This 3 day trip followed the Mountains to Sea trail through the North Carolina Wilson Creek wilderness area. I continued on the MST / Tanawha trail to near the Rough Ridge viewpoint. It’s a great section with 5 major waterfalls and some scenic overlooks.
I parked my car on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Wilson Creek overview parking area. My daughter shuttled me 20 minutes to where the MST crosses NC-181. You can park overnight on the BRP as long as you call their communication center and let them know about it (license plate #, location, etc).
The trail started out steeply downhill off of 181. It eventually crossed the first of MANY creeks that have to be forded. Your choices are to take your shoes off like ~15 times; wear something like Tevas; or just get your old pair of lawn mowing tennis shoes wet everytime. I chose the later.
I did get a bit turned around in this section. The trail is blazed with white circles indicating the MST. I must have missed a turn and kept going up a wash I thought was the trail. When it didn’t feel right, I checked my phone and consulted the Avenza App with Wilson Creek map (both free). I also carried a map, which turned out handy when I realized I forget my battery pack to charge my phone.
The trail soon gained elevation following old logging roads. I enjoyed some wild blackberries along the way. I took the junction to South Harper Creek falls viewpoint, where you can see the 120 foot waterfall. The water was flowing nicely as we had a tropical storm system come thru a couple days earlier. Note: there is no sign at the trail junction indicating the waterfall is nearby. I continued back on the MST to an area near Harper Creek falls and setup camp. That first day I cleared a lot of cobwebs, only running into 3 day hikers.
After enjoying some coffee and oatmeal for breakfast, I packed up my gear, some of which was wet from an overnight rain. I headed to check out Harper Creek Falls. It has a great pool for swimming. The way down to the falls is not marked and not directly on the MST - typically you can just follow people - it’s a popular spot. The trail down to the falls had a rope to assist with the steep (and often wet) trail. But the view/pool is worth the effort. I lucked out and beat the summer crowd and had it all to myself.
The trail this day alternated between walking near creeks and winding between drainages. You’re tempted to stop and admire all the unnamed rapids and pools. There are numerous dispersed campsites along the way, where one could bring a floaty and stay for awhile.
Bard Falls is right along the trail and hard to miss. This was a new one for me and it was beautiful. The falls cascade down a rock into a small pool and then meander through a verdant rock garden. I stayed for awhile and took in the scenery while eating some pita chips and salami.
Further on I hit both Hunt Fish Falls and Gragg Prong Falls. Both are worth a swim or at least stopping and admiring. Thunder and a bit of rain had me moving along from Hunt Fish Falls not long after I arrived. The sun came out at Gragg Prong Falls so I spread out my wet gear but not sure it made much difference - the humidity was off the charts. I continued on past Roseboro Rd and the trail climbed a 4x4 road (no traffic while I was there). I found a small spot next to a creek. It wasn’t a great spot but I slept great - 11 hours. Only disruption was a random dog howling on the road at 1:36 am. I didn’t know if I should be scared or sad it was lost.
My final day started out uphill, as I climbed toward the Parkway. It was a struggle as the humidity was again through the roof. A brief rain storm dropped the temp 15 degrees, which felt great. It was also nice having access to water on the uphill portion. I did run across an old timer heading toward upper Gragg Pring Creek for some fly fishing. I don’t know who was more surprised to see the other person. I finally got to Beacon Heights and had a break in the weather. Grandfather Mtn was clouded in but I could see most of the Wilson Creek valley.
After I relaxed a bit, I headed for the final viewpoint - Rough Ridge. After 15 min of hiking, the sky opened and heavy rain hit. I reached for my rain jacket only to find it had dislodged from the top of my backpack somewhere on the trail. I stood under my waterproof map for 5 minutes but when the rain didn’t slow down I continued hiking. I had over an hour left to the car - I gave up on the idea of going up to Rough Ridge. I was soaked - this rain storm was like the ones you encounter on the interstate and have to slow down to 40 mph. I eventually took a side trail down to Wilson Creek Overview where my car was parked. Fortunately I had dry clothes to change into.
All in all it was a great trip. Learned a few things - double tie rain coats if they are being carried outside the pack. And apparently I’m getting old and need a sticky on the steering wheel to check my list before leaving home.
Not everybody can do one way trips but this is a short shuttle so figured d still share it on here. If you want more mileage, add Steele Creek (Linville Gorge side of NC-181) or hike on toward Blowing Rock. Or do the big enchilada and hike from 221 through the gorge to Beacon Heights.
Guide and GPS coordinate info for segment 4 & 5
https://mountainstoseatrail.org/the-...-trail-guides/
Avenza map - Wilson Creek - Lost Cove - Harper Creek
https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/9054...e-harper-creek
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