Heiss Mountain Possum Gorge, North Section
- Type: Out and back
- Distance: About 3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
- Time: 3 hours
- Drive Time from Downtown: 30 minutes
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Highlights: Beautiful colors in the fall, rock gardens and changing vegetation as you gain elevation then descend into a gorge.
- Directions and more information from The Howl.
This might just be my new favorite hike. This climb, which starts at Heiss Mountain Trailhead right off State Route 111 on Heiss Mountain Road, can be difficult to find on popular hiking apps like AllTrails because it’s a segment of the full 9.5-mile, one way Possum Creek Gorge Section from Heiss Mountain Road to Retro-Hughes Road.
This shortened version is great for the slightly more experienced hiker who wants to get a quick hike in. The elevation gains and rocky terrain can be tough for beginner hikers, and I would not recommend it for children. The leaves were at their peak color in mid-November, but this trail would also be beautiful after some rains as it follows a creek and the 1.4-mile turnaround point is at a 60-foot fiber-reinforced polymer bridge that stretches over Big Possum Creek. The views at the bottom of the gorge are worth it but keep in mind you have a long trek back uphill.
The weekend I completed this trail, I was not aware it was a section of a trail race appropriately named the “Upchuck 50K.” Big Possum Creek is just one of three creeks at the bottom of a gorge that these runners have to cross. We promise this shortened hike won’t cause you to lose your breakfast, though!
Happy Trails! And be sure to send your trail recommendations to editor@getoutchatt.com so we can feature them in future editions of Trails Less Traveled.