1. Start at the trailhead, heading SW.
2. 0.2 miSharp left, heading E.
3. 150 ftBear left onto Shoal Creek Trail, heading SE.
4. 1.1 miTurn right, heading S.
5. 50 ftTurn left onto Tarkiln Branch Road, heading S.
6. 0.8 miTurn left onto Wintergreen Falls Trail, heading S.
7. 0.4 miReach Shoal Creek Trail, then turn around and head back the way you came.
8. 0.4 miTurn left onto Tarkiln Branch Road, heading NW.
9. 0.5 miTurn right onto Thomas Cemetery Road, heading NW.
10. 0.8 miBear left onto Hooker Creek Trail, heading N.
11. 0.3 miTurn right onto Ruffed Grouse Trail, heading N.
12. 0.2 miContinue straight onto Hickory Mountain Road, heading NE.
13. 450 ftTurn right onto Guion Trail, heading NW.
14. 200 ftSharp right onto Rifle Trail, heading NW.
15. 0.3 miTurn left onto Ruffed Grouse Trail, heading NE.
16. 0.3 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Trail map, photos and weather for this hike: www.ambleway.com/hikes/shoal-creek-trail-out-back