February debuted quite mildly here in Western North Carolina, with many of us seeing temperatures around 60 degrees. So we headed up to the Big Butt trail (one of the many trails with the not-so-descriptive term “Butt”), that stretches between Route 197 at the Buncombe/Yancey county line and the Walker Knob overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
If you go point to point, this is a 6 mile hike or 12 miles out and back. This trail features 23 switchbacks on the way up from Rt. 197, and as we gained elevation, the sky was variegated with shades of blue and cumulus cloud formations. We were also breaking fresh snow- just a few inches when we started out, though some areas had about six inches. Fortunately, we were prepared for snow and it was predicted to warm up as the day went on. The snow was slick in places, but this trail is gorgeous no matter the weather.
There are many positives to winter hiking- you don’t have to bushwhack through the high grass that encroaches on this trail in the summer. and the views of either side of the needle ridge at the top are inspiring. Cool, crisp air and crunchy snow- what a perfect day!
We went up to the Little Butt overlook, a rock outcrop that features a spectacular view of the Craggies. While enjoying the view, our friend’s dog was close to the edge and suddenly disappeared; we gasped and heard the rustle of brush as she fell. Although her fall was softened by the understory shrubs clinging to the sides of the rock, she went down about 25 feet.
We peered over the edge, and saw her moving about, searching for a way up. Bernie headed up the trail to scout a way down to her. He cautiously descended, squeezing around a slippery, near vertical rock face with a thick understory of rhododendron.
On the top, we gathered leashes and added an eight foot section of rope that I had in my pack. We then tossed down the leash-rope so that Bernie could hook it to her harness. We linked arms and hoisted her up, and she used her paws to aid her scramble to the top. Once Bernie made it back up safely, there was a collective sense of relief that no one was hurt. We all agreed that we were prepared for the weather, but could have been more prepared for a rescue situation. Hopefully there won’t be a next time, but if so, we’ll be ready.
We were grateful that we had a positive outcome, for the gift of clear, long-range views and that our 7.4 mile trek in the snow highlighted the best of winter hiking.
Take Interstate 26 West from Asheville, take the Rt. 197 exit towards Barnardsville. Go through Barnardsville and continue on Rt. 197, which turns to gravel and includes many hairpin turns. You will reach the top of the gravel road and there is a forest service road and parking area to the right. If you begin to descent, you have missed the road. Park and the trail is to the left of the parking area. There is a yellow blaze marking the trail.
