Craggy Dome, NC (8.0 miles; d=11.06)
Read MoreCraggy Dome Summit (6,080')
With shrubs 7-feet tall all around I had to reach high above with the camera to get this shot from the summit. As you can see, the summit is quite broad which restricts views even if you're over seven foot. You can just make out Craggy Pinnacle (5,892') through the rhodo's in the center...
Craggy Dome Summit (6,080')
A few yards just north of the actual summit the path crosses a couple rocks at a low spot in the vegetation with this payoff panorama to the north. The closest peak in the center is Bullhead Mountain (~5,930') while the high peaks of the Black Mountain Range rise darkly beyond including Blackstock Knob (6,325'), Mount Gibbes (6,571'), Mount Hallback (6,391'), and Mount Mitchell (6,684')...
Craggy Dome Summit (6,080')
I may have been atop another 6,000-footer but looking north there was no doubt which peaks were top dogs in this area. Mount Mitchell (6,684') is the broad domed summit in the far hazy center rising above Blackstock Mountain (6,325'). Blackstock, consequently, is likely to be the next peak I target on my SB6K list...
Craggy Gardens Picnic Area (5,220')
Before long I was surrounded by picnic tables with the parking lot in view. Although #22 had been a bit tougher than I first expected, it certainly hadn't done anything to detract from this unique hike...I didn't start pursuing this challenge for the mountains to take it easy on me! Yet another great day on the trail...