BASSETT HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Shuttle to Dogwood Glen: Hardwood Ridges and Shoreline Ridges Above Philpott Lake
A short shuttle to the lower end of Philpott Dam and a one-way 4.5-mile route through hardwood forest and shoreline on Philpott Lake; this guide summarizes the route, difficulty, and what to bring.
Shuttle to Dogwood Glen: Hardwood Ridges and Shoreline Ridges Above Philpott Lake.
Dogwood Glen Trail traces roughly 4.5 miles of shared-use singletrack and fire road along the Franklin County side of Philpott Lake, threading hardwood forest and shoreline views between the Philpott Dam tailrace and Salthouse Branch Park. The corridor is open to hikers, mountain bicyclists, and equestrians and ranges from moderate to strenuous in difficulty, with a mix of steady climbs, a few short downhills, and long stretches running along the lake.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hardwood forest and shoreline views of Philpott Lake
Philpott Lake’s shoreline alternates with stands of hardwoods along Dogwood Glen, offering sustained forest canopy punctuated by open stretches along the water. The setting is part of a larger landscape of lake and undeveloped state and federal land.
A 4.5-mile shared-use, one-way trail
Dogwood Glen is a 4.5-mile one-way trail, approximately 7 feet wide and designated for hikers, mountain bicyclists, and equestrians. The route combines singletrack and fire road, and is marked with blue paint for the main trail and red for spur trails.
Dam tailrace to Salthouse Branch Park
The trail links the Philpott Dam tailrace with Salthouse Branch Park on the Franklin County side of Philpott Lake, offering a point-to-point experience with varied terrain and shoreline passages.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
The trip is a short shuttle to the lower end of Philpott Dam followed by a one-way 4.5-mile passage through hardwood forest and along the lake. Expect a steady start with a moderate climb out of the dam area, a prolonged section along a fire road, then a return to singletrack with tougher climbs and occasional short downhills before reaching Salthouse Branch Park.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for about 4 hours for the shuttle and one-way outing.
Sunscreen, appropriate shoes, and water are recommended.
Meet at 319 TB Stanley Highway for shuttle departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is Dogwood Glen Trail?
Dogwood Glen is a 4.5-mile, one-way shared-use trail.
Who runs the shuttle and outing?
The operator is Smith River Adventures.
Who can use the trail?
The trail is open to hikers, mountain bicyclists, and equestrians.
What is the trail difficulty?
The trail is moderate to strenuous in difficulty, with some tough climbs and a few short downhill segments.
What should I bring on the trip?
Bring sunscreen, appropriate shoes, and water.
Where is the meeting point for the shuttle?
The meeting location is 319 TB Stanley Highway.