Bailey Mountain Preserve — Attraction in North Carolina

To access the trails of Bailey Mountain Preserve while the Smith Farm Park is undergoing improvements: Please park in temporary lot at the dip in the road off Forest St. Follow the mown path marked BLUE across to the far corner of the field. Cross the temporary bridge over a creek and follow the tree line until the trail turns left into the woods and intersects with the Green trail, which connects to the Hoffman Trail marked Yellow leading to the summit. PLEASE ABIDE BY SIGNAGE AND DO NOT CROSS ANY CONSTRUCTION BARRIERS OR FENCING. Thank you!

From 889 Forest St. the best view is 1/2 mile from the parking area looking southeast. It is 2 miles to the top, and there are benches along the way to rest. There is a loop option following blue and red blazes. Most trails are well signed and maintained, thanks to local volunteers. Foot travel only, please...

Bailey Mountain Preserve is a mountain preserve just outside Mars Hill NC. We hiked there with the Yancey County Humane Society shelter dogs to give some a much needed break from shelter life. It is NOT an off leash dog park contrary to what some believe. We took the yellow trail to the summit and back -a 4 miler with nice graded trails with steps where needed and distance markers every quarter mile. The switchbacks make it less steep until near the summit. Winter affords many views. There are several benches along the way as well as at the summit. There is a book to sign at the summit as well.

Parking is adequate on a gravel lot with a porta john close by.

This is a nice day trip hike from Asheville, Burnsville or...

Bailey Mountain Trail opened in 2022 and is a relatively easy hiking trail for any person with a good fitness level. The yellow trail is about 2.25 miles to the summit. This trail could be a little bit challenging for children under 8 years old. This trail takes you through the forest, and the view of the surrounding mountains is blurry bc the trees and the vegetation. The summit is surrounded by trees as well and doesn't offer any vast scenic views. There are more trail paths connected to the yellow trail that can prolong the hikin experience, like the blue and red trails. Overall, this trail is great for those wanting to spend some time between trees and have a pleasant shaded hike. I truly...