Tennessee · Hiking

Jack Branch Trail

2.3 mi
round trip
1,437 ft
climb
2,357 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Jack Branch Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in National Forests in North Carolina. It doesn't name Jack Branch Trail, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · National Forests in North Carolina. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Jack Branch Trail is a 2.3-mile moderate hike in Tennessee's Appalachian Ranger District of the National Forests in North Carolina, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is an out-and-back that climbs from about 1,369 feet to roughly 2,357 feet, with a total gain of 1,437 feet over the round trip. The steepest stretch comes at about 1.6 miles in, where the grade reaches 24%. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Hot Springs, North Carolina, show October highs around 72°F with lows near 47°F, and May highs around 78°F. That station sits about 1,000 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the summit run cooler. Several other outings lie within a few miles. The Jack Branch hike is about 1.6 miles away, and the Chimney Rocks Trail and Paint Rock Trail are both within 3 miles. Paint Creek Campground, about 4.3 miles off, offers a place to stay.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Mar–May, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Jack Branch Trail

    Best months: March–May and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      48° / 28°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      52° / 31°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      60° / 37°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      71° / 44°

      12 wet

    5. May

      78° / 54°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      84° / 62°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      87° / 65°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 65°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      82° / 59°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      72° / 47°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 36°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      51° / 32°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Hot Springs, NC, 2.9 mi away at 1,345 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Lover's LeapPhoto: Hot Springs Tourism & Welcome Center, CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors