Book your family the memorable vacation in the secluded Pisgah National Forest near the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River and create your own memories
New trail I cut out behind the BML got to cascading falls over a massive rock slab, the Mountain Laurel has since been cut back so you can see the falls better now.
Need to know data to plan your Kayaking trip the the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River and Johns River in Caldwell County North Carolina.
With rapids ranging from Class I to V, Wilson Creek is a popular destination for kayakers and features some of the best scenery, rapids and exceptional water quality in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to Wilson Creek, there are plenty of other river systems to paddle nearby. Other streams include North Harper Creek, Gragg Prong, Rockhouse Creek, Lost Cove Creek, and Johns River. Guided trips are offered by Wahoo’s Adventures. The best accomdations in the area are the Brown Mountain Lodge Cabin rentals. Paddlers should be aware of private property that runs through Pisgah National Forest in the Wilson Creek area. Link to website, click here: Brown Mountain Lodge Cabin Rentals
BML
CCC
Amazing Wilson Creek Kayak head cam video tour click below
Wilson Creek put in locations:
Wilson Creek
Upper portions (section 1) of this stream are technically challenging and can only be paddled during heavy rains. In sections before the gorge (section 2 & 3), low- to intermediate-skilled paddlers will find a few challenges and the occasional ledge. The gorge (section 4), being one of the more popular runs in the Southeast, should only be paddled by more experienced enthusiasts, especially after a large rain. The gorge offers several major drops with Class IV and V rapids. After the gorge (section 5), Wilson Creek can be enjoyed by intermediate paddlers with Class I to II rapids.
Section 1: FS 45 to intersection of NC 90 & FS 981
Section 2: Intersection of NC 90 and FS 981 to CR 1328 Bridge
Section 3: CR 1328 Bridge to the National Forest Service Boundary sign
Section 4: National Forest Service Boundary sign to Brown Mountain Beach
Section 5: 200 yards above CR 1337 Bridge on CR 1328 to CR 1438 Bridge at Johns River
Johns River The Johns River (Class I to II) is perfect for beginner and intermediate paddlers. It runs from the Globe area of Pisgah National Forest and joins Wilson Creek and continues on to Lake Rhodhiss, north of Morganton. The upper portion (section 1) starts at the Johns River Camp bridge and runs through several low-water bridges and takes out at the bridge on CR 1356 southwest off NC 90. After a gap, section 2 starts at Collettsville at the Adako Road bridge at NC 90 and takes out at the beginning of section 3. In section 3, paddlers put in at the CR 1438 bridge and take out at the North Carolina Wildlife Access Area at the NC 18 bridge northwest of Morganton.
Section 1: Johns River Camp bridge to second low-water bridge after leaving NC 90 Section 2: Caldwell CR 1337 Bridge (Adako Rd.) in Collettsville to Burke CR 1438 Section 3: Burke CR 1438 Bridge (30 yards upstream on east bank) to NC Wildlife Access area at NC 18 bridge.
Brown Mountain Lodge Pet Friendly Cabin Rentals are located in the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Gorge.
After a fun day on the water chillaxing by the firepit grill steaks is what its all about.
Take the video head cam tour of the Brown Mountain OHV/ ATV park and see what the trails look like before your adventure!
Courtesy of Brown Mountain Lodge Cabin Rentals in Wilson Creek River Gorge
Just bought a UTV to bring up here and explore, I came last weekend and was blown away with the cool trails and sights, so far I've only explored trail # 1 but its very manageable and awesome, love the views. Bring your ATV, UTV or off road 4X4 up for some fun!
Jeep trails video click above
Important Info to know before coming:
Brown Mountain Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area, on the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, offers 34 miles of rugged, mountainous trails with lots of challenges. The trails range in difficulty from “easy” to “difficult.” Note that the trails are color coded on the map to show their difficulty. The map also has vehicle symbols to show which trails are open to trail bikes, allterrain vehicles (ATV’s), 4-wheel drive vehicles, or all three. Mountain bikers may use trails at their own risk; the same fee is required.
All 34 miles of trails are open to trail bikes, while over 14 miles are open to ATV’s. Jeeps and other 4-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles may use trail 8 and part of trail 1. Trails 1a and 1b are only open to
trail bikes and ATV’s. OHV’s may not be ridden on the access road, 299, from the highway. Most trails are not wide enough for two-way traffic, so a one-way system is provided. The trail numbers can only be seen when traveling in the correct direction. Please observe the one-way signs, but be alert for people who may accidentally travel the wrong way. Brown Mountain OHV Area is the
only place in Pisgah National Forest where ATV’s and unlicensed trail bikes may be ridden. On forest roads outside this area, only licensed, street-legal vehicles may be ridden. State vehicle laws are enforced on forest roads.
ATV Head cam video tour
Before you haul:
Call Before You Haul: Due to weather conditions and maintenance, this trail may be closed on short notice. Before your ride, please call the OHV hotline at 828-652-2144.
Length: 34 miles
Surface: Dirt and Rocks
Fees: A fee is charged for use of the trail system. Daily or seasonal passes may be purchased at local vendors or at the Grandfather District Office at 109 East Lawing Lane, Nebo, NC 28761. The District is at exit 90 just off U.S. 40 and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The funds are used to maintain the trails and make improvements in the area.
Season: Brown Mountain OHV Area is open this year from April 1 through January 1.
Amenities:
Primitive camping is permitted in the OHV area. Designated sites are located along the entrance road. Each site has a table, grill, and lantern post. A picnic shelter, water hydrant, and “sweet-smelling” vault toilet are located at the trailhead. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the OHV area, including in campsites or on trails. Please take your trash with you. When you are away from the toilet, be sure to bury everything, including toilet paper, at least 200 feet away from the creek. Don’t drink untreated creek water.
National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa Street Asheville, NC 28801 828-257-4200
Grandfather Ranger District 109 East Lawing Drive Nebo, NC 28761 828-652-2144
Directions: From Lenoir: Take Highway 90 west to Collettesville. Turn left on Adako Road (SR 1337) just beyond the elementary school and grocery store. Travel 4.4 miles to the Brown Mountain OHV Area entrance on the right at the sign.
From Morganton: Take Highway 181 north about 11 miles toward Linville. Turn right on Brown Mountain Beach Road (SR 1405) at a small wooden church on the right. Travel 3.5 miles east to the Brown Mountain OHV Area entrance on the left at sign.
Best cabin rental accomodations in the area are the Brown Mountain Lodge Cabin rentals:
Check us out below:
Book your Land Rover/ Jeep/ ATV excursion and get your accomodations at the Brown Mountain Lodge Cabin rentals, click link below to website home page:
The Legend of the Brown Mountain Lights in NC Mountains.
The paranormal folks and research gurus are still trying to disprove the local legend of the Brown Mountain Lights. I wrote a story about them in a ghost story book titled "Thirteen Terrifying Tales of the NC Piedmont" story #10. What I saw up close as teenager was not any kind of man made light source.
We had hiked up School House Ridge behind Mortimer campground and made camp one eve. We had our campfire and camp site set for the eve. As anyone who has hiked the Wilson Wild and Scenic River Gorge area will tell you it gets really dark when the moon isn't out.
As the night settled in and we were huddled around the campfire we heard what sounded like foot steps coming up the mountain through the leaves. Leaves crunching as if it were footsteps. I've been coming up here for 40 years I was always told the Legend was Indian squaws looking for thier Braves lost in battle.
We could see the 3 lights that had a irredecent multi colored glow, somewhat like the size of a lantern light approaching. These were no lanterns! Literally the lights continued to get closer and closer. We threw rocks sticks and any and everything we could find at them, they got to within 30 yds of us and vanished.
Needless to say we stayed up the rest of the night to keep a look out and at sun up virtually ran down the mountain to get out of there with our lives.
If your looking for the perfect secluded Mountain getaway check out our cabin Rentals located in the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Gorge web site link below:
The local News Channel 36 did a broadcast of the story and its on you tube video here:
To see the Brown Mountain Lights from a distance there is a lookout on Highway 181 out of Morganton in Burke County, looking North from the vantage point is the Brown Mountain and surrounding peaks. You might get lucky enough to see them.
Here is the link to the Burke County Information regarding the Brown Mountain Lights Phenomenon:
