This difficult, 6-mile segment traverses the crest of the Blue Ridge (Continental Divide) along the eastern boundary of Montreat. Montreat was founded by Rev. John C. Collins in 1897 as a place “for physical and spiritual renewal,” and was named by combining the words “mountain” and “retreat.” The hike will include the peaks of Rocky Head, Brushy Mountain, and Boggs Bunion and will descend to the historic Swannanoa Gap at Ridgecrest. On the way we will see remnants of the old Mt. Mitchell Railroad and Scenic Auto Road.

Difficulty: Difficult, 5.8 miles

Note: This hike is part of a series, which goes on sale January 3, 2022. Learn more here.

Updated Coronavirus Protocol:
Due to the very high percentage of fully vaccinated people on our hikes, in 2022 we will be returning to our customary hike route and transportation plans. We will be doing one-way hikes that will require a short carpool/driver shuttle system. People in the shuttle cars should mask up and leave some windows open. **If you are uncomfortable with these arrangements, please let the hike committee know at svmhikes@gmail.com and your credits will be reserved for future hikes.**’

We will observe the following hiking procedures due to COVID:

• Please bring a mask to the event to use during carpooling.
• No one who is sick, running a fever or potentially exposed to COVID should attend
• If not vaccinated, masks should be worn in all group settings like sign-in and congregation
  times.
• Social distancing while on the trails is recommended