Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Winterstar Trail to Horse Rock Bald

Difficult Difficult
 4.0 (1)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. Pisgah National Forest
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“This is an old logging road bed / doubletrack trail on the west side of the Black Mountains NC. ”

Victor Mariano
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

6.6

Miles

10.6

KM

Point to Point

6,079' 1,853 m

High

3,840' 1,170 m

Low

2,293' 699 m

Up

54' 16 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail is restricted to hiking, walking, or trail running. Open all year round. Closed to bikes.

Description

This trail / old road bed has numerous switchbacks as it climbs 2300 feet in six miles. There are several easy stream crossings and views of three waterfalls. Views of the North Carolina Smoky Mountains to the east are plentiful.

Flora & Fauna

Fields of wildflowers in the springtime. Rhododendrons and mountain laurels abound. There are wild turkey, black bear and deer in the area. Scenic views of the fall colors. Be cautious of copperhead and timber rattlesnakes.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - North Carolina National Forests Office

Shared By:

Victor Mariano
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#29

in Pisgah National Forest

#15531

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
0%
4 Star
100%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#29

in Pisgah National Forest

#648

in North Carolina

#15,531

Overall
2 Views Last Month
937 Since May 10, 2017
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
0%
50%
50%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

View of the entire Black Mountain Range
Mar 24, 2019 near Burnsville, NC
The final climb known to the locals as Grace's Ladder.
Mar 24, 2019 near Burnsville, NC
Cattail Creek Waterfalls is a pleasant treat along the trail.
Jun 8, 2017 near Burnsville, NC
Enjoy the view toward the west with the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance.
Jun 8, 2017 near Burnsville, NC
This is one of the wildflowers you'll see in the springtime.
Jun 8, 2017 near Burnsville, NC
This is one of the medium-sized waterfalls along the trail.
Jun 5, 2017 near Burnsville, NC

0 Comments

6,000 characters
6,000 characters

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 8, 2022
David Hedberg

Nearby Recommended Routes

PrevNext
March 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started