Follow timber access road #5505 and the blue blazes. Watch for switchbacks. This road will come out on Joe Lewis Fields. Joe Lewis was one of the earliest settlers in the area and this was his homesite. Follow around these fields and stay close to the woods on your left. The trail cuts into the woods on the right after a slight ascent. Watch for blue blazes. Follow this trail that switchbacks down the northern side of Flattop Mountain. The trail l then levels out. The trail provides access to the community of "Lost Cove," developed in the 1900's for the establishment of the C.C. Railroad. Once the railroad was completed, most settlers remained to remove timber from the surrounding area. The community had a school, church, grist mill and several homes. After the timber was removed, many remained and became farmers and small timber operators. The only access into this community was by foot or rail. The town is currently deserted, but several buildings still remain. It should be noted that these buildings are not along this trail, but they can be access from this trail. For details, consult the Chestoa, USGS Map. This trail offers several nice views of the Nolichucky River Gorge with its sheet rock cliffs.

Directions: From Burnsville, NC, Travel about 6 miles west to US 19W. Turn right and travel about 18 miles on US 19W to Sioux Community. Go about another mile and turn right on SR 1415. Travel another mile and road will fork into three roads. Stay to the far left and get on Forest Road 278. Travel 2.5 miles and pass a gate for timber access road #5505 on the right. Proceed 25 feet and park on the pull-off to the right. Begin the trail at the gate for the timer access road. There is no trailhead sign.

Elevation: 3,800 feet

Elevation Gain: 940 feet

Distance: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

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