August 13, 2024
Mountain to Sea Trail (MST)-Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook to Balsam Gap
on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Balsam, NC
Another mild day in the mountains with temperatures between 66F and 72F and a high canopy to provide shade. This is a very nice well-maintained trail that parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway through a beautiful forest. We only hiked a small section of the nearly 1,200 mile Mountain to Sea Trail that crosses North Carolina. To our disappointment, there was only one clear viewpoint on our trek today--that being at our trailhead, the Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook. There may be slightly better views from the trail in the late fall through winter. Just an occasional wildflower, but plenty of mushrooms.
Today's Hikers: Roger Willis, Shelia Getman, Linda Shultz, Pam Hembree, Matt Henderson & Toby, Jack Treadman, Gerald Richardson, Ken Pardue, Mike Bell & Heather Wall with Toby.
The route
8.5 mi · 318 ft climbing · 5h 2m out, 4h 22m walking · 1.9 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
20 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (20)
The only clear view today of the surrounding mountains was at our trailhead. Our smiling hikers (L-R): Roger, Shelia, Linda, Pam, Matt & Toby, Jack, Gerald, Ken, Mike & Heather with Toby. So let's get started. These Cutleaf Coneflowers were at our trailhead and dominated the roadside of the Parkway. Nice trail overall. But we did have to do some rock-hopping in places. Bits of color here and there: (Left) Solomon Seal berries; (UR) Jewel weed; (LR) White Turtlehead bud about to open. A tree and gnarly root system along our trail. Lots of colorful mushrooms. Is those Hoverflies on the Filmy Angelica? Some nice Rhododendron tunnels, too. We had to watch our footing on several narrow ledges along this trail. Not a lot of open spots to have lunch. This small spot was just before crossing above the Pinnacle Ridge Tunnel. Not Kudzu, but Dutchman's Pipe vines along a latter section of our trail. Looks like "red" is the color of the day. The "best" view of the mountains from the trail. Just hoping for something better. So many large, tall trees. Toward the end of the hike. Nice trail work. At the end.