Table+Rock+-+Beacon+Heights+Challenge

=**Table Rock --> Beacon Heights Challenge**=

This challenge started out as an attempt to run Table Rock to Blowing Rock (Cone Manor) along the MST. A too-casual pace up front and bad dehydration later on dropped this down to a "run" to Beacon Heights (the actual overlook) instead. It was a section of MST with some beautiful trail, lots of waterfalls, countless creek crossings, steep climbs, and more white dots than Pac Man could ever eat. So, it lives on as a new WNC Trail Runner Fitness Challenge.

The start and finish spots also make for reasonable shuttling as Beacon Heights is at the BRP/221 intersection in Linville. You could take the BRP down to 181, then head south and take the Gingercake Road over to Table Rock.

The distance works out to roughly a 50K. The only part of this course that isn't the MST is about the first 1/2 mile or so down from the Table Rock Summit. On your way down, you'll pass one hairpin left turn that has a trail leading off to your right. Skip this one. At the next one, you should see a white dot on the trail that leads back off to the right. Once you are on that, just follow the white dots until you come to Beacon Heights. The actual overlook is not on the MST, nor is the parking lot. You'll have to do a little sign reading to get to the overlook and then back to your car if you are unfamiliar with the area. Anyone is free to edit the description of this route if you feel there is some information that should be added.

The [|Friends of the MST] has guide books that can be purchased or downloaded. This route is all on Segment Four. The MST is picked up at about mile 44.7 in the west to east part of the guide and Beacon Heights is at 75.2, plus a little bit for the hike off the MST to the actual overlook.

We did not count, but there are surely well over twenty creek crossings. Most are limited to maybe 3' deep and not a very strong current, but be aware that this could be different if you go after a period of heavy rain.

__**Finishing Times**__ 08:14 - Mark Rostan -- 09/09/17 09:45 - Mark Rostan -- 08/27/16 (temps in low areas in the 90s led to bad dehydration. Carry a water filter!) 10:45 - Dennis Norris -- 08/27/16 10:45 - Doug Blackford -- 08/27/16

View from Table Rock

Harper Creek

Huntfish Falls

Beacon Heights Overlook