Polls Plateau Trail

Two hikers walk on the trail through open forest

Polls Plateau Trail is a 4.9-mile moderate hike through upland forest past an old farmstead, with multiple creek crossings as the main physical feature. The trail follows an old roadbed mixed with fresher tread; junctions are confusing without a map, and the route visibility is poor due to competing old roadbeds and drainage cuts. The southern access via Kates Plateau Trail is currently closed due to a landslide. Expect steady walking with no technical scrambling, but constant map-checking is required.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 4.9
Route Type: Round trip
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 4.9
Route Type: Round trip
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours for most hikers; longer if you navigate carefully with frequent map checks.
Trail Surface: Forest floor, old roadbed, variable tread. Rooty and soft when dry; muddy after rain.
Trail Features: Upland forest canopy
Creek crossings
Historic farmstead
Old roadbed
Trail Highlights: Historic farmstead (mid-hike landmark) and multiple creek crossings through quiet upland forest.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Take I-64 to exit 133 (Bragg). Exit the highway and head north 0.8 miles on the main road. Turn left at a church onto Polls Branch Road. Follow to the parking area at the end of the road.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service available.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required.
Fees: No entrance fee.
Trail Status: Open. Southern access via Kates Plateau Trail is currently closed due to landslide.
Seasonal Closures: No seasonal closure of the northern approach. The southern access via Kates Plateau Trail closure is permanent pending slide stabilization.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Multiple creek crossings provide water; filtering is required before drinking.
Accessibility: Rooty, soft forest floor with old roadbed sections. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Creek crossings require scrambling and water contact.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Slippery creek crossings
Confusing trail junctions from old roadbeds
Poor trail visibility
Southern access closure limits route options
Hazard Details: Creek crossings are the primary physical hazard—rocks are slippery when wet and current can rise quickly after rain. The trail route is ambiguous due to multiple old roadbeds and drainage cuts obscuring the correct path; GPS and map are essential. The southern access closure via Kates Plateau Trail forces all hikers to approach from the north, eliminating loop options and bail-out routes.
Best Season: Spring through fall (April–October). Trail is open year-round but creek crossing hazards increase in winter and early spring snowmelt.
Best Time To Visit: April through October for stable weather. Start by 8am to avoid afternoon heat and stream swelling. Avoid immediately after heavy rain—creeks rise fast and rocks become lethal.
Tips Advice: Carry a physical map and compass; trail blazes are sparse and old roadbed junctions regularly confuse hikers.
Bring at least 2L of water; creeks are crossable but all water requires filtering before drinking.
Wear footwear with good traction—wet rocks at creek crossings are slippery. Trekking poles stabilize creek entry and exit.
Scout your turnaround time before dark; this is round-trip hiking, not a loop. You cannot bail to an alternate trailhead.
Only approach from the north via Polls Branch Road—the southern access is closed due to a landslide.

More details

Park Area: Glade Creek Trails
Trail Markers: Sparse. Old roadbeds and drainage cuts obscure the marked route. Bring a map.
Biking Allowed: No (hiking only).
Shade Level: Mostly shaded (upland forest throughout).
Map Recommended: 1
Insider Tips: The old farmstead is your visual anchor and goal—don't miss it. It marks the turning point.
Once you find the farmstead, the remaining route is clearer. Use it as your confirmation point.
The route is easier if you navigate from north to south and recognize the farmstead as the midpoint confirmation, then backtrack by the same path.
Do not attempt the southern approach; it is currently closed.
Recent Updates: Southern access via Kates Plateau Trail is closed due to a landslide. All entry must be from the north via Polls Branch Road only.
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for children 10+ with hiking experience and water-comfort. Slippery creek crossings require close parental supervision. Confusing trail junctions may frustrate younger hikers.
Review Summary: Hikers praise the quiet forest atmosphere and old farmstead but cite navigation challenges as the main difficulty. Most report that a map is non-negotiable and creek crossings are thrilling but slippery. The lack of clear blazes keeps hikers engaged and cautious.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail hard?

No. Moderate difficulty—no rock scrambling, no exposed ledges. The challenge is navigation and water crossings, not fitness.

Can I do it in 2 hours?

Not safely. 4.9 miles with careful navigation and multiple water crossings needs 2.5–3.5 hours for most hikers.

Are the creeks dangerous?

Creeks are thigh-deep at normal flow and crossable but slippery. After heavy rain, water rises fast; check recent weather and stream conditions before going.

Do I need a guide or GPS?

No guide required, but a waterproof map and compass are non-negotiable. Trail blazes are faint; old junctions confuse hikers regularly.

What if I get lost?

Mark your entry point on the map, then backtrack to known landmarks. The trail loop is small; you will not be truly lost if you stay calm and use landmarks.

Is it safe alone?

Yes, for experienced hikers with maps and navigation skills. Cell service is not guaranteed, so self-reliance and preparation matter.