Staycations: Vacations Close to Home

Hikers and dogs stop to view the South Toe River as it runs under a bridge near Black Mountain Campground.  Photo: Julie A. Trzeciak

Staff Reports

All is not lost when it comes to getting away for a summer vacation! Pack up the family, load the camping gear, and treat the family to one of the natural treasures we have close by!

The U.S. Forest Service focuses on National Forests in North Carolina this spring as unique and wonderful places to take the family on a nearby “staycation.”

Black Mountain’s Diamond in the Rough

Nestled below Mount Mitchell and connected to trails that wind under dense hemlocks, Black Mountain Campground is a huge draw for outdoor camping enthusiasts. Highlights of this diamond in the rough are sparkling clean bathrooms with ceramic-tile floors, motion-activated faucets, and an energy-saving lighting system that turns lights on when the door opens—and shuts them off automatically when the bathroom is empty. To get a warm shower for five minutes, just feed four quarters into the slot.
 

Campsites are situated near the South Toe River, around a large frisbee
and football field or in wooded areas along the dirt road that surrounds
the campground. Located at mountain elevations, Black Mountain
Campground provides cool relief from summer heat and quiet solitude far
from the madding crowd—less than an hour from downtown Asheville.

During the day, visitors will find these trails to explore:

Mount Mitchell Trail: Starting from the campground, this steep, arduous trail travels 5.7 miles and climbs 3,200 feet to Mount Mitchell’s summit at 6,684 feet.

River Loop Trail: This 3.1-mile trail loops across the Black Mountain Campground and South Toe River’s two bridges.

Lost Cove Ridge Trail: This very steep 3.3-mile trail climbs to the Green Knob Lookout Tower beside the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Green Knob Lookout Tower

Devil’s Den Trail: This 0.7-mile nature trail begins near the restroom next to the amphitheater.

Trails to Waterfalls: A beautiful cascading waterfall awaits hikers on the 0.25-mile trail to Setrock Creek Falls. Roaring Fork Falls is three miles north on FR 472, near NC 80 junction.

Briar Bottom Bicycle Trail: This 1.2 mile- trail starts at the group campground gate. Tracing the South Toe River, the trail crosses two locust bridges and loops around the campground.
U.S. Forest Service – National Forests in North Carolina. Visit www.fs.usda.gov