Section 15: Deep Gap to Horse Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Approximately 16 miles
Section 15 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail stretches between U.S. 421 at Deep Gap and N.C. 16 at Horse Gap, a distance of about 16 miles. Volunteers completed this section of dedicated footpath in 2010, relocating the trail from the shoulder of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The South Ashe section includes numerous scenic overlooks, a waterfall, deep woods, pasture and pioneer cabins. The hiking is mostly moderate with some short strenuous climbs.
The trail frequently crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing hikers numerous access points along this section. Look for the sign posts with the white dot, white arrow and hiker symbol that mark the entry and exit points of the trail near parkway crossings. Once on the trail, the path is marked with three-inch white circular blazes. Parking is allowed in parking lots and along the shoulder of the parkway anywhere there is enough room to park a vehicle at least four feet from the edge of the pavement.
To reach the trail from Deep Gap, the most convenient access point is at milepost 276.2 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, just north of the U.S. 421 bridge. Parking is permitted in a small grassy cove on the east side of the parkway. The trail enters the woods from the parkway shoulder near the "Roanoke" sign just north of this clearing. As you head north, additional access points are located near MP 274.1 at the Jeffress Park sign on the parkway; at the Tompkins Knob Overlook on the parkway at MP 272.5; at the Cascades Picnic Area at MP 272; at Phillips Gap at MP 269.8, and at Benge Gap at MP 268 in a grassy area across from the old Park Vista Motel.
Closer to the northern end of Section 15, hikers can reach the trail at the junction of Blue Ridge Church Road at Callaway Gap at MP 265.2; in a open field adjacent on the west side of the parkway at MP 263.2; at Daniel’s Gap (unmarked) at MP 262.2 and just south of the N.C. 16 bridge at MP 261.3 on the east side of the parkway.
The trail is about 3,100-feet elevation at U.S. 421 near Deep Gap. It climbs to about 4,000 feet on the north slope of Tompkins Knob. The trail gradually descends to about 3,100 feet elevation approaching N.C. 16 at Horse Gap.
Among the points of interest in Section 15, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail passes for about 2.9 miles through E.B. Jeffress Park, a small recreation area from MP 271.2 to MP 274.1 of the parkway. The park features Cascades Trail nature loop with views of Falls Creek including Cascade Falls, a scenic waterfall. The park also includes Cascades Picnic area, which has potable water and picnic tables. There also are public restrooms that are open from May to November.
Near Tompkins Knob Overlook parking area at MP 272.5, a half-mile trail leads to a pioneer cabin and a church and the Cascades Picnic area.
Hikers may see dramatic long-range views from the trail near the following locations:
- Between MP 271 and Phillips Gap (MP 269.8) (view Brushy Mountains and Wilkesboro
- At MP 266.9 Mount Jefferson Overlook (view three states, NC/TN/VA including Mount Jefferson, Mount Rogers, Iron Mountains, Elk Knob, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Grandfather Mountain)
- Between MP 264.4 and MP 263.7 north of The Lump OL (view Doughton Park, Stone Mountain State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Sauratown Mountain, Hanging Rock State Park and Winston-Salem.
There is no overnight camping on this section of the trail.
Resources
Watauga County Tourism Development Authority
Ashe County Chamber of Commerce
Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce
Volunteer Task Force Leader:
South Ashe Task Force: Jim Hallsey jhallsey@skybest.com
