Distance: 4.5 mile one way (for Challenge Hike) 9.7 Miles for this hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Change (for Challenge Hike): gain = 1116 ft; loss = 1956 ft
My Hike: 9.7 miles (Pisgah Inn to Bent Creek Gap)
source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Hike #5 of the 40 Hike Challenge begins at the north end of the Pisgah Inn parking lot and continues down a moderate trail for 4.5 miles to the Mills River Valley Overlook. On a typical day, this hike has wonderful views to the east.
However, on this day I was swamped in fog. I decided to extend this hike to the Bent Creek Gap parking area. BRP MP 400 (a total of 9.7 miles). This was an early morning hike. I arrived at the Pisgah Inn at about 8:00am and as soon as I turned off the truck, the rain began to fall. The fog was eerily thick, but I could be assured that I would have the trail to myself. I waited a few minutes and the rain stopped, followed by a gentle breeze, so I decided to venture on. My wife would pick me up in 4 hours at the Bent Creek Gap parking area.
I had hiked a portion of this trail a few years before and could remember the breathtaking views. This day, I was surrounded by a thick fog which created a rather surreal environment. Even without the long distance views, it was exhilarating to be out in the woods.
To date, this was the longest day hike I had completed. Walking in the slow, steady rain was more taxing than I realized. When my wife arrived to pick me up, we both eagerly agreed to go the Pisgah Inn for lunch. My chief aim was to get a dry shirt (at the gift shop) and some warm food. The Pisgah Inn is a great place to eat, but be sure and call ahead for reservations, as even in thick fog and rain, the restaurant was very busy. The staff are friendly and the food is delicious!