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- Winter Star Mountain
6,208 ft · Black Mountains, North Carolina
Winter Star Mountain
Winter Star Mountain is a 6,208 ft peak in the Black Mountains, North Carolina. The standard route is the Colbert Ridge Trail and Black Mountain Crest Trail: 9 mi, 3,400 ft of gain, Class 1.
Winter Star Mountain at a glance
- Elevation6,208 ft1,892 m
- RouteColbert Ridge Trail and Black Mountain Crest TrailClass 1
- Distance9 mi3,400 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonYear‑round
- RangeBlack MountainsNorth Carolina
Climbing the Colbert Ridge Trail and Black Mountain Crest Trail
From Burnsville, take US 19E east and NC 80 south to Hamrick, then turn onto Colbert Creek Road (SR 1158) for 0.4 mi to the gravel pullout. The Colbert Ridge Trail (FS 178) climbs about 2,900 ft in 3.9 mi, steeply near the top, to the grassy camping area at Deep Gap. Turn north on the Black Mountain Crest Trail for a stiff half-mile climb to the rocky summit and its USGS benchmark, just off the trail. Class 1 with views to the Roans and Grandfather. The road is open in winter, but ice is common on the crest. From the Mount Mitchell lot it is about 8.8 mi round trip.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Slippery terrain
- High winds
- Low visibility
- Icy summit conditions
Quests with Winter Star Mountain
South Beyond 6,000Peaks near Winter Star Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Winter Star Mountain?
Winter Star Mountain is 6,208 feet (1,892 m) tall. It is in the Black Mountains, North Carolina.
How does Winter Star Mountain rank among the South Beyond 6,000?
At 6,208 feet, Winter Star Mountain is the 23rd highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.
How hard is it to hike Winter Star Mountain?
The Colbert Ridge Trail and Black Mountain Crest Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 9 miles with 3,400 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Winter Star Mountain?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Colbert Ridge Trail and Black Mountain Crest Trail, covering 9 miles with 3,400 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Winter Star Mountain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Colbert Ridge Trail and Black Mountain Crest Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 6 – 8 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Winter Star Mountain?
Winter Star Mountain is open for hiking year-round. Conditions change with the seasons, so check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Winter Star Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list