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 Hembry, Matt Henderson & Toby, Jack Treadmand, Gerald Richardson, Ken Pardue, Mike Bell & Heather Wall with Toby.