The Black Mountain Crest Trail Tee's Story

Black Mountain Crest Train is the Beast of the East! A 12-mile thigh-buster, this trail crosses the summits of 10 mountains with elevations greater than 6200-feet. Although this trail is quite a beast, the outrageous views at each summit make the hike totally worth it! Considered one of the toughest trails in eastern USA, it ends in Mount Mitchell State Park near the Blue Ridge Parkway, making this a must-do if traveling along the parkway. 

10 Peaks over 6000 ft

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 being the best in all of North Carolina.

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

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 challenge list can be bagged along this route.

In order of encounter from the Mount Mitchell Parking Lot

Mt. Craig (6,647 feet), Big Tom (6,579 feet), Balsam Cone (6,611 feet)

Cattail Peak (6,580 feet), Potato Hill (6,475 feet), Deer Mountain (6,110 feet)

Winter Star Mountain (6,212 feet), Gibbs Mountain (6,224 feet)

Percy’s Peak (6,331 feet), Celo Knob (6,327 feet).

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.