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| Hiking | 12.57 Miles |
3,868 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.57 Miles | 7 Hrs 22 Mns | | 2.18 mph |
| 3,868 ft AEG | 1 Hour 36 Mns Break | 14 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | Day 4 Hike, to the tallest peak East of the Mississippi.
With 25 miles of the drive being on the Blue Ridge Parkway, we were lucky enough to see Bears twice and some Turkeys on the drive to the hike.  The clouds on the drive stayed just above the road, but eerily blew over the ridges next to the road in spots.
We opted for the shorter drive off the Parkway down the unmarked South Toe River Road. It was a slow 4.5 miles in a passenger car, but completely doable. We opted for the longer and much smoother Northern driving route on the way out.
The hike itself is a pretty steady UP. Starting at just under 3000' it climbs steadily to the 6684 peak. It starts at the Black Mountain Campground on the east side of Mount Mitchell. Drinking Water and Restrooms are located here.
We opted to take the Mount Mitchell Trail to Higgins Bald Trail on the way up, reading that it provided some of the only views. Those views were few are far between. The trails on our way up were rocky and root covered, making the hiking a bit tougher. We passed a few Hikers / Backpackers on the way up, but once we hit the paved Summit Trail, the hikers were out in force making the daunting .3 mile, 100' climb to the peak from the parking lot. Some were carrying coffee for hydration. This is the first time I'd ever seen a dog in a TuTu, while hiking. 
We took the obligatory peak photos, had some lunch and headed down the Old Mount Mitchell Trail. Next I wanted to checkout what Camp Alice was all about. I figured if it had a trail named after it, that Camp Alice (an old Logging Camp) should be right on/off the trail. We missed the area, finding out later it was a short bit up and old road we'd passed.
The Commissary Trail was a welcome respite from the steep, rocky, thick forest. This trail followed a flat, wide open old train bed.
The root and rocks on the trail slowed us down heading back down the Mount Mitchell Trail, as Lindsy's knee was not appreciative.
A great day out of doors hiking with my Rob and Lindsy! |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
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Setrock Creek |
Medium flow |
Medium flow |
| | | Flowing well up across the Higgins Bald trail also | | _____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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