This strenuous but rewarding river loop begins wending its way down into the valley on the Slaughter Trail. Traveling through pine and deciduous forests on old logging trails, eventually the path will come to the Conway River. Make a hard left onto Conway River Road and parallel the water all the way through the gulch. After a lengthy stretch of walking and several rockhopping fords, the trail will begin ascending back up to the ridgeline. When the trail reaches Skyline Drive, make a hard left on the Appalachian Trail as it parallels the road. Make a brief detour to the left to scramble up the side of Bearfence Mountain for incredible views in all directions before heading back to the parking area.