MST: Folk Art to Craven Gap, one-way, car shuttle

THE SHUTTLE: This is a car shuttle. We'll meet at Craven Gap, leave a few cars there and take a few cars down to Folk Art, where we'll start our hike up to Craven Gap, one-way, after which we'll shuttle back to Folk Art. Car shuttles can be confusing to organize; that's why I ask that everyone meet at Craven Gap.

THE HIKE: One way up the MST, via Bull Mtn., of course. We'll stop at lunch rock for a break. The section after lunch rock is recently opened. As shown in the above photo, much of the former canopy has been downed to present new long-range views.

This is not an easy hike. Via Bull Mtn., it's 6.5 to 7 miles, and the elevation from Folk Art to Craven is 1,000 feet, and that does not include all the up and down in between. Much of the trail is rocky. I'm bringing my hiking poles. Pace is 2.0 mph--slow.

Despite it's difficulty, the hike has many charms, and why let the Fitness Hikers have all the fun?

The traditional parking area is now limited, much of it restricted by downed trees, but there is also parking on the other side of the Parkway at the trailhead, or in our case, the trail-end.