FKT: Kevin McCabe - Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Segment 7 (NC) - 2022-04-12

Athletes
Route variation
point-to-point
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
8h 8m 43s
GPS track(s)
Report

This was a spur of the moment thing and gosh did I pay for it.  My family was complaining that they weren't feeling well the day before I ran and about half way through the cold hit me like a ton of bricks.  Given that the previous time was set by hikers any amount of running would still lower the time.  I was moving very well and enjoying the day out on the trails through about mile 16 or so, which is when the wheels came off.

A couple of things to note:

1) I started across the street from the "Corridor Trail Parking area" directly/touching the small "MST" pilon.

2) when you are coming off the Mountain Trail at PM State Park and making your way down to Pilot Mountain Park Rd. that small area behind the small building is littered with blowndowns and it's almost impossible to follow the trail exactly.

3) there is a new permanent detour once you hit Bradley Rd. because a private landowner has rescinded use of their land for the trail.  I have attached a picture showing the re-route highlighted in pink.  This new detour is not reflected in the GPX file.

4) There is a second permanent reroute when you arrive at NC66.  This new reroute is reflected in the current GPX, however, currently the bridge on that road is under construction.  I followed the perimeter orange fencing to bypass the construction which included fording the stream.

5) I did not know what the water availability was on this trail so I brought 3L capacity and my filter.  I started with 2L and refilled at the Pilot Mountain Campsite Bathhouse with 3L, then I pulled 1L from the stream at mile 29 though I only used about half.  This was completely unnecessary.  It would have been sufficient to bring 1L capacity and my filter.  1L to get to the campground around mile 10 refill, then there are a bevy of stream crossings between miles 17-23 (at least 7) from which to refill, and then a final stream at mile 29 to refill if necessary.  This would have dramatically reduced pack weight and made things easier.

6) I finished at the Hanging Rock Scenic Overlook, which is almost directly across from the Visitor's Center given that this is an easily recognizable landmark.