Old U.S. 70 and the Railroad
Hike Number: 485
Area Location: Old Fort
Trailhead Location: Old Fort picnic area
Trailend Location: same
Hike Type: In and Out
Hiking Distance (miles): 5
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Range: 1,800 / 3,000
Total Elevation Gain: 1,300
Total Elevation Descent: 1,300
Route Map: .\Hiking\Maps\0485.pdf
Route Profile: .\Hiking\Profiles\0485.pdf
Download GPX track: .\Hiking\Download\0485.gpx
Trail Description: Walk up old old U.S. 70 (now used as bike route) up to Swannanoa Gap and return. At Swannanoa Gap, view valley and railroad tunnel under Gap.:-)
Topos: Old Fort
Special Features: Historic
Flower Season: April
DriveHead: Westgate Shopping Center
2nd Meeting Place: Black Mountain Near McDonalds
Driving Distance(Miles-RT): 60
Driving Directions: I-240 E to I-40 E to exit 72; left onto old U.S. 70; beyond picnic area go straight to end of road.
Notes: Caution: Old old US 70 was repaved in 2008 for use as a bicycle route. Watch out for fast-moving bikes.
This road features an old overlook and parallels NS RR, with many railroad tunnels visible.
Hike History: H0504, H0801, H0901