Blaze: Orange Triangles<br />
This trail is one of hardest trails in the Eastern US due to its 3300ft altitude gain. <br />
Starting from Mt. Mitchell (6684') the trail is well maintained and crosses several summits including, Mt. Craig, Big Tom (6526'), Balsam cone (6600'), Cattail Peak (6600') and Potato Hill (6440') then descends to Deep Gap (5760). Deep Gap is the first camping site allowed from Mt. Mitchell (Shelter no longer exists!!! It has been gone for at least 15 years now) and also intersects with the Colbert's Ridge Trail. From Deep gap the trail is not as well maintained due to fewer people traveling on this section and continues to Winter Star Mountain (6203') and Mount Gibbs (6220). From Mount Gibs the trail follows an old toll road to Bowlings Creek and follows the creek to the Bowlings Creek Road Trail head.
Mt. Mitchell Trailhead is located at Mt. Mitchell State Park's parking lot by the picnic shelters. <br /><br /><br /><br />Bowlens Creek Road Trailhead is located off of Bowlens Creek Road (NC1109) which is off of US 19E near downtown Burnsville. you may want to stop by and get a trail map from the Toecane ranger station to insure you find it!
http://www.tripleblaze.com/trail.php?c=3&i=1470