Jack Branch

At A Glance

TODO: #32 Boilerplate

More Difficult

2.4 mi one-way

Difficulty Rating: 2.4
Steepness: Climbs Moderately
Tread Condition: Some Obstacles
Blaze Color: Blue
USGS Map Number: 299

Starting at the tip of the River Ridge Loop trail, Jack Branch climbs along an old road bed in places, while in others it slips away to amble along the ridge. The forest burned in the early 2000s in this area, giving it an open feeling except where it has filled back in thickly with Virginia and Shortleaf pines. Follows the ridge between Jack and Murray Branches, but spends more time over on the Murray side. Has some limited wintertime views.

Joins with FS 468 and follows it for a bit before splitting off to the right to finish the climb up to the state line ridge and FS 422 in Cherokee National Forest.