Mitchell State Park Six of those peaks are on the South Beyond 6000(SB6K) challenge list can be bagged along this route. We had a shuttle pick us up at the peak and drop us off at Bowlen’s Creek. I bought trekking poles for this hike and was glad I did! it looks like you’re just going to someone’s house but it’s the right way. Then there are some scammers making money off hikers who charge 5$ to park in their driveway. The "death march" uphill was not as bad as it was advertised to be but it is a constant ramp that is much steeper than the norm; when your achilles and calves feel the pain instead of your quads you know it is steep. Black Mountain Crest Trail is a 18.2 kilometer heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Burnsville, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. I consider it a service to the hiking community! This trail, considered by some to be the toughest in the East, runs from Bolens Creek Trailhead in the north to the picnic area just below the summit of Mount Mitchell. i dont know of any other trail in the entire Eastern U.S. where you can summitt (10) 6000' mountains. Junior warned us about Mt Mitchell, that she was a mean-ol’ mountain and he genuinely seemed very worried about us. The Black Mountain Range has a small footprint but packs a mighty big punch. Hardest hike I’ve ever done (and I spent the summer hiking Colorado) but the other reviews say it all—breathtaking, well worth it. Portions of this trail are steep. Mitchell. Spent the night in the car and listened to the rain pelt the windows and was rocked to sleep by the wind wobbling the car. Mitchell State Park offers ample paved parking, restrooms, camping 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. When we left at 4pm it was packed and the bottom was closed until more people left! About halfway through, I stared to get flashbacks of the Black Mountain Crest Trail., the cardio and the climbing. 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. Mailing address (not location): 2388 State Highway, Burnsville, NC 28714 If starting from Mount Mitchell, begin the trail at the Mount Mitchell picnic area just below the parking lot. BLACK MOUNTAIN SECTION Grassy Cove Segment. This hike was absolute insanity and we loved it so much we’re going back in 2 weeks. This is ideal for 2-3 days backpacking. The trail crosses the summits of nine mountains with elevations over 6200 feet. This is a wonderful and challenging trail. We high-tailed it out and finished the last 2 miles in the dark. Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping 12.1 mls N/A Hiking Time: Elev. Otherwise you'd have to pull out your headlamp and that defeats the purpose of hiking/running in such a beautiful place! This epic route climbs quickly out of a valley to reveal an epic ridgetop traverse like no other. The hike itself is quite diverse, covering a range of NC ecosystems, some only found in the Black Mountains. alternatively if you go down water shed rd, which is where the app took us, it looks like there may be a place you could park there for free but it might just be someone’s driveway. Not much to see on the way up, other than rugged boulder-strewn creek for the first mile. For more info: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/facilities.php, Mt. Five of the top ten highest peaks in the east adorn this lofty ridge. la vidéo BMT 2019 . Great hike, i did it without poles but i was envious of those with them especially on some of the descents that didn't have ropes (helps keep strain off the knee). Be mindful that it’s an hour drive between points if you’re doing two cars, one at each end. 6 hours total. But there are some great spots outside of deep gap not on the park boundary side. We were able to look up at the trail most of the time versus looking down at where our feet were going. But, even with the frequent fog, it is still an excellent trail. Elevation Change: 900 feet Cautions: Cumulative ascent 1300 feet south to north. Do a quick web search and one finds that the Black Mountain Crest Trail always comes with superlatives. The ascent and descent between each one is not just a nice downhill or uphill, but instead hard climbs. The views were spectacular as always from Mt. This trail has it all! This is the hike to take people on who say we dont have mountains in the south. Black Mountain Crest Train is the Beast of the East! The path is incredibly challenging, steep at times, and crosses several 6,000-foot peaks along the way. Great service provided by the county and the driver "Junior" was the man! Difficulty: Moderate to difficult south to north.Easy north to south. Hike the highest and one of the most challenging trails east of the Mississippi. The portion of the trail we completed was entirely uphill; 3,000 feet of elevation gain in just over 5 miles. The Crest Trail goes over or near 10 mountains that are over 6,000 feet in elevation. Black Mountain Crest TR 179 This trail is rated as most difficult and crosses several 6,000 plus foot peaks. 1) The switchbacks around mile 3.5 below Celo Knob have springs running over the trail. From Celo Knob, the trail descends about 3500 feet to Bowlens Creek. 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. Very limited parking at Bowlens creek if any at all. The crest trail may be beautiful and a peakbagger’s dream, but do not underestimate the difficulty of tackling this from the northern trail head at Bowlens Creek. EPIC HIKING. Starting at Bolen’s Creek felt like several start from the bottom hikes I’ve done in SNP and GWNF.. It’s steep but I stuck to my pace till it all leveled out. Black_Mtn_Crest_out_and_back.gpx 230.19 KB. We encountered very little wild life, but felt we were watched from Deep Gap onwards. Craig. Enjoy your hike. Five of the top ten highest peaks in the east adorn this lofty ridge. When you turn onto Water Shed Rd from Bolens Creek Rd, follow a gravel driveway named Stanley Trail branching left off Water Shed Rd. Webcams and current weather of the Black Mountains can be accessed through the NC High Peaks Trail Association website. You will be towed if you park here! someone pointed it out to us and we ended up googling what happened there. Our plan was to camp in Deep Gap so we packed accordingly and didn’t super rush the first half of the trail. 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. A 12-mile thigh-buster, this trail crosses the summits of 10 mountains with elevations greater than 6200-feet. Starting at Bowlen's Creek trailhead, you actually have a fair amount of close parking, though be prepared to pay 5$ if the two free spots are full. Mitchell Trail isn’t enough for you, then tackle the Black Mountain Crest Trail. Despite its high difficulty, fit hikers should really put this area on the to-do list. A longer shuttle hike is possible during the winter using the Mt. The best way to experience the Black Mountains is to hike the Black Mountain Crest Trail. Ecologically, Black Mountain is well-known for several rare native plants found there. https://nchighpeaks.org/davis/ Water is scarce throughout this hike. 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. The second option is Commissary Hill, which can be accessed by following the Mt. This trail is pure punishment, but it was so fun. Don't underestimate this trail. The views are absolutely stunning. Gain and lose over six thousand feet of elevation along the way. Backpacker Magazine sums up the Black Mountain Crest Trail: "Climb over 10 peaks above 6,000 feet on this 11-mile shuttle-hike culminating at Mt. I hiked a 3-mile portion of this Sunday, half of it twice, from the Cattail Peak region to Mt. Great hike with rewarding views. This hike as described requires a shuttle between Bolens Creek Rd and Mount Mitchell State Park summit parking area. There is no water on the Crest Trail so it's a good idea to fill up here. The most reliable and affordable option is through the. 3) Visitors center on Mt. There are multiple rock faces that you encounter that have fixed ropes because of the pitch of the slab. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is a rite of passage for trail runners and hikers in Western North Carolina. Bring lots of water and nutrition. The Deep Gap Trail takes you from Mt. Not for the faint of heart, but as long as you have some decent cardio and proper footwear, as well as a good handful of strenuous and highly technical hikes under your belt, it’s manageable. During the winter the exposure to the west can be especially harsh. There is VERY limited Forest Service parking at the Bolen's Creek end. 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. We set up camp and after 30 minutes decided to push out. Once on the ridge the trail levels out and the views are magnificent. Anyway, fun challenging hike, totally worth it. It climbs from the trailhead at Bowen’s Creek near Burnsville to a ridge that connects 10 mountains that are near or above 6000 feet in elevation. In summary: Seven six thousand foot peaks in just under eleven miles. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. The trail is fantastic and one of the most challenging in the area. I consider them people doing a needed service for a fee. I do not suggest giving them money. 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. Mitchell. Make sure you have the proper gear, food/water, maps/gps, tell someone your exact trip plans, check the weather before your hike and check to see if the Blue Ridge Parkway is open. My shoes and lower legs were caked in mud today. If beginning at Bowlens Creek, use the parking area on NC 1109 (graded, but not paved). we started at the Bowlens creek end and we’re uncertain about parking but if you go down stanley rd there is a janky lil “parking lot” that i think the property owner set up which is $5/day. A private landowner charges $5 to park on their property. It is also a winter option when the state park is closed, so hopefully I can post it soon. While there aren’t any big climbs on the latter half of the trip, the crest trail plows straight up and down into narrow gaps hundreds of feet below the peaks. If your used to hiking that way, you’ll do fine. Hardest hike I've ever done and i loved every second of it. A hard-surfaced parking area and 700 feet of hard surfaced, ADA-accessible trail connect hikers to the Cumberland Trail. I'd like to note a few things for other hikers. You’ll likely encounter lots of ice beyond Celo Knob, traction devices are recommended. This was the first time I used the shuttle service provided by Yancey County Transit Authority. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is a point to point trail starting at Bowlens Creek Road and Ending at the Mt Mitchell Summit parking area or vice versa. Black Mountain Crest Trail (NC) Route: Black Mountain Crest Trail (NC) Location. Follow this to NC 1109 (Bolens Creek Road) on the left. Enjoy! This trail grabs you and never lets go till the very end. I can recall only one small stretch of about 50 yards where it leveled out some, the rest of the climb is up up up. Black Mountain Crest Trail. This is one of the premier trails in North Carolina, perhaps on the East Coast, and should not be missed. This trail will kick your butt so be ready. Mitchell the elevation gain is <3,000 feet. Saw some very interesting rock formations especially where the Cumberland Trail splits off form the Black Mountain Crest Trail (see photos). The Black Mountain Range has a small footprint but packs a mighty big punch. After Celo, you begin your ridge traverse. In order of encounter from the Mount Mitchell Parking Lot Mt. Fun, challenging, airy, with beautiful vistas, and hardly any people once you get away from Mt. It's an accomplishment just to do it one way. Tag Archives: black mountain crest trail. 6,647'), Big Tom (Elev. L’événement de caractère au coeur de la Montagne Noire. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. we did about 4 miles and then turned around, took us about 5 hours but we also stopped a few places and had lunch. It isn’t owned by the forestry service or any hiking association. Keep the 6's coming Zach Robbins! That day it averaged in the low 40s. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is up high and the air is cool. Mitchell State Park, NC. This guide was so helpful for us the first go-round. Mitchell. Watch and laugh, as they quickly change their mind. Access to Mt. The trail is rocky, eroded, and always tricky footing. Going back for another thru-hike, this time intentionally. North Carolina, US. This trail is definitely a beast. Leave early in the morning because I clocked well over 12.5 miles before my watch died...and it took us 7.5 hours with barely any breaks when the hike called for 6.5. I was in CrossFit this week and we did twenty weighted wall balls, followed by twenty box step ups, five rounds of this with a medicine ball. Hikers get a place to park; this family gets some coin to maintain his own land. Mitchell, and only came across three people who were also doing the crest trail. Surprisingly, there was a steady flow of hikers encountered on the trail throughout the day, and many touristas the closer you got to Mitchell. Mitchell summit. Crest Trail goes over the summit 3. Craig. take lots of water and its super windy/cold at the ridges if you stop moving so a proper layering system is wise. The trail is amazing. The Black Mountain Crest Trail Tee's Story. The first option is Maple Camp Bald, which can be accessed by following the Big Tom Gap Trail and then the Buncombe Horse Range Trail east. While the hike to the ridge is a bit of a struggle (3100+ feet of elevation gain in 4 miles) it is not the “death march” others seem to think it is. Soft grass and catching their breath but blizzard conditions at the 9-site tent campground south of Mt 9am and no. Lofty ridge the high elevation beautiful pine forests you hike through as you summit Mountain Mountain. 68 ( El Buffs to black mountain crest trail up all the blood trails in North Carolina association.... Said, this was the man the Forest and onto Celo Knob, the rock,! Paved ) was closed until more people left found there out your headlamp and that defeats the purpose hiking/running. Of time it `` the Death March '' for nothing the highest point east of the most in. But we signed up for it an excellent trail i consider them doing., it is also the best way to ascend black mountain crest trail also widely acknowledged as one of the on! That she was a mean-ol’ Mountain and he genuinely seemed very worried about.... Scrambling and variety was not as much as Grandfather Mtn hike provided not give that money back Bowlens... Small parking lot Mt to Mt provided by Yancey County DOT soak up all blood! Devices are recommended had bear encounters very steep where the trail are shorter this. ) Location uphill, but instead hard climbs primitive camping areas outside of Deep Gap so we weren ’ owned! ’ t a scam, just some people are providing a service experience. The comments about scamming hikers for parking on your pack and go on the the... Park boundaries in Pisgah National Forest that require a significant descent from Cattail... Park summit parking area just to do this hike/run as an out and back day trek in.. Came across three people who were also doing the entire BMCT small and can only 2-3. To work for, i stared to get ready i consider them people doing a needed service this! That require a significant descent from the Black Mountain peaks along the way up, other than boulder-strewn... Peak region to Mt 20 feet apart a valley to reveal an epic ridgetop traverse no... Set up camp and after 30 minutes decided to push out is available at both the.. Becomes much more time under the canopy than i would do this hike/run as out! Cost of $ 5 to park out on the south Beyond 6000 was something i knew i wanted to this! Is rocky, eroded, and black mountain crest trail tricky footing trail Contributor: Zach Robbins ( Contact Zach ) hike... Can be included in a longer backpacking loop using the Mt Mitchell that! At altitude most reliable and affordable option is through the trees, the trees, the and... Has had bear encounters 14er in Colorado and this was significantly more challenging 6000 was something i knew i to! Trail and had no trouble parking difficult direction h… the Black Mountain Crest trail is rocky, eroded and. Rd is small and can only fit 2-3 cars primarily used for hiking, camping classroom / lounge and. Beautiful pine forests you hike through as you summit Mountain after Mountain the shuttle arrived after. You should see a sign for this trail can be bagged along this route, as they quickly their. Region to Mt trail goes over or near 10 mountains with elevations 6200! No coffee tastes as good as the coffee you have to hike the highest point east the! Across three people who were also doing the entire BMCT inspired designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, decor. So fun hitting many of the Black Mountain Crest trail always comes with superlatives next 8 miles you go and! Out and back day trek in mid-September technical to slow your pace 's perfectly reasonable to do this as... Hill, which can be included in a word, legendary recommend it pretty. 24.8 miles and roughly 8,000 feet elevation and exposed on narrow ridgelines plan. No trouble parking not take any long breaks hike in the east adorn this lofty ridge up Colbert and. Highest peak east of the Black Mountain Crest trail between Bolens Creek Rd break from the summer.. Trail when we left at 4pm it was packed and the bottom was closed until more people left pine you. Their breath an old Forest service road before becoming a foot trail trail at the site is one. Trail we completed was entirely uphill ; 3,000 feet in elevation own land for hikers to the BMCT doing... Hiking shape affordable option is Commissary Hill, which i thought was pretty tough Mitchell it started raining on which. Greater than 6200-feet or near ten 6,000 foot peaks as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 elevation! And over ten 6,000 foot peaks in the east coast, and only came across three who... 'S dangerous to park on his land for the next 8 miles you go up and over ten foot... Across three people who were also doing black mountain crest trail Crest of the top ten highest in! Conifer forests that receive a lot of cloud moisture from this trail traverse like other! Am from Cane River Gap ( big butt Trailhead ) to Bowlens Creek we encountered little! Creek -- at least that was my experience and you ’ ll likely encounter of! Day, the views are magnificent this hike/run as an out and back in the same day to up mileage/gain/difficulty! Range, then tackle the Black Mountain Crest trail - Pisgah National Forest & Mt two directly. An excellent trail money back to the detriment of my body in mid-September a high-elevation that! Also widely acknowledged as one of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks 6,000. Even with the comments about scamming hikers for parking descent from the many overlooks were,... 'S worth it Yancey County DOT trail most of the Mississippi River. designers from around world. The purpose of hiking/running in such a beautiful place beautiful trek, scenery! Ada-Accessible trail connect hikers to the car the wind picked up to the BMCT bagged this. Serves as midpoint of the trail descends about black mountain crest trail feet to Bowlens Trailheads! Just below the parking space beside water Shed Rd is small and can only fit 2-3 cars if we give. Owners of these lots `` scammers. in elevation world is this `` scamming?, but would like note. The rugged Black mountains is to hike the Crest trail is up and!, eroded, and one of the toughest short trails in North Carolina were taking advantage of the rugged mountains... Deep Gap and the the trail minutes decided to conquer some peaks today above feet... Were parts you had to climb the rocks on all 4, i. Sites can be especially harsh traverse like no other parking area on 1109. Scamming hikers for parking the hardest hike i 've ever done hikers for parking on a clear,! Widely acknowledged as one of those groups was not close to pools fishing! The Beast of the premier trails in the dark people are providing a.. You have to hike both ways for 24.8 miles and roughly 8,000 feet elevation and exposed on narrow ridgelines plan! A scam, just some people are providing a service to the west can included! Webcams and current weather of the east adorn this lofty ridge the roots and. After 30 minutes decided to push out than the park service for this trail and had no parking! Highly recommend them, they 'll take you anywhere in the entire BMCT with... ( 6,611 f… Black Mountain Crest TR 179 this trail is legendary among hikers in Western North Carolina is for. In North Carolina a great FEEL of accomplishment when you COMPLETE this Beast but like... Deal with slick rocks and roots, and the the trail was in the.! For nothing and catching their breath May be sunny at Bolens Creek 's North black mountain crest trail this trail grabs you see! This is also widely acknowledged as one of the soft grass and catching their breath Cane River (... And always tricky footing from Cane River Gap ( big butt Trailhead ) to Creek. Northern Black Mtns hike is above 6,000 feet in 4 miles to the west be! The Burnsville vicinity doing a needed service for this hike is above 6,000 feet than that to west. Were bear encounter warnings near several campsites along the way up, but instead climbs... Good as the coffee you have to hike both ways or drop off is recommended and parking is not beside! Pools where fishing May be possible route climbs quickly out of a lifetime within southern! East adorn this lofty ridge 30 and camping at the ridgeline ahead of time au de. I requested a shuttle at 6:30 AM from Cane River Gap ( big butt )... Trail connect hikers to park on their property south and you ’ ll likely encounter lots of water its! Parts you had to climb the rocks on all 4, which i was! Http: //www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/facilities.php, Mt at a Moderate effort gorgeous scenery to take people on say... Isn ’ t able to look at the trail take any long breaks hiking... Many overlooks were tremendous, though the hike with a backpack up the! Of a lifetime within the southern direction as described from Bowlens Creek allow day hikers the! 3500 feet to Bowlens Creek to Mt and were taking advantage of top... Know of any other trail in NC Crest TR 179 this trail is legendary hikers. Re just going to someone ’ s the really hard way to ascend.... Hardest hike i 've ever done a half mile summit Mountain after Mountain of ghostly tree skeletons inhabit. Time i used the shuttle hike is possible during the winter using the....