Black mtns , NC

“I am looking for any information on the Black Mtns in NC if you can help me please leave me a post..I am looking for trail information, camping and have you been there and your story.”

“Clem,

I have never visited the Black Mountains in NC, but someday I intend to. The Black Mtns are not officially part of the AT, but 6 of the 10 highest mountains on the east coast reside in the Blacks, including Mt. Mitchell (6684 ft.), the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Many people mistakingly think that Mt. Washington is the highest mountain on the east coast. An interesting point in the history of the development of the AT - Benton MacKaye (founder of the AT) intended that the AT traverse through the Black Mtns and over Mt. Mitchell (makes sense since it's the highest peak), but MacKaye's friend and colleague, Myron Avery, won enough support to move the AT (in spite of MacKaye's original plans) to the Shenandoah mountains so they could create that infamous road - Skyline Drive. MacKaye was not happy about this and I think it was this dispute that broke up the friendship between MacKaye and Avery, and pushed MacKaye away from the ATC. At least, I think that's how the story goes!

When do you want to go?”

“You're from NC - you probably know all of that already (DOH)!”

“Yes i am in NC but I have only hiked Mitchell.. have never made it over to the part that they officially call Black mtns. Just looking for some tips and trails to do from first hand experience. As for Mitchell it is one of my favorites and you can see for miles on a clear day.”

“clem....you did say we may "do" blk. mtn. this sat. day, right??

don't forget to email me if I have to pack some emergency items. lol
everything is clear here, so if you still up for it I will definatelly go.”

“yes I am definally thinking about it... I have got a trail starting at Mitchell that looks like it may be a starting point. It will be cold very cold.... Oh by the way love that photo of us just saw it this morning..very cool!”

“the ridge crest trail from mt mitchell parking lot ruuns out across several 6500 ft peaks to deep gap, where there used to be a shelter...still a spring there...rough hiking, a lot like new england...past deep gap the crest trail deteriorates
buncombe horse range trail follows the contour...there's a shelter on it down below summit of mitchell..i haven't been there in years...
some other good trails in the area, and some that are rough and overgrown”

“With the high elevations and miliage Gemini and I may have to wait for a good weekend for this one I want to see and hike a good length of this trail going from Mitchell over the tops of the blacks.”

“Well Capn Bobo we were thinking about heading that way tomorrow actually SAt.. but after the snow last night I am sure we will go else where. The more I think about it I know I want to hike a weekend there are you interested in joining us???”

“most definitely! I need to figure out drive time from Filthadelphia to Asheville to see if I can do it in a 3 or 4 day weekend? It might work out best as an early spring trip for me. What say?”

“Not familiar with what city that is... or I could help you. I did drive to PA in 9hrs from Charlotte.

I think we could do the hike from Mitchell across the top of the blacks...take 3 days out maybe 4..course I have a week in April..”

“Could you do a 3 or 4 day hike in April?”