My shoes and lower legs were caked in mud today. They don't call it "The Death March" for nothing. I'd like to note a few things for other hikers. Renowned as the most rugged trail in the East, this ridge-top 11-miler climbs to a parade of … If tallest-peak-in-the-east Mount Mitchell is the crowning jewel of the range, then the 11.5 mile Black Mountain Crest Trail is the strand of pearls. Black Mountain Crest Train is the Beast of the East! I would do this hike again, but would like to do an out and back in the same day to up the mileage/gain/difficulty. No coffee tastes as good as the coffee you have to work for. If starting from Mount Mitchell, begin the trail at the Mount Mitchell picnic area just below the parking lot. The first 4 miles are intense cardio but lack technicality, the middle 3 miles are relatively easy and scenic and the last 4.5 miles are fairly technical and rocky. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. The roots, the trees, the views, the rock scrambles, all of it make this a really fun hike. take lots of water and its super windy/cold at the ridges if you stop moving so a proper layering system is wise. Follow this to NC 1109 (Bolens Creek Road) on the left. Some of the trail near Bolens Creek is close to pools where fishing may be possible. If the challenge of the Mt. I only saw 2 groups of 2 all day, and one of those groups was not close to the BMCT. (828) 675-4611 Black Mountain Crest #179 hike trail ; Overview; Photos (0); Videos (1); Reports (0); Comments (0); 3D Tour; Leaderboard It’s totally unfair to call them scammers. Please remember this trail is intense and rugged. Is it worth it: undoubtedly 2) Springs on trails on either side of Deep Gap. Water is scarce throughout this hike. it’s really beautiful and i definitely recommend it, pretty steep! Mitchell State Park, NC. overall I would recommend this trail but it is exhausting, I’m pretty fit and I was out of breath, sweaty, and quite sore the day after! Six of those peaks are on the South Beyond 6000(SB6K) challenge list can be bagged along this route. It is most commonly hiked north to south, but by starting at Mount Mitchell you’ll be able to avoid the steep climb from Bowlens Creek and instead enjoy it as a four mile downhill stretch to end your hike. They had just come up Colbert Ridge and were taking advantage of the soft grass and catching their breath. Keep the 6's coming Zach Robbins! Mitchell. Otherwise you will have to hike the crest trail both ways for 24.8 miles and roughly 8,000 feet elevation gain. The ground is almost always wet and chances are you'll deal with slick rocks and roots, and mud. T he Black Mountain Crest Trail is renowned as the toughest trail on the East Coast. I logged 11.6 miles with 5550 ft of elevation gain. Anyway, fun challenging hike, totally worth it. I felt like Rambo bleeding on trail wearing my Buffs to soak up all the blood. Black Mountain Crest Trail. The most reliable and affordable option is through the. Directions to the Bowlens Creek Trailhead are as follows: From Burnsville go east on 19E for half and mile and turn right on NC 197 (south) at the Texaco gas station. The Black Mountain Crest Trail could be run very easily. Ecologically, Black Mountain is well-known for several rare native plants found there. Very limited parking at Bowlens creek if any at all. First, note that this is a point to point hike, so a shuttle of some variety is crucial. This is also the best portion of the entire BMCT. The best way to experience the Black Mountains is to hike the Black Mountain Crest Trail. Great hike with rewarding views. My GPS watch had this hike at 13.1 miles with 5600' gain. This epic route climbs quickly out of a valley to reveal an epic ridgetop traverse like no other. Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping 12.1 mls N/A Hiking Time: Elev. The views are absolutely stunning. The Black Mountain Crest Trail, known colloquially as “the tougher way up Mount Mitchell,” is a strenuous but scenic trek that takes you through a forest of gushing waters before setting you on an endless stairmaster up to the heavens. This trail is not for beginners. The trail when we went was also very muddy and wet which added another level to the difficulty. From Celo Knob, the trail descends about 3500 feet to Bowlens Creek. It's an accomplishment just to do it one way. These sites can be included in a longer backpacking loop using the Mt. This is a win-win. No views Balsam Cone (6,611 f… We were able to look up at the trail most of the time versus looking down at where our feet were going. Carry lots of water. Enjoy! This adventure was an out and back day trek in mid-September. it looks like you’re just going to someone’s house but it’s the right way. From Bolens Creek's north end this trail follows an old Forest Service road before becoming a foot trail. Happy Trails! About a mile out from Mitchell it started raining on us which made for a grand finale as we marched up to the summit. Death March on the Black Mountain Crest Trail. My shoes and lower legs were caked in mud today. I bought trekking poles for this hike and was glad I did! Not much to see on the way up, other than rugged boulder-strewn creek for the first mile. In order of encounter from the Mount Mitchell Parking Lot Mt. After a few days of rain, the trail mud is a mess. Portions of this trail are steep. we did about 4 miles and then turned around, took us about 5 hours but we also stopped a few places and had lunch. I consider them people doing a needed service for a fee. Located in the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, the trail crosses the crest of the Black Mountains across five 6,000+ foot peaks culminating in the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mt. Camping: Black Mountain Campsite Topographic Map: Grassy Cover Quadrangle Trailheads: Brady Mountain at RT 68 (El. There is no parking provided at Bowlens Creek where the trail ends. This is one of the premier trails in North Carolina, perhaps on the East Coast, and should not be missed. The Black Mountain Range has a small footprint but packs a mighty big punch. Mitchell. Mitchell (seasonal only). After a few days of rain, the trail mud is a mess. Mitchell Trail isn’t enough for you, then tackle the Black Mountain Crest Trail. Author: BACKPACKERMagazine Updated: Oct 26, 2017 Original: Sep 19, 2013. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River." I, determined to get first pick of a campsite, Headed South on the Black Mountain Crest Trail. Bring lots of water and nutrition. we didn’t get that far though since we were just doing a casual thing and i think it was very manageable at least for the first 2 or 3 miles that we did. EPIC HIKING. January 31, 2018 holly Leave a comment. Mitchell and Mt. There are only 3 reliable locations to fill up. I decided to conquer some peaks today above 6,000 ft. on the Black Mountain Crest Trail. Asheville, NC: Mount Mitchell via Black Mountain Crest Trail. The campground is closed from November 1 - April 30 and camping at the site is considered 2nd degree trespassing. Mount Mitchell State Park. Mitchell. You’ll likely encounter lots of ice beyond Celo Knob, traction devices are recommended. To the woman who called the landowner a scammer-- ma'am, may I come and park for hours or maybe overnight in your driveway for free?