Buckeye Gap Trail #126

Area Status: Open

3.1 mi - Difficult - This trail initially traverses the west side of Fork Ridge; views looking west into the wilderness provide a true feeling of solitude. The trail then descends into the watershed of Grassy Ridge Branch and parallels that stream until the trail ends at the Haywood Gap Trail (#142). At this point, near the junction of Grassy Ridge Branch and the Middle Prong of the West Fork of the Pigeon River, there is sufficient level ground to camp. One may return to parking by turning south on Haywood Gap Trail, which intersects the Mountains-to-Sea Trail near the Blue Ridge Parkway, as described in “Access” above.

Approximate Elevation Change: 1,500 feet
Blaze: None

At a Glance

Open Season: Year-round
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: Hiking Trail: foot traffic only.
Water: yes
Restroom: none
Operated By: US Forest Service

General Information

Directions: This trail in the Middle Prong Wilderness Area connects the Mountains-to-Sea (#440) and Haywood Gap (#142) trails. (See note below regarding wilderness areas and their signage.) From Pisgah District Ranger Station/Visitor Center parking lot, turn right (north) on US 276. Proceed 14 miles north; turn right onto access ramp for Blue Ridge Parkway, then left (south) on Parkway. Proceed south to unpaved pulloff in Haywood Gap (milepost 426.5), where Mountains-to-Sea Trail crosses Parkway. Take M-T-S Trail east a short distance to Haywood Gap trail on left, then over 2 miles on the latter trail to this trail’s northern terminus. Or, proceed about another 2¼ miles further on M-T-S to this trail’s southern terminus, on the left near the head of Buckeye Creek.

Activities

Day Hiking