Buncombe Horse Range TR 191

Area Status: Temporarily Closed

Besides the Appalachian Trail this is the longest trail in the Appalachian District. The trail runs through stands of red spruce and Fraser fir. It offers view of 6.000 foot peaks. Note that the trail switchbacks heavily below Maple Camp Bald and pay close attention to the trail signs and blazes because the trail crosses open fields and many intersections.

Total Length: 18.5 miles

Total Elevation Change: 2,680 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Difficult

Beginning Point: NFSR 472

Ending Point: NC 1158 Colbert Creek Road

Average Hiking Time: 12 hours (one way)

Amount of Use: Heavy

Blaze Color: White

Area Trail Map: South Toe River, Mount Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map

USGS Quad Maps: Celo, Mt. Mitchell and Montreat

General Information

Directions:

From Burnsville, go east on US 19E for about 4.3 miles. Turn right onto NC 80. After 0.6 mile, turn right again to stay on NC 80. Follow this road for 11.6 miles. After passing Mt. Mitchell Golf Course, turn right onto South Toe River Road (NFSR 472). This road soon changes to gravel. Arrive at an intersection and turn right toward Black Mountain Campground. Continue past the campground over three bridges for about 2.5 miles. The trailhead is marked on the right, and a parking area is on the left side. The north end of the trail is on Colbert Creek Road, although no parking is available.


Activities

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Viewing Scenery