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The Buncombe Horse Trail is an underused trail that is perfect for hiking with a good mix of terrain and excellent views


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Map Key

17.7

Miles

28.4

KM

Point to Point

5,850' 1,783 m

High

2,849' 868 m

Low

3,283' 1,001 m

Up

2,599' 792 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The Buncombe Horse Trail is the most diverse trail in the Black Mountains. The trail begins down in the Toe River Valley and gradually climbs through dense hardwood forest as it slowly changes to a balsam forest as you gain elevation. It then joins the MST for a very gentle section of about 5 miles with great views of the valley bellow. Then you pop out onto Maple Camp Bald, with massive 270-degree views of the Black Mountains and the Blue Ridge as it falls into the Piedmont. It is one of the best views in the Blacks. Afterward, you'll descend on some serious switchbacks before hitting old logging roads at the end. Good loops can be made by using sections of this trail. Don't overlook it.

Trail blazes are few and far between, if not non-existent through much of the trail. Where they do exist is near the bottom and the color is white. The trail is also a horse trail, although I've never run into a horse out there. There is evidence of them along the trail, especially in the low sections.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brandon Thrower

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 6 votes

#12403

Overall
  3.8 from 6 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
83%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#485

in North Carolina

#12,403

Overall
7 Views Last Month
2,014 Since Dec 9, 2016
Difficult Difficult

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Photos

Zeke the wonder mule @ Maple Camp Bald, our lunch spot
Jul 1, 2018 near Burnsville, NC
Intersection of the MTS and BHT. Behind us is a little trail that leads to a TINY parking area, could accommodate maybe two horse trailers.
Jul 1, 2018 near Black M…, NC
Riding the BHT up near the Mt Mitchell intersection
Jul 1, 2018 near Burnsville, NC
enjoying the trail on BHT
Jul 1, 2018 near Burnsville, NC
Backcountry Campsite Commissary Hill at intersection of Mt Mitchell Trail #190 and Horse trail
Jan 12, 2020 near Black M…, NC
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