Mountains to Sea Trail Archives - Page 2 of 12

MST: Buck Creek Gap Overlook to Woodlawn Picnic Area (Seg 4)

Throughout the mountains section of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST), this trail shares a close relationship with the Blue Ridge Parkway. It crosses and parallels the Parkway many times as it meanders in an out of adjoining wilderness areas. Buck Creek Gap Overlook sits at the junction of the Parkway, Hwy 80 and the Eastern Continental Divide. It is at this point, about 182 trail miles from Clingman’s Dome, where the MST leaves its friend the Blue Ridge Parkway and heads across Woods Mountain and on into the Linville Gorge. It will be another 67 miles before the MST joins the Parkway again at Beacon Heights, just below Grandfather Mountain.

MST: Greentown (Hwy 181) to Buck Creek

The Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) consists of 18 Segments. Segment 4 extends 75 miles from Black Mountain Campground to Beacon Heights and is one of my favorite places to hike. These trails are surprisingly diverse as they descend, climb, meander and challenge hikers of all levels. From the breathtaking experience and vistas of Linville Gorge to the vast amount of waterfalls, this segment always causes me to count my blessings to live here in Western North Carolina.

MST: Fork Ridge Overlook to Old Bald Access (Segment 2)

This past weekend I set out on an attempt to complete my remaining miles of Segment 2 of the Mountains to Sea Trail. However, just like the past few months, things do not always go as planned. This was my first hike in over two months, having been saddled with unexpected diversions from work and health. The leaves were beginning to turn and the cool air was inviting me back out, and I could not wait to hit the trail. My plan was to break up my remaining 33 miles from Fork Ridge Overlook to Bear Pen Gap into 3 day hikes, increasing in complexity and mileage.

MST: Rough Butt Bald Overlook to Bear Pen Gap

Looking Glass Rock from the Blue Ridge Parkway

Today’s forecast was for a slight ease in the temperatures, so I took the opportunity this morning to continue my MST hikes in Segment 2. My plan was to hike westbound from the Rough Butt Bald Overlook to Bear Pen Gap. My initial idea was to do an out-and-back for about 10 miles. However, one thing that I am stubbornly learning is that hiking requires flexibility and being willing to yield to your body’s limitations.

MST: Mt Mitchell to Buck Creek Gap

MST Trailhead just off the Mt Mitchell Summit

This hike has been on my to-do list since I began day-hiking the MST and the 40 Hike Challenge a year ago. I have heard a lot about the Old Mitchell Trail that extends down 6 miles from Mt Mitchell to the Black Mountain Campground. My father and uncle have shared with me their summer camp stories near the South Toe River and and their hikes on the momentous trail to the summit of Mitchell. But today would mark a milestone for me as I officially complete Segment 3 of the MST.