This trail has it all….steep cliffs, a swinging rope bridge, a ladder you must climb to reach the top on the way back, and beautiful views of the Clear Fork Gorge. Plenty of parking is available at the Gorge viewing area. It is recommended that you start this trail on the left side of the parking lot.

The erosional forces of glacial meltwaters hastened the carving of the narrow Clear Fork Gorge. This gorge cuts into sandstone bedrock, creating steep cliff walls and bedrock outcroppings. The gorge is more than 1,000 feet wide at the top and more than 300 feet deep. The gorge’s towering hemlocks and stands of old-growth white pine, are of national significance. The National Park Service has dedicated the area as a Registered National Natural Landmark.