Jarrard Gap Trail

This reasonable loop starts at Lake Winfield Scott, a great swimming and fishing destination, and explores sheltered mountain valleys divided by an Appalachian Trail ridge walk.

It heads up Slaughter Creek, crossing streams on a moderate grade to meet a rerouted section of the Appalachian Trail. It then travels atop a lightly wooded ridge line on the world's longest marked footpath to reach Jarrard Gap. You complete the hike with an easy descent on the Jarrard Gap Trail. 

Leave the day-use parking area and cross the bridge over Slaughter Creek. Lake Winfield Scott is to your left.

The Slaughter Creek Trail starts on your right. Begin walking up a grass-lined gravel track to reach a bridge over the creek. Veer left here into thick woods. The blue-blazed path crosses Slaughter Creek on a wood bridge to emerge onto a gravel road. Keep forward, cross the gravel road, and begin the loop portion of your hike. Gaddis Mountain rises to your right.

Cross the first of several branches of Slaughter Creek emanating from the ridge line to your right, where the Appalachian Trail is and where you soon will be. Most of these crossings are bridged, and this well-maintained trail leaves and joins old roadbeds with regularity. The path is well marked.

The walking is easy in the lightly wooded terrain. The trail avoids the mountaintops but does pass through the gaps.

Total Distance: 5.9 miles
Hiking Time: 3 1/2 hours
Vertical Rise: 885 feet
Rating: Moderate