rocky outcrop with the valley visible through the trees.

Welch Ridge separates the Forney Creek and Hazel Creek watersheds. The upper trail has a carpet of ferns, and summer wildflowers such as flame azalea and Carolina tassel-rue have been recorded along this high-elevation route. Bloom timing varies, but the ferny ridge is part of the walk in any season.