Rockcastle Narrows Loop (T 503, T 529)

The western trailhead for this 4.2-mile loop trail is at the eastern terminus for the Bee Rock Loop Trail (T 529) on the western fringe of the campground at the Bee Rock Recreation Area. Climbing over one-hundred feet in a little under one-mile, this portion of the trail is the only major uphill grade. Along the trail is a seasonal waterfall at mile .4 and sheer limestone cliffs. At the top of the trail, the paths split. The trail to the left leads to the Bee Rock overlook only 200 feet away, with views to the south and west along the Rockcastle River, the Old Sublimity Bridge, and a portion of the Narrows. The main trail turns right and follows the ridge top, although trail can become quite overgrown with vegetation due to a loss of a tree canopy because of several winter ice storms and the Pine Bettle infestation. At the junction with the Rockcastle Narrows Trail (T 503), turn right. The trail begins a slight downhill ascent and crosses Forest Service Road 807. It continues downward and will split off as you venture further into the hardwood forest at the base of several erosion steps. Both well-worn paths will lead back to the main trail, although only the left fork is signed. Further down, the trail splits again, although the right fork is marked.

At the base of the hill, the trail splits at an old dirt road. The Beech Narrows trail turns left, and although it is supposedly open to hikers and mountain bikers, it has been well used for off-road vehicles. It continues north along the western banks of the Rockcastle River and offers some great views of the rapids. The Rockcastle Narrows Loop trail turns right, and follows the old dirt road before splitting onto a single-path trail. Along the trail are seasonal wildflowers and views of the limestone cliffs, and side paths that lead hikers to views of the Narrows. The Rockcastle Narrows trail ends at the campground.