Black Mountain Crest Trail: Difference between revisions

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<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  Please scroll down to edit the main content of the article. -->
{{Trail
{{Infobox Trail
|Banner Image=File:Black Mountains Photos 07 Meadow between Winter Star and Gibbs.jpg
                    | Image Name = *
|Trail Number=FS #179
                    | City = Asheville
|Trail System=SB6k
                    | State = North Carolina
|Park=Mount Mitchell State Park
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}}
|Land Owner=Pisgah National Forest
                    | Difficulty Rating = Hard
|Trail Marking=Orange Triangle
                    | Hike Time = 8
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping, Climbing
                    | Distance = 12
|Trail Features=Vistas, Mountains
                    | Elevation Gain = ~3,300
|Difficulty Rating=Hard
                    | High Point = ~6,650
|Hike Time=8 hrs
                    | Latitude = N35°52.687
|Trail Distance=10.88 mi
                    | Longitude = W82°17.050
|Round Trip Distance=21.76
                    | Medical = Asheville
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
<!-- DON'T EDIT THE GOOGLEMAP TAG -->
|High Point=6,633 ft
                    | googlemap =
|Low Point=3,052 ft
<googlemap lat="35.878109" lon="-82.284164"  zoom="8" width="270" type="map" height="180" selector="no" controls="small">
|Elevation Gain=1,648 ft
35.878109, -82.284164,Black Mountain Crest Trail
|Elevation Loss=5,139 ft
</googlemap>
|Elevation Change Direction=South-to-North
|Parking location=35.76679, -82.26493
|Trailhead location=35.76737, -82.26458
}}
}}
<!-- End Infobox template table-->
<!-- Convert to auto map once the other trail pages are created -->
 
<display_map  type="terrain" width="auto" height="600" gkml="https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Black_Mountains_Black_Mountain_Crest_Trail.kml,
<!-- Start of Main Page -->
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Black_Mountains_Celo_Knob_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Black_Mountains_Summit_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Black_Mountains_Big_Tom_Gap.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Black_Mountains_Colbert_Ridge_Trail.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Black_Mountains_Grace’s_Ladder.kml,
https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Black_Mountains_Woody_Ridge_Trail.kml">
35.7649628007, -82.2650941309~Mount Mitchell (6,689 ft)~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_01_Mount_Mitchell.jpg|150px]]~MarkerD.png
35.7667944123, -82.2649348322~Mount Mitchell Parking~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Parking_01_Mount_Mitchell.jpg|150px]]~MarkerA.png
35.7673711330, -82.2645821535~Trailhead at Mount Mitchell~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Trailhead_01_Mount_Mitchell.jpg|150px]]~MarkerT.png
35.7738597100, -82.262404070~Rugged Trail Below Craig~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_01_Rugged_Trail_Below_Craig.jpg|150px]]~MarkerB.png
35.7773693000, -82.262131260~View From Mount Craig~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_02_View_From_Mount_Craig.jpg|150px]]~MarkerB.png
35.7774878750, -82.2620208723~Mount Craig (6,652 ft)~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_02_Mount_Craig.jpg|150px]]~MarkerD.png
35.7798993578, -82.2597768776~Big Tom (6,579 ft)~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_03_Big_Tom.jpg|150px]]~MarkerD.png
35.7814496100, -82.259641450~Ropes Help With Descent~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_03_Ropes_Help_With_Descent.jpg|150px]]~MarkerB.png
35.7853093940, -82.2582757417~Junction with Big Tom Gap Trail~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Junctions_01_Big_Tom_Gap_Trail.jpg|150px]]~MarkerT.png
35.7894185134, -82.2558697310~Balsam Cone (6,601 ft)~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_04_Balsam_Cone.jpg|150px]]~MarkerD.png
35.7963145100, -82.2571981600~Cattail Peak False Summit Sign~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Poi_04_Cattail_Peak_False_Summit_Sign.jpg|150px]]~MarkerG.png
35.8015289680, -82.2531327046~Potato Hill (6,472 ft)~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_06_Potato_Hill.jpg|150px]]~MarkerD.png
35.8015040300, -82.253131940~View From Potato Hill~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_04_View_From_Potato_Hill.jpg|150px]]~MarkerB.png
35.8124872344, -82.2521624167~Deep Gap Campsite~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Campsite_02_Deep_Gap_Campsite.jpg|150px]]~MarkerH.png
35.8122249094, -82.2522112843~Junction with Colbert Ridge Trail~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Junctions_02_Colbert_Ridge_Trail.jpg|150px]]~MarkerT.png
35.8176817777, -82.2490050318~Winter Star Mountain (6,211 ft)~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_08_Winter_Star.jpg|150px]]~MarkerD.png
35.8177289000, -82.2491163400~Campsite 3~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Campsite_03.jpg|150px]]~MarkerH.png
35.8192863500, -82.249137120~View Towards Roan Mountain~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_05_View_Towards_Roan_Mountain.jpg|150px]]~MarkerB.png
35.8198712600, -82.249334030~Trail Relocation~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_06_Trail_Relocation.jpg|150px]]~MarkerB.png
35.8269902200, -82.249583220~Meadow between Winter Star and Gibbs~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_07_Meadow_between_Winter_Star_and_Gibbs.jpg|150px]]~MarkerB.png
35.8405535992, -82.2479214831~Gibbs Mountain (6,247 ft)~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_09_Gibbs_Mountain.jpg|150px]]~MarkerD.png
35.8465440491, -82.2471993913~Junction with Woody Ridge Trail~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Junctions_03_Woody_Ridge_Trail.jpg|150px]]~MarkerT.png
35.8505397800, -82.2483829500~Junction with Celo Knob Trail~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Junctions_05_Celo_Knob_Trail.jpg|150px]]~MarkerT.png
35.8509559200, -82.249496650~View from Celo Knob meadow~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_08_View_From_Celo_Knob_Meadow.jpg|150px]]~MarkerB.png
35.8508984000, -82.249338800~View from Celo Knob meadow~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_10_View_From_Celo_Knob_Meadow.jpg|150px]]~MarkerB.png
35.8515752800, -82.250327170~View from Celo Knob meadow~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_09_View_From_Celo_Knob_Meadow.jpg|150px]]~MarkerB.png
35.8523799076, -82.2485352587~Celo Knob (6,331 ft)~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_11_Celo_Knob.jpg|150px]]~MarkerD.png
35.8478309994, -82.2473941258~Percys Peak (6,223 ft)~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_10_Percys_Peak.jpg|150px]]~MarkerD.png
35.8648024782, -82.2618514321~Campsite 1~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Campsite_01.jpg|150px]]~MarkerH.png
35.8691567924, -82.2764822358~Dam~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Poi_01_Dam_On_Bowlens_Creek.jpg|150px]]~MarkerG.png
35.8741984700, -82.2823612300~Trailhead at Bowlens Creek~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Trailhead_02_Bowlens_Creek.jpg|150px]]~MarkerT.png
35.8764675286, -82.2837911661~Bowlens Creek Parking~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Parking_02_Bowlens_Creek.jpg|150px]]~MarkerA.png
35.8776865469, -82.2862008209~Simmons Cemetery (alt parking)~[[Image:Black_Mountains_Cemetery_01_Simmons_Cemetery.jpg|150px]]~MarkerN.png
35.8163250672, -82.2540967126~Deer Mountain (6,110 ft)~ ~MarkerD.png
35.7653849168, -82.2648521643~Nature Center~ ~MarkerG.png
35.7663570000, -82.2655260000~Museum and Gift Shop~ ~MarkerG.png
35.7674330000, -82.2643890000~Picnic Area~ ~MarkerS.png
35.8499616480, -82.2485592698~Junction with Graces Ladder~ ~MarkerT.png
35.8491960000, -82.2477720000~Campsite 2~ ~MarkerH.png
35.7983619941, -82.2564785814~Cattail Peak (6,580 ft)~ ~MarkerD.png
</display_map>


<br />__TOC__
== Trail Overview ==
== Trail Overview ==
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
Also known as Deep Gap Trail. Bag several SB6K peaks along the Black Mountains, including Mt. Mitchell.  Great views, but a difficult route.
One of the toughest trails in the Southeast. A rugged ridgeline hike that is a roller coaster of elevation changes which require lots of scrambling with hands, feet and sometimes ropes.  The ridge is above 6000 feet in elevation the entire way except for the big drop at Deep Gap. Your reward is spectacular views the whole way with some of views (especially the northern part) being the best in all of North Carolina (IMHO).   


 
No matter how experienced a hiker you are, be prepared for a slower pace than what you're used to.
Work in progress - per CMC website Black Mountain Crest Trail, which begins at the Mt. Mitchell Parking Area, and ends with Celo Knob, the terminus, at 6.7 miles, so I might have two other trails included here, thus need to separate.


== How to get there ==
== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
There are three primary access points... work in progress


From Johnson City, TN to the northern trailhead:
====Southern Trailhead (Mount Mitchell State Park)====
#
Trailhead is at the bottom of the Mount Mitchell summit parking lot by the picnic area. (35.7667944123, -82.2649348322).  It is called "Deep Gap Trail".
 
Nice large parking area.  Note that access is during park hours only and if the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed, you can't get to it.  If you leave your car here overnight, you will need to notify a park ranger.
 
====Northern Trailhead (Bowlens Creek)====
The Bowlens Creek trailhead is just south of Burnsville NC just off of Bolens Creek Road (1109). Parking at this trailhead is limited and a little bit confusing.
 
Turn down Watershed Road from Bolens Creek Road and to your right is a small parking area (35.8764675286, -82.2837911661) that has room for a grand total of one car.  If it's taken, there is a small cemetery just past that on Bolens Creek Road that has room to park (35.8776865469, -82.2862008209).  You can just walk back to Watershed Road until you reach the trailhead.
 
==6,000 Footers==
The Crest Trail goes over or near 10 mountains that are over 6,000 feet in elevation.  Six of those peaks are on the [http://tehcc.org/hiking/challenges/south-beyond-6000/ South Beyond 6000] (SB6K) challenge list can be bagged along this route.
 
In order of encounter from the Mount Mitchell Parking Lot
 
'''Mt. Craig (6,647 feet)'''
* SB6k Peak
* Crest Trail goes over the summit
* Has benchmark and plaque to mark summit
* Has views
 
'''Big Tom (6,579 feet)'''
* Crest Trail goes over the summit
* Has benchmark and plaque to mark summit
* No views
 
'''Balsam Cone (6,611 feet)'''
* SB6k Peak
* Crest Trail goes over the summit
* No benchmark or summit markings
* Has views
 
'''Cattail Peak (6,580 feet)'''
* SB6k Peak
* Crest Trail does not go over summit and requires a .2 mile bushwhack
* Has benchmark to mark summit
* Has views
* A false Cattail Peak summit sign is directly on the Crest Trail about .5 miles from the true summit for some reason.  For years this has been fooling peak baggers into thinking they made the summit.
* After the sign, right before the trail drops below the ridgeline towards Potato Hill is a small yellow survey marker on the ground.  Start your bushwhack here to the obvious high point that is the true summit.
 
'''Potato Hill (6,475 feet)'''
* '''NOTE''' Potato Hill used to be the peak you had to bag for the SB6K list but it was changed to Cattail Peak recently.
* Crest Trail is right off summit
* No benchmark but has wooden sign to mark summit
* Has views
 
'''Deer Mountain (6,110 feet)'''
* Crest Trail does not go over summit and requires a bushwhack
* No benchmark or markings to indicate summit
* No views
 
'''Winter Star Mountain (6,212 feet)'''
* SB6k Peak
* Crest Trail passes by just off of the summit
* Has benchmark and a nice camping site
* Has views
 
'''Gibbs Mountain (6,224 feet)'''
* SB6k Peak
* Crest Trail does not go over summit and requires a short bushwhack
* No benchmark to mark summit
* No views


From Johnson City, TN to the southern trailhead:
'''Percy’s Peak (6,331 feet)'''
#Take I-26 south to NC Exit 9.
* Crest Trail does not go over summit and requires a short bushwhack
#Take US-19E east for 21 miles to Micaville.
* No benchmark to mark summit
#Take NC-80 south for 12 miles.
* No views
#Turn right/NW onto Toe River Road.
#After ~3 miles, find Black Mountain Campground.


Mount Mitchell, begin the trail at the Mount Mitchell picnic area just below the parking lot. If beginning at Bowlens Creek, use the parking area on NC 1109 (graded, but not paved).
'''Celo Knob (6,327 feet)'''
* SB6k Peak
* Crest Trail does not go over the summit
* You must a take a steep, rugged side path to the top.
* Summit marked with a sign nailed to a tree just to the right of the geological marker
* No views


== Route Description==
== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
The southern half of the trail from Mount Mitchell to Deep Gap is in Mount Mitchell State Park and maintained by the park maintenance crew. This part is very rugged, rocky with lots of roots on the trail.  A few parts require the use of ropes due to the steepness.
[http://nchighpeaks.org/ http://nchighpeaks.org/] maintains the northern part of the trail from Deep Gap to Bowlens Creek. They have done a few reroutes around some of the more treacherous sections in recent times plus they did a major clean-up in 2014. It is well maintained but much of this trail's tough reputation resides in this section, especially the part between Winter Star Mountain and Gibbs Mountain so be prepared for a tough slow pace.  Beyond Gibbs, the trail becomes a little more "normal" i.e. no technical sections.


The [http://tehcc.org/hiking/challenges/south-beyond-6000/ South Beyond 6000] (SB6K) challenge program is summit the 40 highest peaks in the Southern United States. Peaks which can be claimed along this route are:
While in the state park, the trail is referred to as the Deep Gap Trail and is blazed with orange triangles. Camping is not allowed except at the Deep Gap campsite.
* Mt. Craig (6647 feet)
* Balsam Cone (6611 feet)
* Potato Hill (6475 feet)
* Winter Star Mountain (6212 feet)
* Gibbs Mountain (6224 feet)
* Celo Knob (6327 feet)


The North Carolina Parks labels "Deep Gap Trail" for the 4.5 miles section of USFS Trail 179 over to the first permitted campground. [http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/pics/parkmap.pdf park map]
The northern part outside the state park is referred to as the Crest Trail and blazes are orange, yellow and/or white. No restrictions on camping.


The trail is blazed with orange triangles.
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
!Miles
!Black Mountain Crest Trail
!Miles
!Elevation
|-
 
|0.0
|Mount Mitchell Trailhead
|10.8
|6582
|-
 
|0.8
|Mount Craig
|10.0
|6652
|-
 
|1.0
|Big Tom
|9.8
|6579
|-
 
|1.4
|Junction with Big Tom Gap Trail
|9.4
|6268
|-
 
|1.7
|Balsam Cone
|9.1
|6601
|-
 
|2.2
|Cattail Peak False Summit Sign
|8.6
|6530
|-
 
|2.3
|Yellow Marker for Cattail bushwhack
|8.5
|6535
|-
 
|2.7
|Potato Hill
|8.1
|6472
|-
 
|3.5
|Deep Gap
|7.3
|5743
|-
 
|3.6
|Junction with Colbert Ridge Trail
|7.2
|5747
|-
 
|4.1
|Winter Star Mountain
|6.7
|6211
|-
 
|5.9
|Gibbs Mountain
|4.9
|6108
|-
 
|6.3
|Junction with Woody Ridge Trail
|4.5
|6141
|-
 
|6.4
|Percy’s Peak
|4.4
|6150
|-
 
|6.6
|Junction with Graces Ladder
|4.2
|6110
|-
 
|6.7
|Junction with Celo Knob Trail
|4.1
|6153
|-
 
|8.6
|Campsite 1
|2.2
|4846
|-
 
|10.0
|Dam
|0.8
|3521
|-
 
|10.8
|Bowlens Creek Trailhead
|0.0
|3058
|}


== Typical Conditions ==
== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
A difficult challenge up and down the peaks across many boulders.  Take lots of water due to being more exposed to sun and wind. Recommendation is to start early - and get off the mountain with plenty of daylight left.
A difficult high elevation ridgeline hike.  Be prepared to have a slower pace than what you're used to. Take lots of water due to being more exposed to sun and wind. Weather can change rapidly.  The Black Mountains are notorious for being cloud covered most of the time and thunderstorms in the afternoon all summer. Be prepared!


==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
Line 74: Line 301:
== Misc. Information ==
== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Does this trail require any permits for overnight? parking? -->
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Does this trail require any permits for overnight? parking? -->
The Black Mountains were named due to the dark line of spruce and fir trees that cover the ridge.
If you hike this trail as a shuttle, the drive time between the Bowlens Creek trailhead and the Mount Mitchell parking lot is about an hour via State Route 80 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.


Excellent description and photo gallery of BMCT are on the [http://www.cnyhiking.com/BRP-BlackMtnCrestTrail.htm Central NY Hiking website].
A good day hike that I recommend is starting at the Bowlens Creek trailhead and hike to the top of Celo Knob and back. It's about 9 miles round trip.  The trail up from Bowens Creek is a "normal" trail with no technical areas or rock scrambles but it is about 4 miles of unrelenting uphill the entire way. Your reward is the stunning views from the meadow below the summit of Celo Knob which are IMHO some of the best views in the entire state. The trailhead is only about 1.5 hours from Kingsport.
 
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="35.812" lon="-82.265196" type="terrain" zoom="12" width="725" height="600" scale="yes" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png">
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Black_Mountain_Crest_Trail.kml
 
(A) 35.878109, -82.284164
Norther trailhead
(G) 35.764982, -82.265196
Mt. Mitchell (6684 feet)
(A) 35.751748, -82.221637
Black Mountain Campground
(G) 35.777540, -82.261934
Mt. Craig (6647 feet)
(G) 35.789768, -82.255844
Balsam Cone (6611 feet)
(G) 35.801990, -82.252450
Potato Hill (6475 feet)
(G) 35.817477, -82.249231
Winter Star Mountain (6212 feet)
(G) 35.841032, -82.247901
Gibbs Mountain (6224 feet)
(G) 35.852338, -82.248545
Celo Knob (6327 feet)
</googlemap>


== Photos ==
== Photos ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below.  Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below.  Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
 
Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_01_Mount_Mitchell.jpg|Summit of Mount Mitchell
Image:Black_Mountains_Parking_01_Mount_Mitchell.jpg|Mount Mitchell Parking Lot
Image:Black_Mountains_Trailhead_01_Mount_Mitchell.jpg|Trail begins at the picnic area
Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_01_Rugged_Trail_Below_Craig.jpg|It doesn't take long before the trail starts to get rough
Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_02_View_From_Mount_Craig.jpg|Stunning views from Mount Craig
Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_02_Mount_Craig.jpg|Mount Craig Benchmark
Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_03_Big_Tom.jpg|Big Tom Benchmark
Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_03_Ropes_Help_With_Descent.jpg|Some parts are so steep, you needs ropes to help
Image:Black_Mountains_Junctions_01_Big_Tom_Gap_Trail.jpg|Big Top Gap Trail
Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_04_Balsam_Cone.jpg|Nice views from Balsam Cone
Image:Black_Mountains_Poi_04_Cattail_Peak_False_Summit_Sign.jpg|False summit sign.  This is NOT the summit of Cattail Peak!
Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_06_Potato_Hill.jpg|Nicely made summit sign
Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_04_View_From_Potato_Hill.jpg|Views like this off and on for entire trail
Image:Black_Mountains_Campsite_02_Deep_Gap_Campsite.jpg|Large camp area at Deep Gap.
Image:Black_Mountains_Junctions_02_Colbert_Ridge_Trail.jpg|Colbert Ridge Trail
Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_08_Winter_Star.jpg|Winter Star Benchmark
Image:Black_Mountains_Campsite_03.jpg|Views from the campsite on Winter Star Mountain
Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_05_View_Towards_Roan_Mountain.jpg|The views just don't stop.  You can see the Roan Highlands in the distance.
Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_06_Trail_Relocation.jpg|nchighpeaks.org rerouted the trail in 2012 to avoid the notorious Jake's Step rock scramble.
Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_07_Meadow_between_Winter_Star_and_Gibbs.jpg|While you’re taking a beating between Winter Star Mountain and Gibbs Mountain, you can pause to catch your breath and get stunning views like this.
Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_09_Gibbs_Mountain.jpg|From here the trail finally calms down and is not that technical.  The views really start opening up the rest of the way to Celo Knob.
Image:Black_Mountains_Junctions_03_Woody_Ridge_Trail.jpg|Woody Ridge Trail
Image:Black_Mountains_Junctions_05_Celo_Knob_Trail.jpg|Short but rough side trail to the summit Celo Knob
Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_08_View_From_Celo_Knob_Meadow.jpg|It doesn’t get much better than this.  Looking at the entire Black Mountain range.
Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_09_View_From_Celo_Knob_Meadow.jpg|Looking across valley to Big Butt Mountain
Image:Black_Mountains_Photos_10_View_From_Celo_Knob_Meadow.jpg|Clouds suddenly overtake the ridge.  The weather can be pretty wild up here
Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_11_Celo_Knob.jpg|No views from the summit of Celo Knob
Image:Black_Mountains_Summits_10_Percys_Peak.jpg|Percy's Peak.  Getting ready to say by by to the ridgeline.
Image:Black_Mountains_Campsite_01.jpg|Small campsite on the way down
Image:Black_Mountains_Poi_01_Dam_On_Bowlens_Creek.jpg|Unknown dam on Bowlens Creek.
Image:Black_Mountains_Trailhead_02_Bowlens_Creek.jpg|The trailhead.  Not too much further
Image:Black_Mountains_Parking_02_Bowlens_Creek.jpg|Bowlens Creek parking.  Only room for one car!
Image:Black_Mountains_Cemetery_01_Simmons_Cemetery.jpg|Alternative and larger parking at a cemetery on Bowlens Creek Road
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
</gallery>
</gallery>
<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. Keep in mind categories are case sensitive. -->
[[Category:North Carolina]] [[Category:Hard]] [[Category:Overlook]]

Latest revision as of 12:12, 7 January 2023

Black Mountain Crest Trail

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Black Mountains Photos 07 Meadow between Winter Star and Gibbs.jpg
Trail Number FS #179
Trail System SB6k
Park Mount Mitchell State Park
Land Owner Pisgah National Forest
Located Burnsville, North CarolinaLocation inherited from associated park
Trail Marking Orange Triangle
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail

HikingCampingClimbing

FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail

VistasMountains

Difficulty Rating Hard
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. 8 hrs0.5 Days <br />480 Min <br /> round trip
Distance: 10.88 mi17.51 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 21.7621.76 mi <br />35.019 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car
Trail Type In-and-Out
Low / High Point 3,052 ft1,017.333 Yards <br />930.25 Meters <br /> / 6,633 ft2,211 Yards <br />2,021.738 Meters <br />
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. 1,648 ft502.31 Meters <br /> / (5,139 ft1,566.367 Meters <br />) – South-to-North
Trip ReportsFrom user "hiked it" submissions<br />Recent is within last 90 days 1 logged hikes (0 recent)
NearbyWithin 5 mi<br />Click link to view list 3 trails / 13.3 mi of trail
Parking 35° 46' 0.44" N, 82° 15' 53.75" W Map
Trailhead 35° 46' 2.53" N, 82° 15' 52.49" W Map
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Trail Overview[edit]

One of the toughest trails in the Southeast. A rugged ridgeline hike that is a roller coaster of elevation changes which require lots of scrambling with hands, feet and sometimes ropes. The ridge is above 6000 feet in elevation the entire way except for the big drop at Deep Gap. Your reward is spectacular views the whole way with some of views (especially the northern part) being the best in all of North Carolina (IMHO).

No matter how experienced a hiker you are, be prepared for a slower pace than what you're used to.

How to get there[edit]

Southern Trailhead (Mount Mitchell State Park)[edit]

Trailhead is at the bottom of the Mount Mitchell summit parking lot by the picnic area. (35.7667944123, -82.2649348322). It is called "Deep Gap Trail".

Nice large parking area. Note that access is during park hours only and if the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed, you can't get to it. If you leave your car here overnight, you will need to notify a park ranger.

Northern Trailhead (Bowlens Creek)[edit]

The Bowlens Creek trailhead is just south of Burnsville NC just off of Bolens Creek Road (1109). Parking at this trailhead is limited and a little bit confusing.

Turn down Watershed Road from Bolens Creek Road and to your right is a small parking area (35.8764675286, -82.2837911661) that has room for a grand total of one car. If it's taken, there is a small cemetery just past that on Bolens Creek Road that has room to park (35.8776865469, -82.2862008209). You can just walk back to Watershed Road until you reach the trailhead.

6,000 Footers[edit]

The Crest Trail goes over or near 10 mountains that are over 6,000 feet in elevation. Six of those peaks are on the South Beyond 6000 (SB6K) challenge list can be bagged along this route.

In order of encounter from the Mount Mitchell Parking Lot

Mt. Craig (6,647 feet)

  • SB6k Peak
  • Crest Trail goes over the summit
  • Has benchmark and plaque to mark summit
  • Has views

Big Tom (6,579 feet)

  • Crest Trail goes over the summit
  • Has benchmark and plaque to mark summit
  • No views

Balsam Cone (6,611 feet)

  • SB6k Peak
  • Crest Trail goes over the summit
  • No benchmark or summit markings
  • Has views

Cattail Peak (6,580 feet)

  • SB6k Peak
  • Crest Trail does not go over summit and requires a .2 mile bushwhack
  • Has benchmark to mark summit
  • Has views
  • A false Cattail Peak summit sign is directly on the Crest Trail about .5 miles from the true summit for some reason. For years this has been fooling peak baggers into thinking they made the summit.
  • After the sign, right before the trail drops below the ridgeline towards Potato Hill is a small yellow survey marker on the ground. Start your bushwhack here to the obvious high point that is the true summit.

Potato Hill (6,475 feet)

  • NOTE Potato Hill used to be the peak you had to bag for the SB6K list but it was changed to Cattail Peak recently.
  • Crest Trail is right off summit
  • No benchmark but has wooden sign to mark summit
  • Has views

Deer Mountain (6,110 feet)

  • Crest Trail does not go over summit and requires a bushwhack
  • No benchmark or markings to indicate summit
  • No views

Winter Star Mountain (6,212 feet)

  • SB6k Peak
  • Crest Trail passes by just off of the summit
  • Has benchmark and a nice camping site
  • Has views

Gibbs Mountain (6,224 feet)

  • SB6k Peak
  • Crest Trail does not go over summit and requires a short bushwhack
  • No benchmark to mark summit
  • No views

Percy’s Peak (6,331 feet)

  • Crest Trail does not go over summit and requires a short bushwhack
  • No benchmark to mark summit
  • No views

Celo Knob (6,327 feet)

  • SB6k Peak
  • Crest Trail does not go over the summit
  • You must a take a steep, rugged side path to the top.
  • Summit marked with a sign nailed to a tree just to the right of the geological marker
  • No views

Route Description[edit]

The southern half of the trail from Mount Mitchell to Deep Gap is in Mount Mitchell State Park and maintained by the park maintenance crew. This part is very rugged, rocky with lots of roots on the trail. A few parts require the use of ropes due to the steepness.

http://nchighpeaks.org/ maintains the northern part of the trail from Deep Gap to Bowlens Creek. They have done a few reroutes around some of the more treacherous sections in recent times plus they did a major clean-up in 2014. It is well maintained but much of this trail's tough reputation resides in this section, especially the part between Winter Star Mountain and Gibbs Mountain so be prepared for a tough slow pace. Beyond Gibbs, the trail becomes a little more "normal" i.e. no technical sections.

While in the state park, the trail is referred to as the Deep Gap Trail and is blazed with orange triangles. Camping is not allowed except at the Deep Gap campsite.

The northern part outside the state park is referred to as the Crest Trail and blazes are orange, yellow and/or white. No restrictions on camping.

Miles Black Mountain Crest Trail Miles Elevation
0.0 Mount Mitchell Trailhead 10.8 6582
0.8 Mount Craig 10.0 6652
1.0 Big Tom 9.8 6579
1.4 Junction with Big Tom Gap Trail 9.4 6268
1.7 Balsam Cone 9.1 6601
2.2 Cattail Peak False Summit Sign 8.6 6530
2.3 Yellow Marker for Cattail bushwhack 8.5 6535
2.7 Potato Hill 8.1 6472
3.5 Deep Gap 7.3 5743
3.6 Junction with Colbert Ridge Trail 7.2 5747
4.1 Winter Star Mountain 6.7 6211
5.9 Gibbs Mountain 4.9 6108
6.3 Junction with Woody Ridge Trail 4.5 6141
6.4 Percy’s Peak 4.4 6150
6.6 Junction with Graces Ladder 4.2 6110
6.7 Junction with Celo Knob Trail 4.1 6153
8.6 Campsite 1 2.2 4846
10.0 Dam 0.8 3521
10.8 Bowlens Creek Trailhead 0.0 3058

Typical Conditions[edit]

A difficult high elevation ridgeline hike. Be prepared to have a slower pace than what you're used to. Take lots of water due to being more exposed to sun and wind. Weather can change rapidly. The Black Mountains are notorious for being cloud covered most of the time and thunderstorms in the afternoon all summer. Be prepared!

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

No fees or permits required. No bikes, ATV, or horses allowed on this trail.

After the Hike[edit]

Misc. Information[edit]

If you hike this trail as a shuttle, the drive time between the Bowlens Creek trailhead and the Mount Mitchell parking lot is about an hour via State Route 80 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A good day hike that I recommend is starting at the Bowlens Creek trailhead and hike to the top of Celo Knob and back. It's about 9 miles round trip. The trail up from Bowens Creek is a "normal" trail with no technical areas or rock scrambles but it is about 4 miles of unrelenting uphill the entire way. Your reward is the stunning views from the meadow below the summit of Celo Knob which are IMHO some of the best views in the entire state. The trailhead is only about 1.5 hours from Kingsport.

Photos[edit]

  • Summit of Mount Mitchell

  • Mount Mitchell Parking Lot

  • Trail begins at the picnic area

  • It doesn't take long before the trail starts to get rough

  • Stunning views from Mount Craig

  • Mount Craig Benchmark

  • Big Tom Benchmark

  • Some parts are so steep, you needs ropes to help

  • Big Top Gap Trail

  • Nice views from Balsam Cone

  • False summit sign. This is NOT the summit of Cattail Peak!

  • Nicely made summit sign

  • Views like this off and on for entire trail

  • Large camp area at Deep Gap.

  • Colbert Ridge Trail

  • Winter Star Benchmark

  • Views from the campsite on Winter Star Mountain

  • The views just don't stop. You can see the Roan Highlands in the distance.

  • nchighpeaks.org rerouted the trail in 2012 to avoid the notorious Jake's Step rock scramble.

  • While you’re taking a beating between Winter Star Mountain and Gibbs Mountain, you can pause to catch your breath and get stunning views like this.

  • From here the trail finally calms down and is not that technical. The views really start opening up the rest of the way to Celo Knob.

  • Woody Ridge Trail

  • Short but rough side trail to the summit Celo Knob

  • It doesn’t get much better than this. Looking at the entire Black Mountain range.

  • Looking across valley to Big Butt Mountain

  • Clouds suddenly overtake the ridge. The weather can be pretty wild up here

  • No views from the summit of Celo Knob

  • Percy's Peak. Getting ready to say by by to the ridgeline.

  • Small campsite on the way down

  • Unknown dam on Bowlens Creek.

  • The trailhead. Not too much further

  • Bowlens Creek parking. Only room for one car!

  • Alternative and larger parking at a cemetery on Bowlens Creek Road

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