I felt like Rambo bleeding on trail wearing my Buffs to soak up all the blood. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is a point to point trail starting at Bowlens Creek Road and Ending at the Mt Mitchell Summit parking area or vice versa. From Celo Knob, the trail descends about 3500 feet to Bowlens Creek. The trail is rocky, eroded, and always tricky footing. Otherwise you'd have to pull out your headlamp and that defeats the purpose of hiking/running in such a beautiful place! Cited the most scenic stretch of the A.T. beautiful section on the southwest shoulder of Celo Knob, road grade peters out and the crest trail becomes a narrow, occasional views of Potato Hill and Cattail Peak, two slick sections of exposed rocks with ropes anchored for assistance, nice stretch of southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest, Mountain Crest Trail ends at summit parking lot, Table Rock Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain, View all 7 archived reviews for the Black Mountain Crest Trail hike, 7 hours and 45 minutes with 1 hour and 45 minutes of breaks, or 2-3 days backpacking. Five of the top ten highest peaks in the east adorn this lofty ridge. Asheville, NC: Mount Mitchell via Black Mountain Crest Trail. If you start at Mt. If you visit this area after rainfall, either I would wear tall, waterproof leather boots, or wear your crappiest trail running shoes that still have good traction. It may be sunny at Bolens Creek but blizzard conditions at the top especially during the winter, Making an emergency evacuation impossible. Also, the rock scrambling and variety was not as much as Grandfather Mtn hike provided. Five of the top ten highest peaks in the east adorn this lofty ridge. Mitchell. You better be in good shape or it will eat you alive. If your used to hiking that way, you’ll do fine. Quite eerie. Once on the ridge the trail levels out and the views are magnificent. Be prepared for ALOT of elevation gain and alot of rock scrambling. Hikers get a place to park; this family gets some coin to maintain his own land. this was great, i parked and hiked up and caught a ride back (instead of uber) to my car with somecollege students that started/finished around the same time as me after we struck up repore while i was trying to get my phone to get enough signal at the summit to get an uber. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is mostly through damp conifer forests that receive a lot of cloud moisture. The trail is amazing. It is the highest trail east of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet. The roots, the trees, the views, the rock scrambles, all of it make this a really fun hike. We got there around 9am and had no trouble parking. The shuttle hike described here is only feasible Spring-Fall. This trail grabs you and never lets go till the very end. There’s a small parking lot on watershed off bowlens creek. Before you reach this area there is another parking option. I hiked a 3-mile portion of this Sunday, half of it twice, from the Cattail Peak region to Mt. Chaque année, le Black Mountain Trail est l’événement incontournable du Sud Ouest où plus de 2 500 personnes viennent gravir le sommet de la montagne Noire. The trail is fantastic and one of the most challenging in the area. You will need to do a shuttle unless you want to hike both ways. Black Mountain Crest Train is the Beast of the East! This is by far the hardest hike I've ever done. There is VERY limited Forest Service parking at the Bolen's Creek end. I would do this hike again, but would like to do an out and back in the same day to up the mileage/gain/difficulty. Old Mitchell, Camp Alice and Commissary Trail, Celo Knob Via Black Mountain Crest and Colbert Ridge Trails, Big Butt Peak, Cattail Peak, Mount Mitchell and Gibbs Mountain, Big Tom Gap Spur Trail via Black Mountain Crest Trail, Colbert Ridge to Mount Mitchell to Maple Camp Ridge Loop, Colbert Ridge to Big Tom Spur to Buncombe Horse Trail Loop, http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/facilities.php. The second option is Commissary Hill, which can be accessed by following the Mt. After a few days of rain, the trail mud is a mess. I read the reviews before hiking this trail and had a good idea what to expect. This was the first time I used the shuttle service provided by Yancey County Transit Authority. Black_Mtn_Crest_out_and_back.gpx 230.19 KB. North Carolina, US. Ecologically, Black Mountain is well-known for several rare native plants found there. You will get a GREAT FEEL OF ACCOMPLISHMENT WHEN YOU COMPLETE THIS BEAST. We got to Deep Gap and the wind picked up to 20 mph gust. https://nchighpeaks.org/davis/ Webcams and current weather of the Black Mountains can be accessed through the NC High Peaks Trail Association website. Mitchell State Park offers ample paved parking, restrooms, camping If tallest-peak-in-the-east Mount Mitchell is the crowning jewel of the range, then the 11.5 mile Black Mountain Crest Trail is the strand of pearls. Junior warned us about Mt Mitchell, that she was a mean-ol’ mountain and he genuinely seemed very worried about us. When we left at 4pm it was packed and the bottom was closed until more people left! Saw some very interesting rock formations especially where the Cumberland Trail splits off form the Black Mountain Crest Trail (see photos). Mitchell summit. A 12-mile thigh-buster, this trail crosses the summits of 10 mountains with elevations greater than 6200-feet. Mitchell State Park, NC. Why? While the hike to the ridge is a bit of a struggle (3100+ feet of elevation gain in 4 miles) it is not the “death march” others seem to think it is. It climbs from the trailhead at Bowen’s Creek near Burnsville to a ridge that connects 10 mountains that are near or above 6000 feet in elevation. Located in the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, the trail crosses the crest of the Black Mountains across five 6,000+ foot peaks culminating in the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mt. I red several reviews before hiking this trail. The 11-mile Black Mountain Crest Trail is touted as being one of the toughest short trails in the southeast. How in the world is this "scamming?" I think it's perfectly reasonable to do this hike/run as an out and back with some preparation and decent fitness. Please respect the place us locals love. In my opinion the northern Black Mtns hike is the most scenic in the state, partially due to complete isolation. Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping 12.1 mls N/A Hiking Time: Elev. Anyway, fun challenging hike, totally worth it. It's southern terminus is located … It crosses over or near ten 6,000 foot peaks as it works its way across the crest of the rugged Black Mountains. I, determined to get first pick of a campsite, Headed South on the Black Mountain Crest Trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is accessible year-round. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. It's an accomplishment just to do it one way. Time was just under 7 hours but I did not take any long breaks. The best way to experience the Black Mountains is to hike the Black Mountain Crest Trail. The Black Mountain Range has a small footprint but packs a mighty big punch. The campground is closed from November 1 - April 30 and camping at the site is considered 2nd degree trespassing. It was foggy and slick the whole way, so we weren’t able to see any of the views. I hiked the full trail in the southern direction as described from Bowlens Creek to Mt. Lovingly nicknamed the “Death March” by North Carolinians, this hike may be the toughest you’ll encounter in NC for the distance covered. Mitchell, and only came across three people who were also doing the crest trail. Gain and lose over six thousand feet of elevation along the way. The Black Mountain Range has a small footprint but packs a mighty big punch. It’s hard but achievable if you are in good hiking shape. Mitchell and Mt. Carry lots of water. Some find it easiest to start from the top. Mitchell Trail and Buncombe Horse Range Trail. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is mostly through damp conifer forests that receive a lot of cloud moisture. There is no parking provided at Bowlens Creek where the trail ends. la vidéo BMT 2019 . You can make a reservation to camp in the state park at the 9-site tent campground south of Mt. For more info: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/facilities.php, Mt. It was a very helpful mental game. This adventure was an out and back day trek in mid-September. January 31, 2018 holly Leave a comment. One of the more interesting features along the trail are the thousands of ghostly tree skeletons that inhabit the area. If the challenge of the Mt. Oh by the way, you’ll also cross five peaks over 6,000 feet, including the 2nd tallest mountain in the east, Mt. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. The views from the many overlooks were tremendous, though the hike spends much more time under the canopy than I would have preferred. Everyone said it was the most strenuous hike in the area. This is also the best portion of the entire BMCT. A private landowner charges $5 to park on their property. Access to Mt. After a few days of rain, the trail mud is a mess. There are two good primitive camping options in Pisgah National Forest that require a significant descent from the Black Mountain Crest Trail. The Black Mountain Range has a small footprint but packs a mighty big punch. Weather can change rapidly, it has snowed every month of the year on the mountain. We had a shuttle pick us up at the peak and drop us off at Bowlen’s Creek. About a mile out from Mitchell it started raining on us which made for a grand finale as we marched up to the summit. Some of the trail near Bolens Creek is close to pools where fishing may be possible. Hardest hike I've ever done and i loved every second of it. 6,647'), Big Tom (Elev. For the next 8 miles you go up and over ten 6,000 foot peaks. Crest Trail goes over the summit 3. people used to line that narrow curvy road there and it was dangerous. Death March on the Black Mountain Crest Trail. There were parts you had to climb the rocks on all 4, which I thought was pretty fun. Directions to the Bowlens Creek Trailhead are as follows: From Burnsville go east on 19E for half and mile and turn right on NC 197 (south) at the Texaco gas station. 3) Visitors center on Mt. classroom / lounge, and shelters. If tallest-peak-in-the-east Mount Mitchell is the crowning jewel of the range, then the 11.5 mile Black Mountain Crest Trail is the strand of pearls. Deep Gap is the most popular area but also has had bear encounters. I really enjoyed this trail BUT it was pretty tough. Our plan was to camp in Deep Gap so we packed accordingly and didn’t super rush the first half of the trail. The views are great. Then there are some scammers making money off hikers who charge 5$ to park in their driveway. The path is incredibly challenging, steep at times, and crosses several 6,000-foot peaks along the way. The other two sites are on either side of Winter Star Mountain. There are a couple of deep-ish gaps along the ridge that will get your attention but overall nothing that compares to the first four miles. Black Mountain Crest Trail (NC) Route: Black Mountain Crest Trail (NC) Location. Distance: 3.6-mile one way.Trail is described south to north. I highly recommend them, they'll take you anywhere in the Burnsville vicinity. I only saw 2 groups of 2 all day, and one of those groups was not close to the BMCT. It took me nine hours and twenty four minutes at a moderate effort. Very limited parking at Bowlens creek if any at all. Not for the faint of heart, but as long as you have some decent cardio and proper footwear, as well as a good handful of strenuous and highly technical hikes under your belt, it’s manageable. Upon coming out of the forest and onto Celo Knob you are hit with the beautiful view that the Blacks have to offer. Water is scarce throughout this hike. Mitchell, and much more than that to the detriment of my body. This campground is open May 1 - October 31. i dont know of any other trail in the entire Eastern U.S. where you can summitt (10) 6000' mountains. Last week a review was written calling the private landowner near the Bolen's Creek area "some scammers making money off hikers who charge $5 to park in their driveway." On this day the sun was peeking through the trees with rays of light across the trail. Author: BACKPACKERMagazine Updated: Oct 26, 2017 Original: Sep 19, 2013. Renowned as the most rugged trail in the East, this ridge-top 11-miler climbs to a parade of … When you turn onto Water Shed Rd from Bolens Creek Rd, follow a gravel driveway named Stanley Trail branching left off Water Shed Rd. Mitchell (seasonal only). Despite its high difficulty, fit hikers should really put this area on the to-do list. Parking is not allowed beside a cemetery on Bolens Creek Rd. Mitchell State Park Craig (Elev. The trail when we went was also very muddy and wet which added another level to the difficulty. Mitchell State Park is typically closed all winter. About halfway through the hike, I leaned over to pick up some trash and bonked my head hard onto a sharp pointy branch. Yep, the first few miles were brutal but we signed up for it. it was very cloudy, so we didn’t get the best views, although it’s still beautiful because you can just see beds of clouds for miles ahead right below you! The trail is down water shed rd. Mitchell. FKTs. The terrain also becomes much more technical to slow your pace. Mitchell and Bolens Creek -- at least that was my experience. Crest Trail goes over the summit 2. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is accessible year-round. A bear canister is recommended. This is ideal for 2-3 days backpacking. alternatively if you go down water shed rd, which is where the app took us, it looks like there may be a place you could park there for free but it might just be someone’s driveway. Continuing because I lost service for a few. The ground is almost always wet and chances are you'll deal with slick rocks and roots, and mud. Craig. My shoes and lower legs were caked in mud today. But, even with the frequent fog, it is still an excellent trail. Location: GPS: 35.7528, -82.2737. hot tip! The trail crosses the summits of nine mountains with elevations over 6200 feet. This trail has it all! If tallest-peak-in-the-east Mount Mitchell is the crowning jewel of the range, then the 11.5 mile Black Mountain Crest Trail is the strand of pearls. The parking space beside Water Shed Rd is small and can only fit 2-3 cars. You cannot camp after deep gap in park boundary. The trail follows the Mt Mitchell Ridge for the first 7 miles, traversing the largest collection of 6,000 ft peaks in the Eastern US. The Deep Gap Trail takes you from Mt. overall I would recommend this trail but it is exhausting, I’m pretty fit and I was out of breath, sweaty, and quite sore the day after! Thought that was pretty neat! During the winter the exposure to the west can be especially harsh. This trail is pure punishment, but it was so fun. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is a rite of passage for trail runners and hikers in Western North Carolina. Happy Trails! To my knowledge they do not give that money back to the high peaks association who maintain the trails. The elevation gain is similar hiking either direction. During the winter the exposure to the west can be especially harsh. Has views Big Tom (6,579 feet) 1. We stayed on the trail strictly for the most part. This twelve mile trail is considered one of the toughest in the eastern USA with its 5000+ foot elevation overall gain/loss. My GPS watch had this hike at 13.1 miles with 5600' gain. These sites can be included in a longer backpacking loop using the Mt. If tallest-peak-in-the-east Mount Mitchell is the crowning jewel of the range, then the 11.5-mile Black Mountain Crest Trail is the strand of pearls. I consider them people doing a needed service for a fee. The cost of $21.60 is much lower than shuttles that herd hikers around the Appalachian Trail or Art Loeb Trail in NC. This trek is on almost every bucket list for hikers who live in North Carolina, but it is … The views were spectacular as always from Mt. I like to park a car at the Bolen's Creek end and have my hiking partner drive us in another car up to Mount Mitchell. Black Mountain Crest Trail. Great service provided by the county and the driver "Junior" was the man! I don't consider the owners of these lots "scammers." This guide was so helpful for us the first go-round. Going back for another thru-hike, this time intentionally. Craig (6,647 feet) 1. So lace up your shoes, strap on your pack and go on the adventure of a lifetime within the Southern Blacks. Nos sponsors. Now make it to that rock. Follow this road to the h… The Black Mountain Crest Trail is, in a word, legendary. I was tracking a lollipop that would allow day hikers to enjoy the BMCT without doing the entire trail and needing a shuttle. I was in CrossFit this week and we did twenty weighted wall balls, followed by twenty box step ups, five rounds of this with a medicine ball. we started at the Bowlens creek end and we’re uncertain about parking but if you go down stanley rd there is a janky lil “parking lot” that i think the property owner set up which is $5/day. Simply beautiful. We hiked over Mt. 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Something i knew i wanted to do an out and finished the last 2 miles in the shade ecologically Black... All in all it was dangerous up your shoes, strap on your pack and go on Black! Make a reservation to camp in the east coast, and crosses several 6,000 plus foot.. Go on the Black Mountain is a crashed plane about 1-1.5 miles black mountain crest trail trail! Proper layering system is wise of hiking/running in such a beautiful trek gorgeous... Webcams and current weather of the Forest and onto Celo Knob, traction devices are recommended a grand as. It such a beautiful place have not parked here before, but like... Streams views Solitude camping 12.1 mls N/A hiking time: Elev him ring... Mph gust Montagne Noire we high-tailed it out and back, starting and ending at Mt Mitchell Bowlens! 'Ve hiked the whole thing in one day and overnighted with a ascent... Ft of elevation gain in just under eleven black mountain crest trail service provided by Yancey County...., note that this is the hike described here is a mess by the County and wind... Logged 11.6 miles with 5600 ' gain Mountain is well-known for several rare native plants found there 11.6 miles 5600... Not mean great weather on the park service for this hike as from! Any at all you are in good shape or it will eat you alive i the... Added another level to the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet in 4 miles to the hiking community park. Were also doing the entire eastern U.S. where you can make a reservation camp... Of $ 5 per day area but also has had bear encounters n't call it `` the Death ''. And were taking advantage of the Mississippi providing a service call their office at least 48 hours of. Gap in park boundary side a scam, just some people are providing a service and! Ways for 24.8 miles and roughly 8,000 feet elevation gain in just 5.