Today I continued my day hiking of Segment 3 of the Mountains to Sea Trail. This was a short hike, out-and-back from Glassmine Falls Overlook to Walker Knob. This is an easily accessible hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway (MP 361.2).
I was fortunate to be able to get to the area an hour or so after sunrise. This portion of the parkway is a bit more remote and therefore, not very crowded in the morning. The trailhead is about 12 miles (by car) to Mt Mitchell.
The trail is an easy 1.5 mile climb of approximately 300′ elevation to Walker Knob. The best views are at the beginning of the overlook. It is interesting that many passers-by just get out of their car at the overlook and do not venture any further. However, the better view is only a few hundred feet north on a paved path to a designated area.
The overlook elevation is listed as 5200′. It is intriguing to see how the views at these elevations can change in just a few minutes. The pictures above were taken within an hour and a half of each other. From the overlook parking area there are also incredible vistas on the other side of the parkway, looking west.
The hike to Walker Knob is a gentle hike and the trail itself offers a different landscape and flora from what is typically seen a bit lower down.
Today was a shorter hike, but as always, the trail provides plenty of inspiration and leaves me with desiring more. I look forward to continuing the journey and discovering what is around the next corner.
I like seeing the quickly changing scenery. The clouds and sun are beautiful. Thanks for posting.
Thank you Beverly for commenting. I love that area, it is well worth the time to sit and watch the ‘show’!
I day hiked Segment 3 last year in August and from Walker Knob Overlook to Hwy 128 remains one of my best memories: an enchanted forest of moss, fungus and ferns amongst boulders and meandering streams under tall trees. After this week’s rain it will be wonderful! Actually, the remaining Trail to Mt Mitchell is just glorious. I look forward to your photos and trail accounts and am so happy to have found your Blog. With thanks, Solo
I am looking forward to finishing Seg. 3. I have remaining: Walker Knob to Mt Mitchell to Black Mtn Campground. That is one of my favorite parts of the MST so far.
I hope to complete it soon after I finish the 40 Day Hikes. Thank you for your comments!