Coopers Creek and Mulky Creek Wilderness Area Trails

Coopers Creek Trails

These two recreation wilderness areas are located in the Coopers Creek Wilderness Area in southwestern Union County, and are only accessible by unpaved forestry roadways. This scenic wildlife and water management area consists of 1,240-acres within a total of 34,000-acres of Coopers Creek Wilderness Area. This recreation and wilderness area offers an old growth forest, camping, stocked trout steams for anglers on both Coopers Creek and Mulky Creek. There are numerous hiking and biking trails and water access for canoeing (water levels must be considered).

Coopers Creek Trail

Coopers Creek Trail (blue blazed) is a connector trail between Yellow Mountain Trail and Mill Shoals Trail, and considered an easy hike. Coopers Creek Trail is a 1-mile hike from the Yellow Mountain trailhead, or a 1/2-mile hike from the Mills Shoals trailhead. The trail is located in the Coopers Creek Recreation Wilderness Area.

Trail Rating: easy in difficulty

Yellow Mountain Trail

Accessible along Cavender Gap Road and marked by a yellow post. This 2.7-mile trail (yellow blazed,) is mostly along a ridgeline and is considered moderate to strenuous. The trail is located in the Coopers Creek Recreation Wilderness Area.

Trail Rating: moderate to strenuous in difficulty

Mill Shoals Trail

A moderate to strenuous 3/4-mile trail (orange blazed) beginning north of Coopers Creek Recreation Area. The trail is well blazed at the onset, yet pay attention as blazes appear less numerous as the trail continues. The trail is located in the Coopers Creek Recreation Wilderness Area.

Trail Rating: moderate to strenuous in difficulty

Hemlock and White Pine Stands Trail

Trail begins at the bridge over Coopers Creek on Cavender Gap Road, (FS/236), and follows a worn angler’s trail. The trail first passes through a grove of white pines. At 1/4-mile there’s a large hemlock and white pine tree stand mix. The trail is located in the Coopers Creek RecreationWilderness Area.

Trail Rating: easy to moderate in difficulty