Trail #481

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Trail #481 starts out on the south side of Stone Bottoms Road at the Franks Tract parking lot. Franks Tract is an old home place with just the foundation left. Plenty of parking for eight or ten cars.

From the parking lot, cross the road to enter Trail #481. From there you'll wind your way down in the valley containing Lusk Creek. There is signage at the first trail intersection. Trail #481 goes left and Trail #481B goes straight. Hang the left staying on #481. In about a half mile you'll encounter a second intersection. Once again #481 goes left. Head left down toward Little Bear Branch Creek. Follow the creek/trail on down to Natural Bridge Crossing (there is no bridge over the creek; it's just a name). Cross the creek. It's usually low enough to cross in boots without getting wet but come prepared for 6-10 inches of water at all the Lusk Creek area crossings. Once across head left and up the hill. There's a nice overview of Lusk as you climb. The Natural Bridge feature is just a bit farther on the right. Trail #481 ends at Trail #457 just above Natural Bridge.