Shut-In Trail begins at Garenflo Gap where it enters the woods and begins a steady, but moderately easy downhill grade. The trail follows the creek most of the way on an old woods road. In most places it can accommodate side-by-side walking for two hikers. The trail traverses some wet sections that can be boggy especially in wet weather. The suggested route is to walk downhill from Garenflo Gap to Upper Shut-In Road (SR 1183).

Directions: From Hot Springs, NC, Travel south on SR 209 to the Bluff community. Take SR 1173 to the right and continue to the parking area at the end of the road. The Appalachian Trail crosses Garenflo Gap here. Shut-In Trail begins on the right side of the road, just below the parking lot. OR travel south on US 25 / 70 to SR 1183 on the left. Follow SR 1183 approximately 3 miles. The trailhead is on the left just before crossing the Jones Branch bridge.

Elevation Gain: 820 feet

Distance: 2 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

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