Appletree Creek

This hike begins on Appletree Creek Trail (Trail 19B), directly across from a meadow near the entrance to the Appletree Group Camping Area. The trail is marked with yellow blazes and immediately immerses hikers in a peaceful hardwood forest where the gentle sounds of Appletree Creek provide a constant backdrop. For much of the route, the footpath closely follows the creek as it winds through a lush mountain valley shaded by towering oaks, tulip poplars, and hickories. Ferns carpet the forest floor while moss-covered rocks line the stream, creating a cool and tranquil setting even during the warmer months. The grade is gradual and comfortable, making the hike suitable for most skill levels as it steadily gains elevation over 2.2 miles toward a forested ridge. The climb is never particularly strenuous, allowing hikers to appreciate the quiet beauty of the surrounding landscape and the occasional glimpses of clear water tumbling over rocks in the creek below.

As the trail nears the ridge, the vegetation becomes even more impressive, with dense tunnels of rhododendron and mountain laurel creating a vibrant display of greenery throughout much of the year. During late spring and early summer, these shrubs burst into bloom, adding splashes of white and pink flowers that make this section especially scenic. At the top of the climb, Trail 19B reaches a junction with Laurel Creek Trail (Trail 19F), where hikers can choose between two different loop options that explore more of the surrounding forest. Each loop requires at least two hours to complete and offers additional opportunities to experience the quiet, lightly traveled backcountry. On this visit, threatening weather forced us to retrace our steps rather than continue onto one of the loops, but the out-and-back hike proved rewarding on its own. The Appletree Creek drainage provides a gentle mountain walk through a rich woodland ecosystem, and its combination of flowing water, abundant native vegetation, and peaceful solitude makes it a worthwhile destination for anyone exploring this part of the forest.