Black Mountain Crest Trail October '07

Hiked the Black Mountain Crest Trail in western NC the second weekend in Oct. Cold temps. and high winds at night but great views all along the way to Deep Gap and back.

Touted as the most strenuous hike in the east. I don't know about that but I'd highly recommend it. Probably best to spend at least two nights out in the back country. We spent one and I felt a little rushed.

Here are some photos I took.


Ran across this fella' right at the start. Handsome but I would have preferred meeting him when it was light. He was kind enough to pose, showing his best side, while my cold hands clumsily dug for the camera. He was patient and I was thankful.



Early morning clouds rolling over the mountain tops. About 20 min after daybreak.



The sun just starting to peek over the horizon. It was very cold.



Rolling terrain.



Clouds and Trees.



Eco-Terrorist??


I don't remember this bag being quite this heavy...


Half expected to catch a glimpse of a forest nymph running across the trail at this point.


Enchanted forest.


Still within a mile of Mt. Mitchel. Easy going here but beautiful.


Frost from the cold night before.


I think this is Big Tom (Elev. 6581ft) but it may be Balsam Cone (Elev. 6596ft.)


Christmas in October.


The sun finding its way to the forest floor.


Brooke negotiating one of the rope sections.


These trees were very fragrant.


Tough to get perspective in a photo but this was quite a drop off.


Not sure why I look so perplexed here.


Woke up to this view.


Looking west.


Looking back at Big Tom, Balsam Cone and Cattail Peak (Elev. 6584ft.)


Precarious drop off.