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Post by robert on Oct 22, 2019 16:52:21 GMT -8
I will be staying in a rental somewhere between Flag Pond and Mars Hill, NC in about a week. Could anyone recommend some hiking trails close by (say, 15 minute drive)? I would like about a 5 mile day hike; loop or "in and out" are fine.
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Post by Jerry E on Oct 22, 2019 17:07:59 GMT -8
Sam's Gap to Big Bald on the AT is a great hike, but more than 5 miles.
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Post by robert on Oct 22, 2019 18:03:44 GMT -8
thanks for the info
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,976 
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Post by driftwoody on Oct 22, 2019 18:26:59 GMT -8
I will be staying in a rental somewhere between Flag Pond and Mars Hill, NC in about a week. Could anyone recommend some hiking trails close by (say, 15 minute drive)? I would like about a 5 mile day hike; loop or "in and out" are fine. That criteria is very limiting. A 15 minute drive won't get you anywhere. How much time do you have? You could take I-26 S to I-240 and get on the Blue Ridge Parkway via hwy 70, then head N on the BRP to some hiking at Craggy Gardens & Craggy Pinnacle Trail. from there if you have time you could go further N on BRP to Mount Mitchell and take in the views from the highest point east of the Mississippi. From Mt. Mitchell, return route to Mars Hill is N on BRP to hwy 80 N to Burnesville then W on 19E baack to Mars Hill. That's a lot more driving than you had in mind, but if you've never driven along the BRP it's full of great views and well worth it. Of course, you pretty much need the whole day to do what I've described. Another great option if you have the whole day would be to take the BRP S from Asheville via 191 to the Shining Rock Wilderness at BRP milepost 420.2 (26 miles from Asheville) for an easy hike up to Black Balsam Knob (6214') with outstanding views. You can continue hiking N on the Art Loeb as far as you like, or make an 8 mile loop with the Ivestor Gap trail. Instead of the loop, after Black Balsam Knob, nearby just off the BRP is the Graveyard Fields and waterfall hike. I've driven 10+ hours several times to go hiking here. If you're in the area, make a day of it if you can. |
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FamilySherpa
Trail Wise!
Tangled up in Rhododendron
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Post by FamilySherpa on Oct 23, 2019 5:11:11 GMT -8
You'll be close to the newly established Rocky Fork Tract. They have a nice little trail system there that ties into the AT on one side of the park, and the sampson mountain wilderness on the other side. tnstateparks.com/parks/rocky-forkThere are also a lot of hiking opportunities off the headwaters of shelton laurel creek, probably a 20 minute drive from Flag Pond. Likely have these trails all to yourself, even on the weekend. Most tie into the AT at some point, have some nice waterfalls, and even a "bald" or 2. The one I did recently was the Hickey Fork trail. For these, get the Trails Illustated French Broad & Nolichucky river map. It will show parking areas. As far as East of the area, you could take hwy 19 toward Burnsville. Maybe a 30 minute drive, but you could access the black mountain crest trail. Its an absolute thigh burner over the first few miles, but it takes you up pretty quick to some of the highest mtns in the east. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2019 16:55:10 GMT -8
robert, I agree with driftwoody - he has given you some fantastic options. Take the time to drive to one of his recommendations. I've been to Mt Mitchell and Black Balsam Knob, more than a few times to each place, this past summer. These are some amazing places to go and worth the extra drive beyond the 15-minute radius you asked about.
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