Explore the Middle Prong Wilderness

Entering the Middle Prong Wilderness

NPS Photo / Gail Fox

"A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain."
-The Wilderness Act

In 1964, the Wilderness Act was established to give some federal lands the highest level of protection. Meant to preserve the "wildest of the wild," wilderness areas have no roads and no development. They are often the last pieces of pristine wildlands that once stretched across the whole country. Managed to minimize evidence of human presence, trails are not marked with signs or blazes and are often only minimally maintained. Having a map, compass, and the ability to use them are requirements in wilderness. Hiking in wilderness areas often requires a higher level of skills and preparedness than other trails. 

Wilderness rules include:

• No campfires allowed
• Group size must be less than 10
• Bicycles are not allowed

The Middle Prong Wilderness Area is nearly 8,000 acres of rugged terrain located within Pisgah National Forest south of Asheville. Designated in 1984, the Middle Prong has the Blue Ridge Parkway for part of its southern and western boundary. This proximity makes the Parkway an excellent jumping off point for wilderness hiking. 

Park at the Rough Butt Bald Overlook at Milepost 425.4. Across the road and slightly south of the overlook there is a trail that enters the forest. This blue-blazed connector trail soon comes to a T-junction with the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST). Take a right and head north on the MTS. You will quickly encounter the Middle Prong Wilderness sign marking your entrance into the wilderness area. The MST will continue through the Middle Prong Wilderness for approximately 5 miles until it crosses NC Highway 215. Other trails will branch off the MST to the north and head further into the wilderness area.  

Wilderness conjures up different feelings to different people. To some, the idea of being in a wild, undeveloped area where they must depend on their own self-reliance is exhilarating. To others, wilderness can be a scary, inhospitable place that seems entirely inaccessible to them. And, of course, many fall somewhere in between those sentiments. The beauty of the Middle Prong Wilderness is that it can be explored on many different levels. The novice hiker can take a short stroll on the well-established Mountains-to-Sea Trail and get a taste of wilderness travel. An experienced hiker can test their mettle by plotting a longer route into the heart of the Middle Prong.

Either way, it's worth it. This is an exceptionally beautiful place and generally less crowded than other trails in the area. The forest is dense and moist with mosses and ferns draping the trees and ground. Ranging between 5,000 and 6,000 feet in elevation, the Middle Prong Wilderness has Fraser fir and red spruce forest, grassy open meadows, cold mountain streams, and high peak ridges. Some sections of trail are wider and follow an old railroad bed from long ago logging operations. 

Are you ready to give wilderness a try?! Be prepared. Do your homework. Expand your comfort zone and challenge yourself. The reward is experiencing a magnificent area that is a hidden gem of the Parkway.

Details

Duration

1-8 Hours

Hiking in the Middle Prong Wilderness can be as long or as short as you'd like. From the Rough Butt Bald Overlook, there is access to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail that skirts the wilderness boundary. You could do a short out-and-back hike on this trail or chose to venture deeper into the wilderness on more remote and rugged trails.

Activity

Hiking

The Middle Prong Wilderness Area is extensive and provides ample hiking opportunities. Backcountry camping is also allowed for those who wish to make an extended trip. Be sure you are aware of all the rules associated with wilderness areas before heading out.

Age(s)

All ages who are physically capable of hiking are welcome. But be aware that hiking in wilderness areas requires a higher level of skill and preparedness. Make sure you are aware of the differences and are prepared to keep yourself and your family safe.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Rough Butt Bald Overlook (Milepost 425)

There are many places to access the Middle Prong Wilderness. Rough Butt Bald Overlook is the easiest access point from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

The Parkway often closes in the winter because of ice and snow. Check the road closure map before you head out to make sure you can get to your destination.

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The trail from the Rough Butt Bald Overlook is a narrow (2-3 feet wide) dirt path with rocks and exposed roots. It is rated as moderately difficult with some elevation changes and obstacles like small creek crossings. Trails in wilderness areas are not marked, so users must pay close attention and be skilled in map and compass reading.