Starting from the 3-way trail junction at 4.9 miles northeast of the Abrams Creek Campground, the Beard Cane Trail takes the hiker down a hollow between Beard Cane and Hatcher mountains for about 3.5 miles in a reasonably straight line. In some places, the gently graded track is rocky and uneven, while in others it can be hard packed and calm.
After a mile, the trail approaches Beard Cane Backcountry Campsite (#11). At the stream crossing, the trail picks up alongside the railroad, following it until crossing Hesse Creek. The trail will then turn away from Beard Cane Creek and bring hikers to a wide expanse occupied by the Hesse Creek Backcountry Campsite (#3).
Just beyond the campsite, the trail begins a steep 400-foot climb up the face of Hurricane Mountain and intersects with the Ace Gap Trail.