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Ghost Town Beckons Bikers, Hikers, and Fishermen
by Matt Allen
Click to enlarge
Jungle has swallowed the old mill town. Click to see the past.
Trail head
Where a log train once ran
The French Broad at Runion
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In just a twenty-minute drive from Mars Hill College, a scenic meandering trail leads into the lost town of Runion. Deserted almost 100 years ago, this section of Madison County once housed a thriving timber industry. Today the ruins of yesteryear only accommodate overgrown brush and vines.
In the early 1900s, the business of logging and timber production was one of the most profitable industries in the region. Landowners in the Shelton Laurel area, which is upstream from Runion, took advantage of this opportunity to make a living.
Investors from New York founded the Laurel River Logging Company on 40,000 acres of riverfront property. The timber was floated downstream, sent through the main sawmill at Runion, then put on the main railroad that passes only a few hundred yards from the town.
The investors also built a railroad up the Laurel to ship materials and goods. At the peak of business, more than 1,000 people lived in the Runion and neighboring Stackhouse areas.
The company went bankrupt in 1916. The equipment was hauled away, and the concrete buildings were left to ruin. Today many of the buildings are still partially standing, and some are only a memory.
The trail is 3.5 miles one way, and is a relatively flat grade, as it follows the bed of the old railroad. The scenic views of the river and the rocky gorge that it splits are breathtaking at moments. Hiking with dogs and mountain bikes are permitted on the trail.
A half-day hike would be sufficient to appreciate the surroundings of the trail and view the ruins of the old town. The trail ends at the mouth of the Laurel River where it spills into the French Broad River.
The washouts from flooding provide a slightly rocky surface to the mountain bikers, but most can tackle the trail in a few hours. Areas of large roots and fallen logs make a great course, and the small streams that bisect the trail will splash cool mountain water onto any biker.
The Laurel with its large waterfalls spilling into pools of water can also appeal to all fishermen. The French Broad can provide a large variety of fish including, trout, small-mouth bass and catfish.
With its scenic views, abundant wildlife, and history of industry, this trail can be a fun outing for young and old alike.
Directions to Laurel River Trail from MHC - Take NC 213 from Mars Hill Towards Marshall for about 7 miles…
- Turn Right onto US 25/70 towards Hot Springs for about 12 miles…
- Trailhead is on left at the junction of NC-208 and US 25/70.
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Reader Comment
Cassie Robinson, coordinator, Liston B.Ramsey Center, 5/10/2007, 9:02 p.m.
Great work, Matt. This looks wonderful, and I hope folks take advantage of this wonderful information! Thank you!
John Brock, MHC 1952, 5/14/2007, 12:30 p.m.
You guys have done an outstanding job this year -- best ever since the online version of The Hilltop began.
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