5 North Carolina summer hikes to help you beat the heat

The key to a successful real estate transaction,  we are told, is “location, location, location!"

Just as the key to an enjoyable summer hike is “elevation, elevation, elevation!”

Heat and humidity are near constants in North Carolina in the summertime — heat and humidity that rule out hiking in the state parks nearest to Gastonia including Crowders Mountain, South Mountains and Lake Norman.

No, summer calls for heading north and west, to the Blue Ridge or the Black Mountains where, at 4,000 feet or more, temperatures are likely to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than they are in the southern Piedmont.

When Gazette Managing Editor Kevin Ellis asked me to write about my five favorite summer hikes, I initially had trouble paring the list down to that number.

But then I decided to write about five hikes that have special meaning for me, hikes that feel like old friends, always ready to welcome me back. I’m sure they will welcome you as well.

I’ll list them in order of decreasing difficulty, first the hard stuff and then the more gentle treks.

Mount Mitchell Trail

It is possible to drive to within a couple of hundred yards of the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest summit in eastern America at 6,684 feet above sea level.

But, what is the fun in that?

Instead, one of the more challenging hikes in the state, is the Mount Mitchell Trail, a six-mile climb from the Black Mountain Campground on the banks of the Toe River to the summit.

The campground has an elevation of 2,995 feet. The summit, again, is 6,684 feet, an elevation gain of nearly 4,000 feet.

I first completed this hike in early June of 1976, the Bicentennial summer. Home from Chapel Hill, I was helping out a friend of mine who was a Scoutmaster for a Boy Scout troop.

The day of the trek was sunny, spectacularly clear, and almost chilly. The climb is steady, steady, steady with lots of rocks, roots, and tripping hazards.

But the view from the top, absolutely spectacular. And then time for six miles back down. We were some weary fellers when the trek was completed.

I’ll be honest. I have not done this hike in more than five years. Not sure I could do it today. But if you’re in good shape and up to an extremely challenging 12-mile trek, I highly recommend it.

Boone Fork Trail

This trail, which I first hiked in the autumn of 1980, literally has it all — waterfalls, deep woods, open meadows, soaring vistas.

A 5.2-mile loop, the trailhead is located at the Julian Price Park picnic area on the Blue Ridge Parkway just a few miles south of Blowing Rock.

I learned a lesson the first time I walked this trail. Hiking 5.2 miles on challenging terrain, including steep rocks, creek crossings, and roots and mud will take longer than expected.

Trail guides say 2.5 hours. I’d up that to 3.5, particularly if you want to enjoy the scenery, stick your feet, or more, into the roaring waters of Boone Fork, and take lots of photos.

But, I can’t say enough about how beautiful this trail is. It truly captures all of the charms and all of the beauty of the North Carolina mountains in a single trek.

And, when you finish, you’re at a great place to enjoy a picnic with fried chicken, potato salad, and apple pie.

Elk Knob Trail

Elk Knob State Park, located in the high country north of Boone, has been in existence for less than two decades.

The park is still in its early stages of development, but an absolutely beautiful trail has been built to the 5,520 feet high summit.

I first hiked this trail 10 or 12 years ago, not on a sunny summer day but on a frigid January afternoon when the trail was blanketed with 3 to 4 inches of snow and the temperature hovered in the upper teens.

This is truly a “Cadillac” trail, expertly designed and constructed, with numerous switchbacks easing the climb to the summit.

And what a summit it is. Truly a “top of the world” experience with views stretching off for miles in every direction.

And some good news. The trail is only 1.9 miles each way, and its gradual ascent makes it doable even if you’re not in tiptop shape.

Crabtree Falls Trail

This hike is special due to sentimental reasons.

When I was a lad, in high school and college, this hike, located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 339, was the perfect date destination.

The 2.5 mile loop, which descends to a stunning 60-foot waterfall, is short, scenic, and relatively easy, making it the perfect trek for a fella wanting to enjoy some time in the outdoors with a pretty girl.

And, back in the 1970s, the National Park Service operated a restaurant here, making it the perfect spot for a post-hike burger, sandwich, or piece of apple pie.

The restaurant is long gone, of course, as are my courting days, but this remains one of the best hiking destinations in all of North Carolina.

And Little Switzerland, which has several great place to eat, is just a few miles to the north.

Flat Rock Hike

This trail is actually more of a stroll than a hike, perfect for old people like me, kids, and those of all fitness levels.

The trailhead is at mile 308.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, four miles south of the Linn Cove viaduct, eight miles north of Linville Falls.

The loop is less than a mile, but it traverses an open rock area where the views, particularly of Grandfather Mountain and of Roan Mountain, are stunning.

Here’s my suggestion, one that I have followed often in the past: Have a leisurely dinner at Famous Louise’s Rock House Restaurant in Linville Falls. The food is great.

Then, as sunset nears, grab a blanket and a couple of flashlights, and head for Flat Rock.

Find a spot, spread your blanket, and watch the sun go down in colors of red and flame to the northwest. But don’t leave just yet. Linger and wait for the stars to come out. From this dark sky location, they are spectacular.

Some reminders:

Summer is not the time to go exploring off the trail. Stinging nettle populates much of the forest floor, and snakes and yellow jackets are always a risk. Save the bushwhacking for December.

Even though the temperatures will be cooler in the mountains, you’ll still need water and lots of it. Pack accordingly.

Finally, showers and thunderstorms are a near constant summer threat. Good rain gear, even if the sun is shining when you start your hike, is a necessity.

With that said, enjoy the long hours of summer daylight and the beauty of the summer forests.

Go out and make some memories.

Bill Poteat may be reached at wlpoteat@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: North Carolina summer hikes to help you beat the heat