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.
I am continuing to “trod” away on my goal to complete the Mountains to Sea Trail, so for this hike, I am in Segment 4 on the east side of Table Rock just off Hwy 181. The trailhead is located about 20 miles north of Morganton, NC and is marked as Forest Service Road 496 where it crosses 181.
I began this hike heading west on the MST which actually is on the gravel road (FSR 496) for about 1 mile. During season (typically after April 1st) the road would be open to the Steels Creek parking area – where the MST leaves the road and heads into the woods. This area can get crowded during season and especially during summer weekends. I was thankful to have solitude this morning.
As I stated before, Segment 4 is blessed with an abundance of waterfalls and stream crossings. The trail borders many of these streams and depending on the recent weather, the water flow can be intense. Most of the day, I had the pleasure of hearing the water rushing alongside me. Many of the waterfalls are barely visible from the trail, but with some daring bushwhacking there are some access points.
Just a word of caution: This is called a “wilderness” for a reason. The terrain is difficult and trying to recover the trail and/or your bearings after veering away can be treacherous. All of the areas around the streams and waterfalls are very steep. If you get hurt you are a long way from help.
Upper Steels Creek Falls can be seen from FS 496 about 1 mile from 181. Steels Creek is small here and it crosses under the road and feeds into the 2nd waterfall – Newt Falls. Newt Falls is a small waterfall that can be accessed via a side trail just below 496. This trail is not maintained but it does reconnect with the MST after the Steels Creek parking area. Rip Breeches Falls is accessible via some bush-whacking about 2.0 miles in. After this point, the trail gets more challenging.
At 2.5 miles, the trail crosses Steels Creek twice and then Gingercake Creek. All three of these require wet crossings- the amount will depend on the season and amount of recent rainfall.
From this point on, the trail follows Steels Creek as it passes Tea Cups Falls, Beverly Hillbilly Falls and finally Steels Creek Falls.
At times the trail extends well above the creek, but there are also many points where the trail can be difficult to find as it tracks right along the rocks on the edge of the water.
On this day I hiked to the crossing of Buck Creek and turned around. Overall, the hike was a little over 9.0 miles. It was great to be back on the MST again exploring territory that I have never experienced. Early spring flowers were starting to appear, trying to push away any hint of a late winter.
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Glad you are back on the MST. I always enjoy your posts.
Thank you Beverly, it is good to hear from you. I hope to have more posts soon.
It’s amazing how many natural wonders are hidden in the “wilderness.” I’m full of questions about what it would require for a shorter version of this. Good for you, Cousin🙏!
I know you’re glad to be back on the trails!!!
Look forward to reading of your new adventures, and seeing your amazing photos. Your gift of writing is phenomenal!!!