Buck Spring Trail
Note that there are TWO trails, in close proximity to each other that are named Buck Spring Trail. One trail is 1.1 miles in length, and heads NORTH from the Pisgah Inn.
The other trail named Buck Spring Trail is the subject of this web page. It is located SOUTH of Pisgah Inn.
It is a 6.2 mile trail (one way) which begins at its western end on highway 276, very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and ends at its eastern terminus at Pisgah Inn on the Parkway. Going west to east one gains 1,200 feet in elevation.
The first 400 feet of this elevation gain takes place over the course of 5 1/2 miles or so, making most of the trail quite easy hiking. The last 1/2 - 3/4 mile gains the remaining 800 feet!!
The trail winds along the southeast face of the ridge running between Wagon Road Gap (where highway 276 intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway) and Pisgah Inn. Over the trail's 6.2 mile course, it crosses over 13 creeks as it meanders over ridges and up into coves along this ridge.
 Click on map to see full size
The trail is well worn and easy to follow. The three times I've hiked it, I have not run into any other hikers.
Generally when I hike this, I have someone drop me off at the trail head on 276, and pick me up later at the Pisgah Inn. However, it would be a very doable round trip hike, especially stopping off for lunch at Pisgah Inn!!
A nice side trip is the 3/4 mile hike up to the fire tower that is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, just southwest of the Pisgah Inn. Click here for pictures take from the tower.
This photo is looking upstream from the first creek crossing, and is typical of the first several streams you cross. From then on, the streams get more and more narrow, with less and less water flow.
The rather blurry canine is my ever present hiking companion Colnago.
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Click any of the thumbnail pictures
for a full size image
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Early into the hike (going west to east) one intersects the well labeled Mountains to Sea Trail.
Following the Mountains to Sea intersection, the next (and only other) trail that intersects is Barnett Branch Trail, which heads south dropping 600 feet in elevation to join Forest Service Road 1206 (Yellow Gap Road).
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Shots of interest along the hike include this most peculiar tree formation and some colorful mushrooms.
Aug, 2008 note:
I'm very disappointed to report this artsy-looking loop of tree has been cut apart. It is now lying in pieces along the trail. |
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And, there are wildflowers
galore!!
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On my first hike along this trail I also ran into 3 bear cubs
(no Mom in sight, but I bet she was nearby!),
as well as a distant glimpse of some sort of wild cat (bobcat?)
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As mentioned, in the final 1/2 mile as you get close to Pisgah Inn, the trail climbs much more significantly than it has for the first 5 1/2 miles. Once you finally get to the top, a most idyllic grassy swath greets you, signaling you are just about to come out at Pisgah Inn. |
And what do you get for all that climbing?
This incredible view! |
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