Buckeye Gap (Rough Butt O/L) - Bearpen Gap

About the Hike

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Hike Description

Contact hike leader via email for reservation. Limit of 10 hikers. This high-altitude MST hike starts on Bearpen Gap Trail and turns left onto MST in about a half mile heading towards Wet Camp Gap (passing the turn to MST) a meadow hopefully with wildflowers & blueberries. Backtrack to MST and turn right to a rocky, steep section that climbs the ridge (poles recommended) to emerge in a Balsam Forest that winds down to cross the BRP at Haywood Gap. Crossing the BRP will follow trail and turn right on MST for 2+ miles to Buckeye Gap. Turn right on blue blaze access trail for a short distance to Rough Butt Bald O/L. Topos: Sam Knob

Scout Report

Email address: cornconnie@yahoo.com - mobile phone: 828-674-0248. It was a cool, but humid morning as we traveled down the Bearpen Gap trail. Made a left turn on the MST and continued down the trail listening to the birdsongs in the trees. This is not a highly traveled trail and gives the feeling of being deep in the woods. Passing the turn on MST, we proceeded to Wet Camp Gap. It?s a pretty meadow with wild Phlox in bloom and blueberries, both past peak. There?s a several nice little campsites tucked back in the trees. Reversing our steps, we went back to continue onto the MST. This section is a steep rocky stretch with large moss-covered rocks (watch for ?rocking? rocks). Hiking poles are recommended for the tricky footing. Emerging on top of the ridge, we entered a lovely Balsam forest with soft trail cushioned by years of needles. The trail winds down to cross the BR Parkway at Haywood Gap. The MST turns right here. The trail passes through a deep wooded section with stinging nettle thickly bordering stretches of the trail (long sleeves & pants recommended). After reaching Buckeye Gap, we took the short access trail to Rough Butt Bald Overlook. Final mileage: 5.3 miles; Elevation Gain: 733?. Thanks to Donna for joining me on this Scout hike!