Bushes - acres and acres of bushes - rhododendrons and blueberries to be exact! If you're here at the right time, you'll be treated to a feast for the eyes (mid-June) or mouth (mid-August to mid-September).
Please don't destroy the vegetation in your determination to find the cache! There are several small trails made by berry pickers that you can use. You may be on hands-and-knees before it's all over. PAY ATTENTION SO YOU CAN BE CERTAIN TO PUT THE CONTAINER BACK IN THE EXACT SPOT WHERE YOU FOUND IT!
The trail splits at about N 35º 19.845 W 82º 52.632. Take the left (west) split, or you'll be sorry.
You'll be hiking 2 1/2 rocky miles round trip, so be prepared for possible bad weather, wildlife encounters, and other unexpected difficulties. We suggest making sure you're prepared with The Ten Essentials.
During winter months, be sure to check whether the Blue Ridge Parkway is open. Call 828-298-0398; press 1, then 3. The Forest Service access road to Black Balsam Knob intersects the Parkway between Milepost 412 (U.S. 276, Wagon Road Gap) and Milepost 423 (NC 215, Beech Gap).