FDR State Park - Wolfden and Dowdell Knob Loops

Wolf Den Loop: (7.4 miles) is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of trail in the Southeast and is the most popular section of the PMT (Pine Mountain Trail). The loop is formed with the 2.4 mile White Candle Trail and 5 miles of the main PMT.
The trail begins a slight descent into the moist bottomlands of the forest. An old beaver pond soon becomes visible through short stands of cane and saplings. Falling gently with the forest ridges, the trail soon enters a small boulder field. Black and chestnut oaks along with hickory and short-leaf pines dominate the surrounding slopes. Sightings of wild turkey and white tail deer are frequent. Bobcats, gray fox and coyote are common. Shortly after the rocky slopes, you come to the first of many crossings of the shallow Wolfden Branch. The crossings can be made on well- placed stones. However, use caution, as the stones can be slippery. The trail winds among rhododendron thickets, Piedmont azalea, and mountain laurel. The forests along the creeks are made up of sweet gum, maple and long- leaf pines. The trail climbs in and out of the cool, damp bottomlands onto the drier, sunnier ridges. None of the climbs are excessively tiring, and switchbacks make up the longer ascents. The rewards are the impressive rocky ledges on the ridges and the cascades and waterfalls along the creeks. Before long the trail climbs onto the higher ridges and stays there for nearly the remainder of its length. Only as you close the loop will you pass through the bottomlands again. Once on the ridges, the trail follows the gentle ups and downs of the Appalachian Mountain foothills, through a mature hardwood and pine forest. Look for ‘Ferney', an ancient and huge pine near a bend in the creek. We will close the loop on the White Candle trail which is 2.4 miles from where we parked at the start of our hike. On this trail you will come to Odie Overlook, plan to stay awhile to take in the majestic views of this overlook, it will take your breath away. From Odie Overlook you will travel back to where you first started. This trail is great combination of waterfalls and overlooks to make a perfect day hike. We will stop at several spots along the trail for views, to take photos, dip our feel in the water, and pick one to have our lunch.
After completing the Wolf Den Loop trail, we will get back in our cars and take a short two mile ride to Dowdells Knob to hike the second portion of our trip.

Dowdell Knob Loop: (4.3 miles) This loop is formed with the 1.3 mile Boot Top Trail and 3 miles of the main PMT (Pine Mountain Trail). This trail passes through the Dowdell Knob overlook, the highest point in the county and FDR State Park. It is where president Roosevelt enjoyed picnicking and pondering affairs, while looking at the majestic views from this location.
 

Disclosure: Your TL, who enjoys exploring new places (to them, anyway) has not hiked these trails.  By all accounts these trails are well-marked, I have studied the guide books / maps, and will have these materials in hand as well as a GPS.  Nevertheless, please have a sense of adventure and be in sufficient physical condition to hike a little extra mileage if we miss a turn somewhere.