MST: Old Bald Access to Bear Pen Gap Overlook (MST Seg 2)

Today, I headed out to complete Segment 2 of the Mountains of Sea Trail. Segment 2 extends 63.6 miles from Waterrock Knob to Pisgah Inn. This is one of the more rugged sections of the MST as it meanders back and forth near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Much of Segment 2 traverses above 5000’ in elevation, with rocky paths and spectacular vistas.

My walk today started at Old Bald Access heading East for about 14 miles to Bear Pen Gap Overlook. Old Bald Access is a small patch of grass at the trailhead just beside a hairpin curve near MP 434.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I had originally planned to complete this section in October of last year, but as you can read here, sometimes our plans have to change.

As you are probably aware from my previous posts, hiking for me is a calming release- a therapeutic salve when life gets crazy. I am also curious and eager to see what’s around the next curve of the trail.

This time of year was the perfect opportunity to experience all of the early spring wildflowers that were beginning to emerge from the forest floor.

The first few miles were moderate in difficulty, reminiscent of an old road bed. The trail does become more difficult at about 4 miles.

Side Note: The latest Trail Guide on the MST website states that the next 2 miles are some of the most difficult on the entire MST. I do admit that it does become more rocky and steep, but in my opinion, it is still no where as difficult as the trail up Mitchell, Shortoff or the Chimneys.

Many of the leaves were beginning to fill, so this section did not offer many direct long range views. Still, the trail never disappoints. There was an abundance of things to observe right at my feet.

The Bear Corn above was very prevalent along the trail. This non-chlorophyll producing plant is an early spring favorite for the local black bears. This plant acts as a laxative, releasing the fecal plugs that they have established over the dormant winter season. It is also a high calorie source for mama bears during their nursing season of spring and early summer.

About 5.5 miles in, the trail intersects with an old grassy roadbed. After a steep climb it crosses over a small creek with a descent waterfall that can be accessed to the right.

The trail stays on the old logging road for about 12.5 miles. It’s easy walking for the most part. With the recent rains, some of the path resembled a creek bed which required some careful steps.

After 12.5 miles, the trail switches from the old road bed to a single track. At this point, it continues its rapid ascent of about 1300’. To get to Bear Pen Gap Overlook, you have to take a spur trail off of the MST- this is well marked at about 13.5 miles, and just another 0.7 miles to the overlook.

I enjoyed this hike due to this time of year and being able to identify many flowers. By the way, if you are interested in plant identification or just want to gain some more knowledge about anything natural in the Blue Ridge, I highly recommend checking out the courses at the NC Arboretum. I am currently enrolled in their Blue Ridge Naturalist Certification program and it has been so eye opening.

Once you can identify something, you tend to appreciate it more. True for so many things in life.

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