Featured photo archive 4

Breakfast at Deep Gap

Deep Gap is on the Mount Mitchell Trail, in the heart of the Black Mountains. This very challenging trail begins at Mount Mitchell, elevation 6684 feet, and ends on Low Gap Road near Burnsville, North Carolina. Starting at the highest point in the eastern United States, the Mount Mitchell Trail travels thirteen miles over ten major peaks. Seven of them are over 6,000 feet! Deep Gap is just that, a deep valley between two mountains. This is 6 miles from Mount Mitchell and a great camping spot. The views and the bio-diversity here are so notable that at one time the Black Mountains were in contention for National Park status.  Over 65 rare plant species can be found in these mountains making it more bio-diverse than the Smokies the winner of national park protection.                                                          

You must have two cars and a high level of conditioning to accomplish this rewarding overnighter! 

For a great day hike, Celo Knob is an easier ten mile round trip. This hike begins on Low Gap Road.  Take the Mount Mitchell Trail five miles uphill to Celo Knob and double back. You can't miss Celo Knob, it's got great views and picnic potential!

Gettin' There

Low Gap Road is turn off of Hwy 197. Highway 197 is a turn off of Hwy 19E in Burnsville ,NC. The trailhead at Bowlens Creek, has parking and a US Forest Service marker. 

At the other end, Mount Mitchell State Park is off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn into the state park access road at mile marker 355.4 and take the winding road up to the observation tower at the highest point east of the Mississippi. The Trail begins at the picnic area just below the summit.