The Unique North Carolina Hike That Leads To Plane Wreckage From 1978

Last month, we wrote about a Blue Ridge Parkway hike that leads to the wreckage of a plane crash from 1983, and then asked for information about other plane crashes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thanks to readers, we’re covering another crashed plane you can hike to from the Parkway, although this hike is a bit more challenging.

Apparently, there is more than one way to get there, but we’re following our favorite trail app (alltrails.com) and beginning at the Boone Fork pullover (milepost 296.5) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From here, you’ll start out on the Tanawha trail and take a couple of turns before hitting the Daniel Boone Scout Trail.

alltrails/Ralph Stewart

You’ll find this map, and turn-by-turn directions, at this link on alltrails.com.

alltrails.com

Don’t let the Tanawha Trail fool you into thinking this hike is a piece of cake. It’s anything but a piece of cake.

alltrails/Jana Gorylova

The looped Daniel Boone Scout Trail is more than six miles long and has an elevation change of 2,227 feet. In other words, you’re in for an uphill haul.

alltrails/Ray Tant

Additionally, you may want to leave the dog at home. There are at least three steep ladder climbs along the trail.

alltrals/Zach Penner-White

But the views along the way are outrageous!

alltrails/Addie Schoenberger

And along the way, there is a downed plane, reportedly crashed in this spot back in 1978.

alltrails/Joe Higgins

Surprisingly, the wreckage is still in good condition, given the time that has passed — and the harsh winter conditions this region experiences each year.

alltrails/Owen Williams

In addition, some people find it’s a little unsettling when they discover the wreckage is scattered over such a long swatch through the forest.

alltrails/Josh Bromley

alltrails/John Bromley

To get to the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, park at the Boone Fork lot (Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 296.5) and take the trailhead for Tanawha Trail. Due to technical maneuvers required along this hike, this trail is rated as difficult. Also, if you’re planning to continue your hike to Calloway Peak, you may need a permit, since it’s part of Grandfather Mountain.

Google Maps [streetview]

Have you hiked to either of these two plane crash sites to view the wreckage yet? You’ll want to get a move on before the snow and ice hit the mountains of North Carolina!.