Trails Less Traveled: Black Mountain Crest Trail and Maple Camp Bald

Are you ready for a bucket-list hike with spectacular views? This challenging 10.3-mile modified loop hike with 2,100 feet of climbing will take us out from Mt. Mitchell on the Black Mountain Crest Trail with a return via Maple Camp Bald, the Buncombe Horse Trail, and the Black Mountain Trail from Commissary Hill. We will cross the 6K-plus peaks of Mt. Craig, Big Tom, Balsam Cone, Cattail, Potato Hill, and of course Mt. Mitchell along the way. This is a rugged hike with some rock scrambling, but hikers will be rewarded with an adventure they will never forget!
 
Meet: 8:00 AM: Folk Art Center in the lower parking lot (382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC) – To get to the Folk Art Center, you must take the Blue Ridge Parkway north from Highway 70. We have had issues where some hikers’ GPS have directed them down Riceville Road to a back entrance, which is gated.
Estimated Return Time to Folk Art Center:  5:30 PM
Post Hike Celebration: Highland Brewing