Big Tom Spur to Balsam Cone is a 0.9 mile out and back trail located near Micaville, North Carolina that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking.
March 29, 2021Hiked this with Spur.Very rocky up and down shorter distance took a long time. There was a little further and maybe more if we continued I believe. Map was started on the way back from the furthest point we hit (cat tail peak Or mountain)
March 23, 2021It’s icy in areas out here but so great!
December 13, 2020Tough, tough trail to summit the ridge line. A difficult rating is well-deserved for this one - a day hike is not easy and breaks will be required. However, once the ridge line is reach, many 6k+ peaks are within reach and are not far from each other. The meadow campsite is a great place to relax before ascending the last ~1200 vertical feet, 850 of which are straight up the Big Tom spur trail (.7mi). The height of Balsam Cone is north on the Deep Gap trail just a quick push, and the views make the peaks on the eastern rim of Linville Gorge look like puny little hills. This trail is just one of many options to access the Deep Gap Trail, one that spreads the vertical ascent over a longer distance. Bring snacks (probably lunch) and plenty of water, they will be needed. Make sure you know what you’re getting into - this one is a bruiser. *Note: distance is only from bottom to top, does not include the descent back down.
October 7, 2020I arrived early morning to avoid the crowds. It worked. There was one couple ahead of me. It was chilly, very windy and foggy. It was pretty incredible to watch the fog literally disappear as I walked. It warmed up quickly and I was glad I wore later as I was down to my pants and T-shirt before the turn around point
September 27, 2020Challenging hike to 5 peaks.
September 6, 2020Okay, now here's a trail with some teeth. Strenuous, lots of steeps up and down, with a couple fixed ropes. I found trekking poles to be very helpful in several areas. Wild variation of flora and vistas....from wide open ridge top views for a 100 miles, to dense, dank, murky, creepy forest of dark trunk'd, densely packed, moss covered trees -- way, way cool. I did get out of breath due to 6600' altitude (I live basically at sea level). I turned around at 2.5 miles out, out of concern of not making it back! (I took on more than I bargained for.) Get there early because the park filled up and the rangers closed access. Thumbs way up, though.
September 6, 2020November 4, 2019Started at the Mount Mitchell summit and did an out and back, turning around at Cattail Peak. 5.0 miles exactly. Head north from the summit parking lot and follow the signs for Deep Gap Trail. Excellent trail. Well marked and maintained. Some steep areas with rocks. Wonderful views at Mount Craig and Big Tom - bring a camera. Overall now one of my favorite hikes.
October 28, 2019intensity awesome!
June 17, 2019
First to ReviewReally beautiful trail. Lots of up-and-down . Did not make it all the way to campground Maybe another hour.
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