The white-blazed trail ascends with switchbacks to the ridge. Then the trail levels out and rolls through stands of virgin spruce, Fraser fir and virgin timber. If offers some beautiful views of the Black Mountains. At 2.7 miles, the trail passes an old cabin. Several primitive campsites are in this area. At mile 2.8, the trail meets the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Directions: From Burnsville, NC, Travel east on US 19E for about 4.3 miles to an access road to SR 80. Turn right (south) and travel .6 mile and turn right again on SR 80 (south). Follow this road for 11.6 miles to the Mt. Mitchell golf course and turn right on Forest Service Road 472. This road changes to gravel. After it changes, you will arrive at an intersection at which you can go straight or take a right. Turn right on this road (Forest Service Road 472). Travel past a parking lot on the left with a bulletin board with trail maps and information. A pull off is to your left and the trailhead is on your right. The trail is located after the Buncombe Horse Range Trail sign.

Elevation: 5,210 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,510 feet

Distance: 2.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Visitor Information