HIGHEST EASTERN PEAKS SERIES
In Yancey County, in western North Carolina, there are 18 peaks over 6,000'
in elevation, including Mt. Mitchell, which is the highest peak in North
America east of the Rockies.
Here are letterbox clues for the first three in the Highest Eastern Peaks
series. For all three, please remember this is often the windiest, coldest
place in the eastern U.S., even in midsummer. Temperature changes may be
sudden and extreme; dress appropriately. If you are not an experienced
hiker, do not try Craig and Big Tom alone.
ONE
Dr. Elisha Mitchell, 6,684'
Planted 9/29/01
Yancey County
nearest town: Burnsville
Distance: real, real short; a matter of feet.
Difficulty: real, real easy
You might need a flashlight and a poking stick.
Park.
Walk around behind the museum.
Notice what seems to be a path to the left, but isn't.
Slide down into the non-path between the trees onto pine needles.
Notice old drain pipes on the left.
Notice two groups of rocks ahead and to the right, with a small cleft
between them.
Find your prize under the flattest rock in the left rock group. (Glad you
have that flashlight?)
TWO
Governor Locke Craig, 6,648'
Planted 9/29/01
Yancey County
nearest town: Burnsville
Distance: about 1/2-3/4 mile
Difficulty: clues easy, trail strenuous! Wear hiking boots; carry water; do
not hike alone if inexperienced.
You might need a flashlight and a poking stick.
Hike toward Mt. Craig.
When you see the brown sign that reads "Notice Hikers and Backpackers:
(etc.)," STOP.
While facing the sign, look behind it and up the slope about 15 feet to a
tree. To the left of that tree there is a narrow mossy rock ledge. Use
your flashlight and/or poking stick to retrieve your treasure.
As you proceed to Big Tom, you'll see the Craig plaque with the wrong
elevation noted!
THREE
Big Tom Wilson, 6,581'
Planted 9/29/01
Yancey County
nearest town: Burnsville
Distance: about 3/4+ mile
Difficulty: clues easy, trail strenuous, but most of that's behind you.
Pass Governor Craig.
When you see where the plaque isn't, climb over it to USGS marker.
Slide off rock to left of marker.
Press the right side of your right leg against the rock you just slid down.
Hold your right arm straight out at your side pointing at the marker.
Hold your left arm straight out at your side.
Your left arm is pointing at the tree whose roots are sheltering Big Tom's
box.
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