Noland Divide or Fork Ridge?

[ATL Backpacker]

With Bryson Place/Deep Creek as our destination from Clingman's area, I'm trying to decide whether to take Noland Divide/Pole Road or Fork Ridge/Deep Creek down. Any insight or preference?

Last time I did Pole Road it was full of blow downs and crossings so I'm not too anxious to do it again. But I hear Fork Ridge trail can be terribly overgrown/consumed with nettle, blackberry, etc., this time of year.

thx!

[TNhiker]

i have always enjoyed fork ridge when i have hiked it.....

its a nice hike going from top to bottom....



(i was just up at the trailheads today for work)......

[Ashepabst]

any of those seldom used ridge trails could be weedy this time of year.

[HooKooDooKu]

Conditions on Fork Ridge are the worst I have encountered in the park.
I don't recall anything special about Pole Road Cr.
Noland Divide has some cool overlooks on the lower section. But I think the entire trail is a dry ridge walk (bring plenty of water). If you would like to start with a trip to Clingmans Dome, Noland Divide can be accessed by hiking the AT from the dome to the 1st gap (don't recall the name) where you can cross over to Clingmans Dome Road. Noland Divide is a 3/4 mile road walk back towards Clingmans Dome.

[TNhiker]

Should be Collins gap where the cross over the road is...

theres signs in that area...