Mitchell Lick Trail #154

Dogs Off-leash

Features River/Creek

The trail is difficult to follow in places. Runners could miss a turn or follow a false trail and need to backtrack.

From the signed intersection with King Meadows Trail near Hooper Bald, Mitchell Lick Trail frequently follows old logging roads approximately 2.5 miles to a signed (barely legible and rotten sign) trail junction at the upper end of Snowbird Creek Trail. Mitchell Lick Trail allows for a nice overnight run using King Meadows Trail to make a loop that includes the entire length of Snowbird Creek Trail. A side trip to the top of Hooper Bald would be a worthwhile addition to the loop run. Another side trip to Sassafras Falls should be considered.

Mitchell Lick Trail is seldom used and can be difficult to follow at times. The heavily wooded trail maintains elevation above 4000 feet as it crosses below ridge tops as it occasionally dips down to creeks during its cross slope traverse between the lower slopes of Hooper Bald and the headwaters of Snowbird Creek.

Starting from signed trail junction with Mitchell Lick Trail and King Meadows Trail, look for a spot 0.2 miles from the sign where the trail splits. You should go right, dropping off the ridge top. At 0.5 miles and a gradual 206 ft descent beyond the trail sign, you'll reach a point where the trail turns right and steeply descends for about 150 feet to rocky creek bed. Warning: It is easy to miss where the trail bears right here because a well-worn trail proceeds straight ahead along the ridge line. I piled sticks to help future runners realize the trail does not proceed straight ahead.

For more information on my experience on this trail and others in the Snowbird area, visit Uphill Hikes.