FKT: Ashley Doty - Mt Sterling, Baxter Creek Trail (NC) - 2022-02-13

I waited until today because the weather forecast was calling for a light dusting of snow, which made for really beautiful trail conditions and added a little more adventure into the mix. I was able to run continuously until I reached the summit, then immediately descended to catch the round trip FKT as well, surprisingly. Amazing trail as the mountain zones change from hard wood forest to spruce/fir with loads of moss on the rocks higher up. I usually take at least one trekking pole to make me feel safer in case I run into a black bear, but figured they were all still hibernating. I carried one water bottle, 1 gel and snickers, and winter weather gear in my pack in case something happened.