Walker Creek Trail is designed as a network trail within this area. The blaze is orange. Pass the well marked turnoff for Staire Creek Trail on the right soon after you start hiking. Continue to the left. Be sure to look for the huge granite boulders scattered throughout the woods. The trail ascends quite steeply in sections, with some switchbacks. It follows a ridge above Walker Branch. The trail goes through woods typical in this area and provides several nice views of the surrounding mountains. As the trail ends, the Walker Cove Natural Area is to the south. The trail emerges on Forest Road 74 directly across from Perkins Road Trail.

Directions: From Burnsville, NC, Travel east on 19E for .5 mile and turn right on SR 197 (south). Stay on this road through Pensacola and Cane River Gap to Barnardsville, about 25 miles. The road is paved then changes to gravel and then pavement again. Turn left at the intersection of SR 197 and SR 2173 (Dillingham Road) and follow this road, which becomes gravel and Forest Service Road 74. Follow it for .4 mile to a road on the right. This road has a bulletin board visible from Forest Road 74. Follow this road for .6 mile to a pull-off on the right. The trail is about 50 feet up the road on the left. Do not drive beyond the pull-off, it is private property.

This is a multi-use trail available to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.