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Caldwell Fork Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · Running trail in Waynesville, North Carolina · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Caldwell Fork Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Caldwell Fork Trailhead
“Has any other place in the Great Smoky mountains, it is beautiful.”
Pics from a loop hike that included Caldwell Fork and Boogerman Trails. 21 water crossings, 2 foot bridges. All the water crossings on Boogerman can be walked or rock hopped. The 8 to 10 water crossings on Caldwell have to be waded. Most are knee+ deep. We wore our water shoes 👞 on most of Caldwell.
Great hike, not too easy and not too hard if you take the Boogerman trail. Be prepared to get your feet wet as there are multiple water crossings.
Beautiful trailhead. Nice cool day for a walk. We did not hike - just a little walk to stretch our legs
Trail conditions & character
“Has any other place in the Great Smoky mountains, it is beautiful.”
“Pics from a loop hike that included Caldwell Fork and Boogerman Trails.”
Plan your run at Caldwell Fork Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemysmokymountainguide.com
Running trails near Waynesville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rough Fork Trailhead
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Tranquil park for picnicking, fishing, and quiet contemplation by a creek.
Rose Walk
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