Day hike: High Pastures Christian Retreat - Burnsville NC

[Pipsissewa]

Although privately owned, this large tract of land is open for low-impact hiking and camping. The trails are sprinkled with hand-painted signage with uplifting messages. The land is adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest and could be the start-off point for a multi-day hike up in to the Black Mountains.

We day-hiked and I set up a hammock for my lunch. Mr. Pips (I think) regretted not setting up a hammock for himself (since he stole mine!) We saw the biggest bear poop we'd ever seen, but not the bear who made it. Enjoy!

[Bonepile]

Very interesting. Can you show directions to the trailhead?

[Pipsissewa]

It's just east of Burnsville (Yancey County):

high pastures map.jpg

They only have a crude map of the trails:

highpasturesmap.jpg

There are MILES and MILES of trails and you'll never see anyone. One of the trails (maybe the Crest Trail?) connects with the Black Mountain Crest Trail north of Celo's Knob. Once on that trail, you can continue south and summit over a dozen 6,000+ foot peaks finishing at Mt. Mitchell. Being adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest, that's just one choice of hikes you could start here.

We went to the office and asked them if it was okay if we hiked, and they said, "Sure! Go have fun!" So that was cool. They do ask that you check in with them before parking there, just so they know to call the Forest Service if you don't show up after a few days! Happy hiking!

[TallPaul]

hey I liked that video - I got a sense of calmness just watching it and listening to the music. Speaking of which, my wife shouted from the other room "I like that music", so you got her thumbs up as well.

[Pipsissewa]

hey I liked that video - I got a sense of calmness just watching it and listening to the music. Speaking of which, my wife shouted from the other room "I like that music", so you got her thumbs up as well.

Thanks, guys! That means a lot to me!!

[Bonepile]

It's just east of Burnsville (Yancey County):

high pastures map.jpg

They only have a crude map of the trails:

highpasturesmap.jpg

There are MILES and MILES of trails and you'll never see anyone. One of the trails (maybe the Crest Trail?) connects with the Black Mountain Crest Trail north of Celo's Knob. Once on that trail, you can continue south and summit over a dozen 6,000+ foot peaks finishing at Mt. Mitchell. Being adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest, that's just one choice of hikes you could start here.

We went to the office and asked them if it was okay if we hiked, and they said, "Sure! Go have fun!" So that was cool. They do ask that you check in with them before parking there, just so they know to call the Forest Service if you don't show up after a few days! Happy hiking!

Thanks Pips,

I may go check that area out. Looks like fun.