Mountains-To-Sea Trail/Section 4

Parts of segment four follow forest ridgelines, climbs peaks to dramatic views,

forges rivers, and meanders along creeks that lead to stunning waterfalls and crashing

whitewater.

Segment four is very remote, with long departures from roads and little access

to amenities. Traveling eastbound, the trail leaves Black Mountain Campground on the

South Toe River and climbs gradually to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It travels through

mostly mature forest and along the BRP. The trail then descends to the North Fork of the

Catawba River and climbs Bald and Dobson Knobs, among the most challenging ascents

on the entire MST. From these heights, hikers see some of the most spectacular views of the

region, from Lake James to Little Switzerland.

Section 4 of this iconic trail runs through the county just north of Old Fort and Marion. A favorite site to pick up the trail is Woods Mountain Trail, accessible outside the Woodlawn Picnic Area. Park there and follow the directions for Woods Mountain Trail. The picnic area has no street address, the Google map shows the entrance to Green Mountain Road, a few yards away from the picnic area entry point.