The Black Mountain Crest Trail (BMC) - not just any hike! This trail is often referred to as the "death march" and is hailed as the toughest 12 miles in North Carolina. The BMC is certainly beautiful, but should not be underestimated... even with the word "crest" as part of its name. Rocks, roots, and lots of vertical gain await you along this roller-coaster of a hike as you climb over or near ten (10!) peaks over 6,000', including the highest and second-highest peaks east of the Mississippi. A point-to-point hike here is difficult on its own - I hiked this as an out & back, including tacking on a few extra miles around Mt. Mitchell. Normally, hikers are treated with vast views of the surrounding mountains... I wasn't so lucky. My hike was completely socked in the entire time; I was able to get one tiny window of a view on the trek back. That doesn't mean it wasn't worth it though. The trail also holds one more secret - the remnants of a 1974 plane crash.
The hike begins at Bolens/Bowlens Creek, and the audacity that you packed for this trip is called upon from the very beginning - a relentless 3,000' climb over the first four miles to Celo Knob. The climbing doesn't end when you reach the top of this mountain, as you have several more summits to reach along the route, including Winterstar - the toughest climb of both directions in my personal opinion. Several miles later, Big Tom has installed ropes on its north side to help you ascend/descend - they are there for a reason. Add in wind, mist, clouds, and rain - an adventure indeed.
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👣 Trail Stats
Trails Hiked: Black Mountain Crest (including Deep Gap Trail), Old Mitchell Trail, Commissary Trail, Camp Alice Trail (MST)
Total Distance Hiked: 28.2 mi
Total Elevation Gain: 8600"
Total Time: 13 h
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📧 Email: lee@bootsonthetrail.com
