Black Mountain Crest Trail

Hike Name: Black Mountain Crest Trail Location: west NC Length: 13 Submitted by: Rob Danner Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more North Carolina trail reviews North Carolina national parks North Carolina state parks
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Description
The trail traverses the Black Mountains from Mountain Mitchell to Bolens Creek. Along the way, hikers are afforded chances to peak bag many of the highest peaks in the east including Mt. Mitchell at 6,684 feet which is the highest east of Harney Peak in South Dakota.

The trail is one of the hardest in the US and is regarded to be the hardest in the Appalachian Mountains.

Many of the climbs up and over the peaks are steep and rocky and require use of both hands and legs to get up. The section of trail north of Deep Gap (only designated camping spot on the trail) is not maintained and is all but a bushwack.

The scenery is spectacular. You get to traverse a knife edge ridge, alpine summits and incredible views.

The weather is always interesting. It can snow anytime of the year. Keep in mind that a majority of the trail is above 6,000 feet. I have been there in July with daytime highs in the 50s and the wind really kicking.

The trail kicks your butt. If you begin at the Bolens Creek Trailhead you get a 3200+ climb to Celo Knob in around 3.5 miles. From there it\'s constantly up and down over the steep peaks and rugged ridge.

I highly recommend this trail but be sure to be a proficient and in good shape. Water is scarce and can only be found at Bolens Creek, Deep Gap and Mt. Mitchell.

Several of the peaks are off trail and require small bushwacks. Those peaks are Celo Knob and Gibbs Mtn. Refer to the South Beyond 6,000 for peak bagging information.

Most of all, have fun!

Directions to Hike
Mt. Mitchell is off of the Blue Ridge Parkway on NC Rt 128 and north of Asheville, NC. Follow the signs into the park.

Contact Information
Mt. Mitchell State Park
2388 State Highway 128, Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 675-4611

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