Bridal Out-and-Back Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

You share this trail with horses. Try not to scare them.

The trail begins coming off of the eastern end of the Bridle Loop. From here the trail heads south and then slowly twists around. At the first creek crossing (0.25 mile in), you start heading north.

The next half mile begins a steep rise of 150 feet which is soon matched by dropping back down where you reach the Big Sandy Creek. Continue along the creek, and you'll arrive at Lower Falls. Cool off at the falls and follow the creek until you meet the intersection with Middle Falls/Lower Falls Trail that heads to the left. Rock hop or wade across the creek and turn right here.

From here, the trail changes character as it builds altitude at a steady pace, switchbacking it's way up the hill. The trees here are tall and spread out making a big canopy. At a little of 2 miles in you can hear rushing waters of a branch of the Big Sandy Creek but the thick rhododendrons keep you from seeing it. The trail twists north and straightens out; climbing steeply for the next mile.

From here the trail takes a more meandering pace. The towering trees are phased out for smaller Post Oaks and some pine as the forest seems to open up. Finally you come to some bald rock near the top of Combs Knob, which affords views of Stone Mountain and some of the other balds in the area.