Big Springs Gap Trail (TR 151)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek

There is parking and signage at the Big Springs Gap Trailhead at the terminus along FR 701. There is a nice campsite that is level, sheltered by spruce trees, and it has a fire ring. The campsite is located at the terminus at the lowest elevation on the south side of the trail and west of Otter Creek.

The trail is rocky, damp, and shady, so it's slick in many places.

The trail does not have any markings or guides, but is sufficiently worn as to be obvious. The trail is consistently rocky and in total shade in the summer due to the trees. It is a short 0.8 miles that provides access to Otter Creek Trail and follows a dry gully. There is one crossing of a small stream.

To access the Otter Creek Trail (TR 131), crossing Otter Creek is required. Otter Creek at this point is up to 0.6 meters deep and about 12 meters wide, so prepare to get your feet wet. The bottom of the creek is almost exclusively well-rounded river rock that can become very slippery. It might be possible to cross without getting wet by using waterproof boots and moving between large rocks during the driest seasons.

Eastern deciduous trees such as maple, oak, birch, and mountain laurel with Norway spruce. There is a lush understory of various plants dominated by rhododendron.