In Segment 4, a portion of the trail between Black Mountain Campground and Buck Creek Gap is closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene.

A detour is available; however, it is on busy roads, with sometimes narrow shoulders and limited sight lines, which are frequently used by large trucks participating in the recovery efforts along the Parkway. Due to these hazards, hikers may opt to use a vehicle shuttle around the closed section of trail and will still qualify for completion of the MST if all other portions of the trial are completed.

If you do choose to hike the detour, please use extreme caution, including wearing high-visibility clothing and hiking only during bright daylight hours. The detour route is as follows:

Eastbound Directions

0.0      After crossing the bridge over the South Toe River, turn left on South Toe River Rd. and pass the South Toe River Trailhead

0.6      Make a sweeping 180-degree left turn as you pass Neal’s Creek Rd.

2.5       At a complex intersection with several roads and paths, keep straight on South Toe River Rd.

2.9       Turn right on NC 80.

3.7       Pass a convenience store and volunteer fire department at the intersection with Dovers Branch Rd.

5.1       Cross under the Blue Ridge Parkway. In about 200 feet, turn left into a parking area, then turn left onto a marked trail.

5.2       Continue straight to rejoin the guide route at Mile 7.8.

Westbound Directions

0.0      Just before reaching the Blue Ridge Parkway, bear left onto a marked trail.

0.1       Turn right into a parking lot, then turn right on NC 80.

0.2      Cross under the Blue Ridge Parkway.

1.6       Pass a convenience store and volunteer fire department at the intersection with Dovers Branch Rd.

2.3       Turn left on South Toe River Rd., marked with a welcome sign for The Neighborhoods of Mt. Mitchell.

2.7       At a complex intersection with several roads and paths, keep straight on South Toe River Rd.

4.6       Make a sweeping 180-degree right turn as you pass Neal’s Creek Rd.

5.2       Across from the South Toe River Trailhead, turn right to cross a bridge over the South Toe River and rejoin the guide route at the beginning of Segment 3.