Section 14: Blowing Rock to Deep Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Approximately 16 miles
Section 14 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail extends from U.S. 321 at Blowing Rock to U.S. 421 at Deep Gap. It features some of the most recently built footpath along the statewide trail. Variety distinguishes this stretch of the MST: deep forest walks, rolling pastures, stone outcroppings, and stop-and-stare, long-range views of the Yadkin River Valley and distant mountain ridges.
Photo by Shelton Wilder
Built on land owned by the National Park Service, Section 14 roughly parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway, crisscrossing it frequently and intersecting its unique Appalachian cultural history. The gently rolling trail veers into the deep woods at times, meanders through cultivated pastures, passes a historic cemetery and follows the shoulder of the parkway for stretches. The trail never strays more than 500 yards from the parkway, even when hikers are walking in deep woods.
Section 14 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail remains a work in progress. Ten miles of dedicated footpath built by trail volunteers opened in October 2010 for hiking between Bamboo Gap and Highway 421 near Deep Gap. Trail crews are still working to complete a dedicated footpath from Bamboo Gap south to U.S. 321 near Blowing Rock and relocate more of the trail off the parkway shoulder in years to come.
Photo by Shelton Wilder
For people wanting to access Section 14 for a day hike, parking is available at the Osborne Mountain overlook at milepost 277.8 of the parkway. The overlook is approximately 1.1 miles south of U.S. 421. There are no restroom facilities. Limited parking also is available at Grandview Overlook at milepost 281.3 of the parkway. From Grandview Overlook, follow the trail along the shoulder of the parkway north about one-tenth of a mile north where the trail diverges from the road and reenters the woods.
No camping is allowed along this section of the trail.
Resources
Shelton Wilder's Blog about the Watauga County Section (#14) of the MST
Watauga County Tourism Development Authority
Volunteer Task Force Leader:
Watauga County Task Force: John Lanman jelanman@charter.net
