Stokes State Forest - AT / Stony Brook Trail / Tower Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Wildlife

One of my favorite half-day runs, with quite a bit of climbing. Easy parking at the Culver's Gap parking lot. You'll first go up to the Culver fire tower (go up - great view). You'll leave the AT at the shelter, go downhill all the way to the valley, crossing many streams, and will go up back uphill to the fire tower.

Nearby Gib's is a great little restaurant, frequented by AT hikers. Sit outside overlooking the lake. Great burgers!

Some stretches are hard on your feet due to all the rocks.

From the parking lot, the AT goes up for about 2 miles to the Culver fire tower. You should climb it -- excellent views! From the fire tower the AT continues. Follow the sign for the shelter - great spot for a rest.

From the shelter follow signs for the water source, which leads to the Stony Brook Trail (brown markers). This trail goes downhill and you'll cross many beautiful streams. Good chance to see some deer and in late summer, you'll see newts. There are bears too, but I have not seen them here so far.

From the Stony Brook Trail go left on the Tower Trail (green markers). This trail will go back to the fire tower. The last 0.25 miles are very steep. From the fire tower, the AT leads you downhill back to the parking lot.

Deer, bear, snakes, many ferns