Blue Ridge Parkway · North Carolina, Virginia

Gully Creek Trail

2.5 mi of trail, end to end · about 750 ft of climbing · 1,989 ft–2,761 ft · hiking

History

2,715 ft 2,693 ft · 2.0 mi high 2,715 ft

Along the way Cumberland Knob (Smith) Cemetery

Hike the Gully Creek Trail Loop the Park Service's write-up

2-3 Hours · dogs allowed · Spring, Summer, Fall

Start Cumberland Knob Recreation Area

Gully Creek cascades down a series of large rocks flanked by foliage.
Gully Creek cascades down a series of large rocks flanked by foliage. Photo: NPS

The Gully Creek Trail is a 2.5-mile strenuous loop hike that follows cascades of water and beautiful woodland scenery. Hikers should expect to spend 2-2.5 hours on the trail and experience a change in elevation from a low of 1,996 feet to a high of 2,751 feet. The hike begins at the Cumberland Knob Picnic Area, the parkway’s first concessionaire and visitor center which features bathroom facilities and a shelter for inclement weather.

This hike showcases several small to medium cascading waterfalls alongside towering trees. Expect 7 or more water crossings, depending on weather. Be advised that the trail is narrow in places and may require strategic foot work to traverse. When hiking counterclockwise be prepared for several switchbacks at the end.

While there are no long-range views, this hike offers rewarding micro-views. Flowers, fungi, and more can be seen growing throughout the seasons on this trail. To help plan your trip consult the Cumberland Knob Recreation Area map .

Accessibility The Gully Creek trail is deemed strenuous with seven water crossings, narrow trails, and elevation change from a low of 1,996 feet to a high of 2,751 feet. The picnic areas and restroom facilities at the Cumberland Knob Recreation Center are accessible from the parking area.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 224 trails in Blue Ridge ParkwayFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.