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Mt. Mitchell Shoulder

When:

Friday, Jun 06, 2008
through Sunday, Jun 08, 2008
Contact the leader

Details:

This is an unscouted backpacking trip to the scenic Mt. Mitchell area, rated moderate/strenuous depending on the hike options. Mileage is approximately 4.0 miles with packs and 7.0 - 9.0 miles for the dayhike. The day hike includes an optional, very strenuous ascent of Big Tom for clear-day views of the entire NC mountain region.

We will be in the Mt Mitchell Wildlife Management Area immediately east of and adjacent to Mt Mitchell State Park.  Our route will take us east and north along the shoulder of Mt. Mitchell and Big Tom but without the rigors of the Black Mountain Crest Trail.

Friday we will leave the Mt. Mitchell parking lot on the Camp Alice Trail approximately 2.0 miles to our base camp in the area of the old Commissary Ridge Shelter. Camp Alice Trail insects the Buncombe Horse Trail (BHT) near the location of the old shelter. While this is a horse trail, the upper section gets little use and we can expect to see few, if any, horses. 

Saturday we will dayhike the BHT 3.5 miles to Maple Camp Bald.  There will be an option/addition of a very steep ascent in 1/2 mile to the Big Tom Gap and another 1/2 mile steeply ascending to the top of Big Tom along the Black Mt. Crest Trail.  The main route is moderate but it is rated rate strenuous if we take the option to Big Tom.  We return Sunday. Click on the "read more at this website" link for a topo map of this region.

Running two weeks before the solstice, days will be near their longest, and nights may provide fantastic stargazing from base camp. Remember that Mt Mitchell receives in excess of 100 inches of precipitation per year, it can rain and blow at any time, and June temperatures can be in the low 40’s, so pack accordingly.

To participate: (1) Fitness and experience to cover the distances and proper gear.  (2) Other terms and conditions at the top of the main NC Chapter Outings page for more details. (www.nc.sierraclub.org/outings).  Leader pre-approval plus $25 refundable at the trailhead deposit required.

Directions:

NEAR: Marion, NC

Mt. Mitchell State Park northwest of Marion, NC.

Contact Information:

Piedmont Plateau
Jerry Weston 336-856-1431 before 9:00 pm.
takeahike@earthlink.net

Read more at this website