Easy to Medium 7.2 Mile Loop Hike.
Varied hike following South Mills River with possible small stream crossings. Long pants and poles suggested. Proceed left of sign to S. Mills River and cross suspension bridge. Follow the river north on the Bradley Creek trail; then left on Squirrel Gap to a snack break on Pounding stone Mountain descend on Pounding mill trail to S. Mills River Trail, back to the suspension bridge; then right to the parking lot.
Other accounts:
As many of the other reviews have read, the 2 mile ascent in the beginning is a tad challenging, the lack of information about exactly where to go after the descent was confusing, once you descend the mountain the trail becomes more rugged and harder to determine, don’t miss the turn for wagon road trail, if you take a right on wagon road trail and follow it to the river the first swinging bridge is a good sign that you’re about halfway, take a right after swinging bridge and walk along the river for 2 miles. In the description they failed to mention a second right turn at foot bridge trail where you will find the second swinging bridge about 1.5 miles from the parking lot at this point. I did not see foot bridge trail and continued on the river trail for half a mile through some brush and down trees. I had the notion to turn around and found foot bridge trail. When you cross the second swinging bridge and go left!! You’ll see a fork for Bradley Creek and turkey pen parking lot, go right. 1.2 miles from there to parking lot. This hike took about 3 hours and is absolutely beautiful, but make sure you follow directions for the loop or you might get lost on a horse trail.
Found the teepee about 3 miles in and is pretty neat and looks like an ideal camping area. First 1.5 miles was steep!
Good workout on the first couple miles with the elevation gain. Fun bridge crossings and a few downed trees to maneuver over. 5lb mushrooms (turkeys, Milkies, chantrelles) saw many birds and a super rare albino squirrel.
Turkey Pen Gap Trailhead, Turkey Pen Rd, Horse Shoe, NC 28742