Mackey Mountain Trail #216

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Features Fall Colors · Historical Significance · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

Mackey Mountain Trail #216 one of the oldest trails in USFS Grandfather Ranger District. It is located in one of the first tracts of land designated as National Forest by the Weeks Act of 1911. The trail is an out and back trail only. Mackey Mountain is mostly a ridge line trail with moderate elevation change.

As of January 2021 the USFS has approved the rehabilitation of the Mackey Mountain Trail. The trail had become severely overgrown and was being considered for decommissioning. Groups of volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring the trail back to life. Hikers will find the first three miles cleared of overgrowth and downed trees. The trail bed has been repaired in many places making the trek among large old growth forest enjoyable.

The trail continues past the view point at Narrows Knob Overlook to Mackey Mountain summit for about one mile. There are plans to rehabilitate this section, but is has not been maintained and is difficult to distinguish. There is a very limited view from the summit of Mackey Mountain. There are no maintained trails connecting to Mackey Mountain Trail.

Springtime flowers abound on the Mackey Mountain Trail including wild Iris, Crocus and Rhododendrons. The fall colors abound with the numerous Oak, Locust, and other deciduous trees growing along the trail. Hikers may see black bear, deer and wild turkey along the route.