Middle Prong Wilderness - Very, Very Strenuous - 12.5 mi., 2200 ft EG

Very Very Strenuous Hike. 12.5 miles 2200 feet elevation gain.
Middle Prong Wilderness.

This hike is rated very, very strenuous so it is not an entry level hike. The 2000 foot elevation gain is at the end of the hike. There is a steep section which goes down 900 feet in a mile that can be slippery. There is a water crossing where most people will get their feet wet though not much above the ankles and there is not a significant current. There is a short steep user trail to the lunch spot at the top of a waterfall. If you are unsure of your ability to handle this hike, please contact me at [newwavejoe@gmail.com](mailto:newwavejoe@gmail.com) and we can discuss it.

Hike begins at 9:30 at Rough Butt Bald overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway

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Carpool at Rosman Park & Ride on U.S. 64 leaving at 8:45

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Use comment section to arrange carpool from other locations

Starting on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Rough Butt overlook, we will hike the Haywood gap Buckeye gap loop which you can find on AllTrails. We will deviate from the Alltrails track in that we will add a side trip to Cherry Point for the great view. Also, we will turn around at Upper Middle Prong falls. We will do the loop in a counterclockwise direction.

This is a beautiful hike starting in a high elevation forest along a fairly flat section with limited summer views. If there is good visibility, about a mile in we will take a short steep side trail (.1/3 mile and 250 feet up) to Cherry Point for a great view of the mountains to the north. Returning to the main trail, we will hike through a grassy meadow and then descend into a lush valley where we will meet and hike along the middle prong west fork of the Pigeon River. It's a pristine mountain stream with cascades and falls. We will stop for lunch at the top of Upper Middle Prong falls. There will be an opportunity for a cold plunge in one of the swimming holes along the way if you are so inclined. We finish the hike climbing the 2000 feet back up to the Parkway. Much of the hike out is along a cascading mountain stream, and we will stop for water breaks and pictures along the way. Pace will be that of the Wednesday Despeauxrados group. Averaging 2.5 mph, slower on the steep down and steep up.

All are welcome to join us for post hike eats and drinks at Forks of the River Taproom located at the corner of Hwy 64 and Hwy 215.

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