MST: Segment 3 Archives - Page 2 of 2

MST: Craggy Visitors Center to Potato Field Gap

Craggy Visitor’s Center view looking west

The trails around Craggy Gardens are very popular, especially this time of year. The Craggy Gardens Visitors Center is located at MP 364.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From this point, there are many trails available to explore. The Mountains to Sea Trail passes just below the parking area connecting Craggy Gardens to the Graybeard Overlook (MP 363.4). The trail to Craggy Flats is just under a mile from the Visitor’s Center. In June, the heath bald is typically covered in pink and purple blooms of the Catawba Rhododendron. At this time, the area was decorated with an assortment of wild flowers.

40 Hike Challenge: #5 – The Shut-in Trail – Pisgah Inn to Mills River Valley Overlook

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.

40 Hike Challenge: #7 – The Craggies – Glassmine Falls Overlook to Graybeard Overlook

Distance: 2.3 mile one way

Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult

Elevation Change: gain = 1046 ft; loss = 632 ft

My Hike: 4.7 miles (round trip) Out-and-Back

source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail

I have hiked most of the MST from Pisgah Inn to Mt Mitchell and this hike by far is one of my favorites. I hiked this one out-and-back, so it ended up being just short of 5.0 miles.

40 Hike Challenge: #6 – Rattlesnake Lodge – Craven Gap to Tanbark Ridge Tunnel

Distance: 4.4 mile one way

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Change: gain = 1596 ft; loss = 1433 ft

My Hike: 7.7 miles (round trip) out-and-back

source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail

This hike is a very popular day hike for the Asheville area. There are several access points for this trail, but for the 40 Hike Challenge, I used the Craven Gap trailhead. This is just off the BRP at MP 377.4.