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One of the oldest trails in the USFS Grandfather Ranger District!


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Map Key

3.1

Miles

5.0

KM

78%

Runnable

3,973' 1,211 m

High

3,183' 970 m

Low

1,077' 328 m

Up

439' 134 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Historical Significance · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

Driving access to the trailhead via Curtis Creek Rd. is closed during the winter months October 30 to May 1. Hikers can still walk to the trailhead via Curtis Creek Rd.

Description

Mackey Mountain Trail #216 one of the oldest trails in USFS Grandfather Ranger District. It is located in one of the first tracts of land designated as National Forest by the Weeks Act of 1911. The trail is an out and back trail only. Mackey Mountain is mostly a ridge line trail with moderate elevation change.

As of January 2021 the USFS has approved the rehabilitation of the Mackey Mountain Trail. The trail had become severely overgrown and was being considered for decommissioning. Groups of volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring the trail back to life. Hikers will find the first three miles cleared of overgrowth and downed trees. The trail bed has been repaired in many places making the trek among large old growth forest enjoyable.

The trail continues past the view point at Narrows Knob Overlook to Mackey Mountain summit for about one mile. There are plans to rehabilitate this section, but is has not been maintained and is difficult to distinguish. There is a very limited view from the summit of Mackey Mountain. There are no maintained trails connecting to Mackey Mountain Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Springtime flowers abound on the Mackey Mountain Trail including wild Iris, Crocus and Rhododendrons. The fall colors abound with the numerous Oak, Locust, and other deciduous trees growing along the trail. Hikers may see black bear, deer and wild turkey along the route.

Contacts

Shared By:

Victor Mariano

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#10108

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
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4 Star
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Trail Rankings

#369

in North Carolina

#10,108

Overall
27 Views Last Month
1,071 Since May 10, 2021
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

A trail marker tree or prayer tree. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_trees
May 12, 2021 near Marion, NC
Overlook view of Blue Ridge Mountains looking North.
May 12, 2021 near Marion, NC

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