Turkeypen Ridge TrailEasy

Turkeypen Ridge Trail a 3.6 mile trail that connects Schoolhouse Gap Trail to Laurel Creek Road. The trail weaves in and out around the eastern face of Turkeypen Ridge north of Whiteoak Sink. It crosses Pinkroot Branch around the 2 mile marker and has a couple other larger water crossings near the intersection with Crib Gap Trail.

From the intersection at Schoolhouse Gap, Turkeypen Ridge Trail rises about 200 feet at the initial ascent, before leveling out on the ridge. Much of the beginning of the hike is surrounded by dense vegetation. After the first mile or so, the area begins to open up to wider views of the forest, where you can see the trail continuing around the hills of the mountainsides in front of you.

The last couple of unbridged water crossings just before the intersection with Crib Gap Trail are the most significant after periods of rain. Use caution when rock hopping, and avoid waterlogged branches in your crossing.