BGM01

Dist: 4.65 mi	Points: 716	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

BGM001

Location: 35.748501°, -82.333969°
From Balsam Gap, switchback ESE on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (blazed with white dots) through mossy groves of giant spruce and Fraser fir

BGM002

Location: 35.746620°, -82.326187°
Hit rhododendron-lined ridgeline @ 6,031 ft.; pass state park border signs on L. Nuthatches and juncos chirp from trees

BGM003

Location: 35.740662°, -82.322159°
Misty views NE to Mt. Mitchell (6,684 ft.), highest peak in NC and E of the Rockies, and where NC recorded its lowest temp ever (?34°F on 1/21/85)

BGM004

Location: 35.737801°, -82.318428°
Crest Blackstock Knob (6,325 ft.), then descend on narrow path

BGM005

Location: 35.732899°, -82.309677°
Pass through grassy openings near Rainbow Gap before ascending past boulders and the peeling trunks of yellow birch

BGM006

Location: 35.730629°, -82.300133°
Evergreen needles soften trail tread. Winter wrens and other songbirds flitter through the open understory

BGM007

Location: 35.729240°, -82.295921°
Water drips over large boulder on R as trail winds down stone stairs and past small cascades

BGM008

Location: 35.725609°, -82.291847°
At grassy opening on S side of Potato Knob, look for big, flat rock for bird?s-eye view SW into the Asheville Watershed and Burnett Reservoir. Ravens caw from above

BGM009

Location: 35.726212°, -82.285896°
Level trail passes field being reclaimed by beech trees, which often keep their brown leaves through winter until buds sprout

BGM010

Location: 35.725849°, -82.282967°
Descend gradually amid hardwoods to wood stile built to keep horses from nearby steeps. Wood steps lead to Mt. Mitchell Rd. (NC 128) and parking area. Leave car here or backtrack to trailhead; MST continues NE