Spruce Mountain

This is a strenuous hike that leads to the top of Spruce Mountain. This is the former site of a CCC firetower and an excellent example of a high elevation boreal forest. Four miles round - trip and an uphill climb, this hike can be a heart pounder. There aren't any views here but the beauty of this forest makes up for that.

To get there, turn left as you leave Mile High Campground. Enter the park and continue past the Balsam Mountain Campground. At the Heintooga Overlook and picnic area continue straight on the dirt road. This is Straight Fork Road. The road from this point on is a one way road and travels for twelve miles to Cherokee, passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in the park. This road is closed in the winter. The beauty that surrounds the Heintooga Road makes it  worth a special trip.

At the first pull off on the left is a small parking space for the Spruce Mountain Trail. There is a trail sign here that marks the trailhead.

Note: As of the Summer of 2002, the trail is closed for repairs.