Big Butt Trail: Leap Day Snow Slog

The Big Butt trail runs between Rt. 197 from the Cane River Gap to the Balsam Gap on Blue Ridge Parkway. This is one of my favorite places to hike year-round. Regardless of where you start, you will hike through different plant communities along the way, including spruce-fir forest, high elevation rock outcrop and northern hardwood forest. As a bonus, there are stunningly beautiful views of the Black Mountain range. The crown jewel is the 6,684 foot Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern United States. This site has great information about the Black Mountains: https://www.peakbagger.com/range.aspx?rid=16440

We had an entirely different plan for an 8.7 mile hike on the Foothills Trail, in preparation for the Trailblaze Challenge in May. I was hesitant to do more mileage, as injury has been a constant issue, with my back being the most recent ailment. One option was to take the pups to the Big Ivy area of Pisgah National Forest for a shorter hike. As we drove, we could see rime ice and snow at higher elevations. Big Butt was a perfect alternative!

Walking up the Big Butt trail, I could imagine all the wildflowers patiently waiting for warmer temperatures, longer days and the emergence of pollinators to fully kick off their reproductive cycle. Here are some of the wildflowers that can be found in this area: https://hikescape.org/round-leaf-platanthera-orbiculata-and-purple-fringed-orchids-other-wildflowers/

We laughed, as we were not as prepared as we could have been. This was a perfect day for snowshoes, which we had- at home, of course. We just didn’t expect this much snow. In general, there isn’t much need for snowshoes in the Southern Appalachians!

No matter what direction our gaze wandered, the beauty was simply astounding! We are always grateful to the NC High Peaks Association for their trail maintenance.

We finally reached the rime ice, and the snow was deeper. Some drifts were nearly up to my knees. This trail has about 28 switchbacks to reach the ridgeline just below Big Butt.

Ridgetop Views

As usual, this trail gives beauty and challenge all year long. We are so lucky to have hikes like this practically in our backyard!

These pups enjoyed the time outside, but as we descended, it became clear to us that this was Donatella’s last hike. Her jaunts in the woods from now on will be short walks in lovely weather. To every thing, there is a season, and a purpose under heaven. She will be pampered and loved, with small windows that remind her- and us- of her love of the outdoors.

Stay safe and healthy, my friends. Our world has changed greatly since this hike on the last day of February 2020; perhaps a leap year in more ways than one. I have once again slacked on blogging, but I have 3 weeks of spring ephemerals to share with you, so please keep following HIKEscape!