Tryon Creek Maps

Tryon Creek Loop

This loop is about 3.9 miles long and encompasses the entire south part of the park. You can park at the main Nature Center parking area, or at the Iron Mountain trail head on Terwilliger Blvd. You can do the walk either clockwise or counter-clockwise from either starting point.

Perhaps my favorite way to do this walk is to start at the Iron Mountain trail head and walk clockwise (toward the Iron Mountain bridge). This has the nice feature of beginning the walk with an easy downhill warm up, and also finishing with an easy downgrade along the paved bicycle trail. In the middle, of course, are a few good hill climbs and at least five bridges plus a couple of interesting boardwalks. Allow an hour and twenty minutes, walking at a brisk 3 mile-per-hour pace. Plan on two hours for a leisurely walk with a rest break or two.

On the map, this looks like a simple loop, but for a hiker not familiar with the park it might be easy to get lost. Following are detailed directions which should help prevent a wrong turn and extra miles of aimless wandering.

Starting at the Iron Mountain trail head, you'll see a large sign and trail marker. Enter the park, walking down the Iron Mountain trail to the Iron Mountain bridge. After a very short uphill walk, you'll see the South Creek trail marker to your right. Follow South Creek trail to the intersection with Rod Fox trail. Turn left and go up the hill and shortly you will find the Cedar trail marker on your right. Follow Cedar trail, crossing a couple of minor streams, passing the Hemlock trail intersection on your left, and eventually coming to Bunk bridge. Not long after the bridge is an intersection with an equestrian trail. Continue straight on the foot trail to a complex intersection of foot trails and an equestrian trail. The loop continues along the second left (the first left is an equestrian trail). This is the Middle Creek trail. You will see Tryon Creek to your right as the trail hugs the creek until you reach High Bridge. Cross High Bridge and stay to your right, crossing another small bridge. The trail immediately begins a rather steep climb. After the trail levels out you'll find Maple Ridge trail on your right. Follow Maple Ridge trail to Center trail. Stay to your right, following Maple Ridge trail to the intersection with Big Fir trail. Turn right on Big Fir Trail. Now stay to your left. You'll pass three trails: Middle Creek bridge, Obie's bridge, and Red Fox bridge. At Red Fox trail, stay left and continue on Old Main trail. This takes you to the Nature Center. From here, cross through the center of the parking area and find the bicycle trail. Follow the paved bicycle trail up the hill toward Terwilliger Blvd, staying to your right at the intersection with the Terwilliger bicycle trail. To finish the hike, simply follow the bicycle trail all the way back to the Iron Mountain trail head parking area.