Roan Mountain
Among the tallest peaks in the Southern Appalachians, Roan Mountain is known for long stretches of bald ridge lines with expansive views of the Blue Ridge, as well as spectacular displays of Catawba Rhododendron blooming during early Summer.
A large area is encompassed in this section, from Iron Mountain Gap to where US-19E crosses the border into North Carolina near the town of Roan Mountain. The trails described below are: Carver's Gap to Grassy Ridge along the AT, Carver's Gap to Roan High Bluff along the AT, the Overmountain Victory Trail to Little Hump Mountain starting from Tennessee, the Overmountain Victory Trail to Little Hump Mountain starting from North Carolina, Birchfield Trail to Overmountain Victory Trail Loop, Hughes Gap to Little Rock Knob along the AT and Iron Mountain Gap to the Apple Orchard along the AT. |
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Carver's Gap to Grassy Ridge along the AT
Distance: 5 - 7 miles round trip
From Carver's Gap headed north, the Appalachian Trail opens up to some pretty incredible views of the Blue Ridge, including the nearby Roan Mountain. The trail offers great vistas of both North Carolina and Tennessee as it follows the ridgeline over Round Bald, Engine Gap and Jane Bald before descending back into the forest and continues on to Yellow Mountain. Before the A.T. descends into the forest, a side trail known as the Grassy Ridge Trail turns right and leads to the summit of Grassy Ridge Bald and more beautiful panoramic views. Bald mountains with great vistas are not all that common on the East Coast and the views from Carver's Gap has inspired many literary through-hikers to notate this trek as having the best views along the A.T. south of Maine. In total the hike from Carver's Gap to Grassy Ridge and back again can be anywhere from five to seven miles. The Grassy Ridge Trail wanders along the ridge, becoming a bit tougher to travel after 1.5 miles as it cuts through rhododendrons, eventually ending with another great view. The hike is a good mix of uphill and downhill, most of the steepness is very reasonable but there are some tough jaunts including the initial climb up to Grassy Ridge after first turning off of the A.T. Admittedly the judgment of steepness is always in the eye of the beholder but the sheer majesty of the views from Carver's Gap is an extremely effective distraction from any possible fatigue or muscle soreness. The A.T. is well marked and easy to follow. The side trail leading to Grassy Ridge is also easy to identify. Grassy Ridge Trail is not marked but the path is easy to follow. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead but this is a very popular segment of the A.T. and a great day hike when the weather is favorable. This description is taken from an article I wrote for the East Tennessean linked here. Further Online Resources: Appalachian Treks: Roan Balds BrendaJWiley.com: Grassy Ridge Hiking Bill: Grassy Ridge (Current as of Summer 2013) |
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Driving Directions:
To get to the trailhead from ETSU, merge right onto University Parkway. Turn right onto South Roan Street and then turn left onto TN-359 / Okolona Rd. Stay on Okolona Rd until making a right onto Laurels Rd also known as TN-361. Stay on TN-361 as Laurel Rd becomes Dry Creek Rd.
Turn right on US-19E headed toward Roan Mountain. Once in the community of Roan Mountain, make a right onto TN-143. Stay on TN-143 until reaching Carver's Gap. Parking for the trailhead is on the right just before the North Carolina state line. Carver's Gap is located approximately 38 miles from ETSU. Driving Directions to Carver's Gap using Google Maps is linked here. |
Carver's Gap to Roan High Bluff along the AT
Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles round trip
Once at Carver's Gap, it's hard not to head north along the AT to enjoy the expansive views of the Grassy Balds, but the hike headed south is also rewarding with a journey through the eerie stillness of a shadowy and verdant Red Spruce Forest to the awesome panoramas of Roan High Bluff. Along the way, beautiful displays of wildflowers bloom when the season is right, including the Catawba Rhododendron which Roan Mountain is known for and celebrates during the Rhododendron Festival held annually in late Spring / early Summer. In fact, the Rhododendron Gardens are on the way and just a short distance away from Roan High Bluff, adding minimal distance to the overall hike. The hike begins from the large and popular parking area at Carver's Gap where the AT crosses Highway TN-143. From here follow the AT southbound for about 1.7 miles. Most of the 1.7 miles is a steady, moderately demanding uphill climb through dense forest. The forest ecosystem through this section of Roan Mountain is unique among the Southern Appalachians. About 1.5 miles from the start, a side trail veers to the right leading to Roan High Knob & Roan High Knob Shelter, the highest point on Roan Mountain and highest shelter on the AT at 6285 ft above sea level. The shelter is 0.1 miles away along the side trail, or about 0.2 miles round trip if you hike up to the shelter and the high point. The AT levels out and even travels a little downhill after passing the side trail leading to the shelter. This does not last long, as the path turns steep for a very brief bit after passing an opening that is close to the road leading up to the Rhododendrons Gardens. After the brief bit of steeper uphill, a wooden fence post with white blazes spray painted on it is reached. A side trail cuts left through an open field that used to be the foundation of a resort known as the Cloudland Hotel. Follow the side trail to a large parking area. On the other side of the parking area is the start point for the Cloudland Trail. The distance from the start of the Cloudland Trail to Roan High Bluff is 1.2 miles of mostly easy walking with some uphill jaunts. Near the start of Cloudlandland Trail, a side trail veers right for a short distance leading to a great overlook. About 0.5 miles from the start of the Cloudland Trail, another side trail veers left leading to the Rhododendron Gardens. Besides the beautiful and abundant displays of Catawba Rhododendrons, there are also excellent views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Past the Rhododendron Gardens, the Cloudland Trail travels through a couple of more parking areas before reaching the last half-mile of the hike leading ultimately to the fenced overlook at Roan High Bluff. The Cloudland Trail is marked by both signs and a yellow blaze spray-painted onto trees, while the AT is marked by the White Blaze. This is a there and back again hike, so the way back is the way you came but it is also possible to hike down the road back to Carver's Gap. At an approximate round trip distance of 6 - 7 miles, this day-hike is of moderate difficulty level do to the distance and the just-enough-to-notice uphill grade. Otherwise, the way is well-marked with limited navigation difficulty, with maybe the exception of the many little side-trails veering away to picnic areas along the Cloudland Trail to be aware of. Further Online Resources: Carolina Mountain Club: Roan Highlands Appalachian Treks: Roan High Bluff TEHCC: Iron Mountain Gap to Carver's Gap (Current as Fall 2013) |
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Driving Directions:
To get to the trailhead from ETSU, merge right onto University Parkway. Turn right onto South Roan Street and then turn left onto TN-359 / Okolona Rd. Stay on Okolona Rd until making a right onto Laurels Rd also known as TN-361. Stay on TN-361 as Laurel Rd becomes Dry Creek Rd.
Turn right on US-19E headed toward Roan Mountain. Once in the community of Roan Mountain, make a right onto TN-143. Stay on TN-143 until reaching Carver's Gap. Parking for the trailhead is on the right just before the North Carolina state line. Carver's Gap is located approximately 38 miles from ETSU. Driving Directions to Carver's Gap using Google Maps is linked here. NOTE: It is possible to drive up to the Rhododendron Gardens and to within 0.5 miles of the overlook at Roan High Bluff. During Tourism Season there is a fee for parking. |
Overmountain Victory Trail to Little Hump Mountain Starting from Tennessee
Distance: Approximately 10 miles round trip
At approximately 10 miles round trip, the trek to Little Hump Mountain from Hampton Creek Cove State Nature Area by taking the Overmountain Victory Trail and the AT is a long, strenuous and rewarding dayhike. Beside retracing a part of the historical route taken by the Overmountain Men in 1780, the route wanders through pastures, verdant forest, and along the bald ridge line of Little Hump Mountain. Starting from Hampton Creek Cove State Nature Area, the Overmountain Victory Trail initially cuts through a thick bramble of blackberry and honeysuckle, crossing a metal bridge. Shortly after crossing the metal bridge, the trail comes to a fork. A wooden sign marks the right turn, but the sign can be obscured by vegetation during warmer months. Turn right, as the path parallels a fence line before crossing Hampton Creek again. This time by way of a wooden bridge. Not long after crossing the wooden bridge the trail links up with an unpaved road. From here merge left and follow the road, passing through a gate and traveling up through a pasture before descending a very brief distance toward another gate and a bridge. Just before reaching the gate and the bridge, the Birchfield Trail splits to the right, away from the Overmountain Victory Trail. A sign notes the way for the Overmountain Victory Trail. Other signs next to the bridge describe how the nearby waterfall acts as a barrier, preventing rainbow trout from getting further upstream to wreak havoc on the native brook trout population. There is also further detail on the rules and regulations for trout fishing in the area. Shortly after crossing the last bridge, the trail comes to two gates, cross through the right gate. A large trail sign marks the way not far past the gate. From here the trail leads steadily up through many pastures hugging the fence-line on the right. The pastures are rich with animal life and wildflowers. In the summer, the barrens are ripe with blackberries and flush with Heal-Alls, Queen Anne's Lace, and Black-Eyed Susans. Farm animals, like cattle and horses are among the inhabitants of the pastures and they are key reasons to remember to close the gates behind you. In total there are nine gates including the first gate at the beginning of the hike. Some gates will be open and some will be closed. After passing the ninth gate, the trail leads up through a long, narrow pasture before cutting a few times through forest and fields. The route then turns into the forest and solely winds through the forest before erupting from the shadows a little past Yellow Mountain Gap. Not long after cutting into the forest, the trail forks right. In addition to the large signs and the trail signs decorated with the Overmountain Victory Trail emblem, laminated white triangles have been attached to trees to mark the trail through the forest. The route through the forest is initially fairly steady uphill including a very brief steep climb up a rocky staircase before the trail levels out a bit and even begins to descend for a moderate distance following and crossing mountain streams often obscured by overgrowth during the warmer seasons. Past the last stream crossing, the path makes a sharp right turn and steeply heads up the mountainside. From here, the way is a steep ascent to Yellow Mountain Gap where the Overmountain Victory Trail meets the AT. As late Spring turns to Summer and Autumn, this section of the hike will cost anyone their love for wearing shorts out on the trail. Undoubtedly, the trail through the forest has already offered glimpses of the Stinging Nettle encroaching on the trail, but the growth of the plant is downright obnoxious along the last stretch of the Overmountain Victory Trail before reaching Yellow Mountain Gap. From the trailhead to where the Overmountain Victory Trail intersects with the AT at Yellow Mountain Gap is 3.5 miles. From Yellow Mountain Gap to the summit of Little Hump Mountain is another 1.5 miles along the AT headed northbound. There are two catercorner signs at the intersection of the two trails. Each sign discusses the history of Yellow Mountain Gap, in particular the historic journey of the Overmountain Men through the gap to victory at the Battle of King's Mountain in 1780 during the American Revolutionary War. Turn left onto the AT from the Overmountain Victory Trail and prepare oneself for a ruthlessly steep ascent, justified by the incredible panoramas offered by Little Hump Mountain. Not long after turning onto the AT, the right side of the trail opens up to fields filled with multitudes of wildflowers like Basil Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot, Tall Bellflowers, Fringed Loosestrife, and a variety of sunflowers. After offering some outstanding views of the nearby mountains and the barn reborn as the Overmountain Shelter, the AT travels back through forest and levels out a bit before opening back up again along the bald ridgline of Little Hump Mountain looking up toward the last steep stretch. Though tough on what may already be sore legs, the ascent looks tougher than it actually is. The views from Little Hump Mountain of the Blue Ridge Mountains are breathtaking and include Roan Mountain, Big Hump Mountain, and even the unique silhouette of Grandfather Mountain. From here the way back is the way you came, approximately 5 miles back to the opening gate of Hampton Creek Cove. This is a difficult hike at a round trip distance of 10 miles. The difficulty comes from the distance of the hike and the amount of steep uphill along the way. Otherwise, the hike is well-marked on both the Overmountain Victory Trail and the AT. Sometimes the signs at the bottom of the hike can be obscured by overgrowth, but otherwise the navigation is pretty straight-forwad. There are a few stream crossings but all are manageable without getting shoes soaked. Cattle, rain, and pasture can mean muddy terrain. Don't forget to close the gates after opening them. Further Online Resources: Official Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Hiking Bill The Asheville Hiking Group (Excellent Maps) Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area (Current as of Summer 2013) |
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Driving Directions:
To get to the trailhead from ETSU, merge right onto University Parkway. Turn right onto South Roan Street and then turn left onto TN-359 / Okolona Rd. Stay on Okolona Rd until making a right onto Laurels Rd also known as TN-361. Stay on TN-361 as Laurel Rd becomes Dry Creek Rd.
Turn right on US-19E headed toward Roan Mountain. Once in the community of Roan Mountain, make a right onto Main St, then take first left onto Stratton St. Almost immediately after turning onto Stratton St, turn right onto Sawdust Trail. Shortly after turning on Sawdust Trail, turn left onto Old Highway 143 for 0.3 miles. Then turn left onto Hampton Creek Rd. Follow Hampton Creek Rd for 3.3 miles and the parking area for Hampton Creek Cove State Nature Area will be on the left side of the road, just a little past a pretty church. Driving directions using Google Maps is linked here. |
Overmountain Victory Trail to Little Hump Mountain Starting from North Carolina
Distance: approximately 4.5 miles round trip
There is more than one way to get to Little Hump Mountain from the Overmountain Victory Trail. The ten mile trek described directly above begins from the Tennessee side. The route described here begins from North Carolina. Like the trek from Tennessee, this hike is a there and back again hike beginning with a journey through pastoral & border landscapes and then forest, before linking up with the AT at Yellow Mountain Gap. From Yellow Mountain Gap, Little Hump Mountain's incredible panoramic views await but only after a steep climb. The difference between the two trails being the hike from North Carolina is significantly shorter in distance at 4.5 miles than the above ten mile hike. Starting from the trailhead at Roaring Creek Road, the Overmountain Victory trail is 0.75 miles away from Yellow Mountain Gap. From Yellow Mountain Gap, Little Hump Mountain is 1.5 miles away along the AT. Starting from the moderately-sized pull-off parking area near the trailhead, the Overmountain Victory Trail begins with some moderately steep uphill on a forestry road that parallels Roaring Creek. A trail sign marks the sharp left the trail takes headed up into a pasture, briefly skirting the tree-line before crossing through the open field. From here the trail gets less steep but remains a reasonable uphill jaunt as the path parallels pastures before traveling through forest. The trail comes to a fork as the path comes out of the forest. The way left leads back down to Roaring Creek Road. A sign marks the Overmountain Victory Trail at this intersection. Veer right toward the nearby Yellow Mountain Gap. Two signs sit catercornered at the intersection of the Overmountain Victory Trail and the AT. These signs describe the significant history of the gap, in particular the history of the Overmountain Men during the American Revolutionary War. From Yellow Mountain Gap, turn right onto the AT and begin the 1.5 mile ascent to Little Hump Mountain. The initial hike along the AT is steep but opens up on the right to some awesome views. The route then levels out for a brief bit as the AT follows a forested ridgeline before opening up to views of the last stretch of uphill before reaching the top of Little Hump Mountain. This last bit appears tougher than it actually is. Besides the previously and often mentioned views, this trek is bountiful with wildflowers including many various species of sunflower and bergamot. At 4.5 miles, this hike is of moderate difficulty do to the sometimes steep uphill. The AT is well-marked and signs mark the key points along the Overmountain Victory Trail on the North Carolina side. There are no stream crossings to worry about but beware the wind can be biting on Little Hump Mountain and the AT can get slick after wet weather along this stretch. Further Online Resources: TEHCC: Carver's Gap to US-19E Official Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail |
Driving Directions:
From ETSU, take a right onto University Parkway and then turn right onto South Roan Street. Follow South Roan Street and turn left onto Okolona Road for 1.4 miles.
From Okolona Road, turn right onto TN-361 and stay on TN-361 until coming to a stop sign and turn right onto US-19E headed toward Roan Mountain. Stay on US-19E, as the highway crossing into North Carolina. Veer right, staying on US-19E through the community of Cranberry. From this point, follow US-19E for another 8.2 miles before making a right onto Roaring Creek Road. Follow Roaring Creek Road for 4.2 miles, before coming to a moderately sized pull-off parking area on the left and the trailhead for Overmountain Victory Trail on the right. Roaring Creek Road turns into a well-maintained soft surface road close to the start point for the hike. Driving Directions to the Start Point for this Hike using Google Maps is linked here. |
Birchfield Trail to Overmountain Victory Trail Loop
Distance: Approximately 4 miles round trip
The Birchfield Trail begins from the Hampton Creek Cove State Nature Area and steadily moves through pasture into forested borderlands following Hampton Creek. Hampton Creek Cove State Nature Area is an intentionally designed mix of pastoral land, border forest, and forest. The State Nature Area serves as an example of how the wild and the pasture can benefit eachother and/or coexist harmoniously. Because of this the hikes of Hampton Creek Cove SNA are rich with oppurtunity for wildlife and pasture-life viewing. Additionally, Hampton Creek Cove is a protected habitat for native Brook Trout. From the Trailhead, Birchfield Trail follows the Overmountain Victory Trail through a field of thick bramble crossing over Hampton Creek byway of a metal bridge before coming to a wooden sign. In Summer, the sign will most likely be obscured by vegetation. Turn right at the sign, paralleling a fence line for short bit before crossing Hampton Creek byway of another bridge. Not long after crossing the bridge, the trail merges left onto a forestry road and passes through a gate. The road leads up through another gate and opens up into a pasture. Not long after cresting a small hill, the trail forks with the Overmountain Victory Trail leading left through another gate and crossing a bridge. Veer right staying on the Birchfield Trail as the way continues uphill through the pasture. A sign marks the split in the trail. Reflective White Blazes mark the way through the pasture as the trail heads further up the hill toward the forest. The route crosses through a small wooden gate as the forest is reached. From here the path follows Hampton Creek pretty closely through the forest, crossing the creek once. This can be accomplished without getting soaked by rock-hopping on most occasions. After crossing the creek, the trail parallels Hampton Creek and the Overmountain Victory Trail pretty closely, eventually linking back up with the Overmountain Victory Trail. Where the trails merge, turn left headed down a pasture paralleing the fence line, taking the Overmountain Victory Trail back down to the Trailhead. At approximately 4 miles round trip, this hike is of easy-to-moderate difficulty. Both the Birchfield Trail and the Overmountain Victory Trail are well-marked. All creek crossings involve a bridge except for one and that one can be accomplished without getting wet. Like the hike to Little Hump Mountain from the Overmountain Victory Trail remember to close the gates behind you. Further Online Resources: Hampton Creek Cove State Nature Area TEHCC: Hampton Creek Cove SNA Appalachian Treks: Hampton Creek Cove SNA |
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Driving Directions:
To get to the trailhead from ETSU, merge right onto University Parkway. Turn right onto South Roan Street and then turn left onto TN-359 / Okolona Rd. Stay on Okolona Rd until making a right onto Laurels Rd also known as TN-361. Stay on TN-361 as Laurel Rd becomes Dry Creek Rd.
Turn right on US-19E headed toward Roan Mountain. Once in the community of Roan Mountain, make a right onto Main St, then take first left onto Stratton St. Almost immediately after turning onto Stratton St, turn right onto Sawdust Trail. Shortly after turning on Sawdust Trail, turn left onto Old Highway 143 for 0.3 miles. Then turn left onto Hampton Creek Rd. Follow Hampton Creek Rd for 3.3 miles and the parking area for Hampton Creek Cove State Nature Area will be on the left side of the road, just a little past a pretty church. Driving directions using Google Maps is linked here. |
Hughes Gap to Little Rock Knob along the AT
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip
At 4.4 miles round trip, the hike headed south along the AT from Hughes Gap to the beautiful mountain vistas of Little Rock Knob is an easy-to-moderate level hike. Most of the hike is through forest, as the AT follows and skirts the ridgeline from Hughes Gap. In late Spring, Trillium, Canada Mayflower, Pink Lady Slipper, Great Rhododendron and many other woodland wildflowers bloom along the way. In Autumn, Aster, Soapwort Gentian, Late-Blooming Thoroughwort & Goldenrod are some of the wildflowers to be found along the trail. Still, the mountain views provided by Little Rock Knob are the true reward of this easily navigated trek. Starting from the limited pull-off parking where the AT crosses Hughes Gap Road, head southbound on the AT for 2.2 miles. Not far from the parking, a black sign on a tree notates the mileage for key points on the trail. After the first initial climb, the AT levels out and even descends a little, eventually becoming a more steady uphill, crossing over the ridge-line a couple of times before making a sharp right switchback. Not long after this switchback, the route begins to descend for a brief distance before Little Rock Knob is reached. The rocky overlook is on the right hand side of the trail coming from Hughes Gap. A blue ribbon also marks Little Rock Knob but the overlook is not hard to find. After enjoying the views, the way back is the way you came as this is a there and back again hike. The route is well marked with the White Blaze, but be aware Autumn foliage does have the potential to obfuscate the path. Otherwise, there are no stream crossings to be concerned with. The uphill is mostly reasonable but not ignorable. Further Online Resources: Appalachian Treks: Little Rock Knob TEHCC: Iron Mountain Gap - Carver's Gap Summit Post: Little Rock Knob |
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Driving Directions:
From ETSU, take a right onto University Parkway. From University Parkway merge right onto I-26 headed south toward Erwin. Take Exit 32, the exit for the community of Unicoi.
From the Exit Ramp, turn left onto TN-173. At the Stop Sign, turn right onto Unicoi Road, aka TN-173 for 0.7 miles and then turn left onto TN-107 headed toward Limestone Cove and Buladean. Stay on TN-107 as the road winds over the mountain becoming NC-226 as the state line is crossed. Wind down the mountain for 3.8 miles on NC-226 before making a left onto Hughes Gap Road. Follow Hughes Gap Rd for approximately 4.2 miles. Hughes Gap Rd is mostly hard surface but does turn to gravel for the last 0.2 miles. There is a bit of a dip and some potholes but the road is well maintained. There is pull-off parking where the AT crosses the road. Driving directions to Hughes Gap using Google Maps is linked here. |
Iron Mountain Gap to the Apple Orchard along the AT
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
The elevation and seemingly-ancient forest shadows often delay the rebirth of Spring along the Appalachian Trail (AT) headed north toward Roan Mountain from Iron Mountain Gap, but once the thaw begins, a spectacle of wildflowers erupts along the way. The hikes described here and just below are among the best hikes through Spring and Summer for wildflower viewing. In Spring, Dwarf Larkspur, Fleabane, Virginia Spiderwort, Red Trillium, Canada Mayflower, Spring Beauty, Ragwort, and Large-Flowered Trillium are but a few of the species blooming along the AT headed north from Iron Mountain Gap. In Summer, Wild Bergamot, Basil Bee Balm, Crimson Bee Balm, Black Cohosh, Tall Bellflower, Great Rhododendron, Goldenrod, Hedge Bindweed, and Turk's Cap Lily are among the many species blooming along this same route. There are a couple of ways I like to make a dayhike out of this particular section of the AT. The hike described below this will be on a 14 mile hike from Iron Mountain Gap to Little Rock Knob which climaxes with an excellent vista and is admittedly ridiculously long for a day-hike. The hike described here is a short trek at a round trip distance of 2.4 miles and there is still a preponderance of wildflowers to be witnessed along the way. During Summer, the turn around point for this hike, the Apple Orchard is an incredible spot with large displays of Turk's Cap Lilies, Wild Bergamot, Tall Bellflower, and other species. The way to the Apple Orchard is easily navigated with no major turns or splits in the trail. The AT is well-maintained through this area and often marked by a white blaze. There are some stints of uphill along the way but for the most part the AT feels fairly level for the 1.2 miles to the old orchard. Most of the way winds through forest, but occassionally the forest breaks and on a couple of occassions offers views of distant hilltops. As the orchard is neared, the path begins to go downhill, sharply curving right before easing back to the left and opening up into an old Apple Orchard being reclaimed by the wild. From here follow the AT through the old orchard until reaching the sign with the word "water" written on it pointing to a side- trail headed left to a water source. From here take the left leading to the small stream that is the before mentioned water source. There are a few popular primitive campsites along this brief path to the small stream. This is the turn-around point, so the way back to Iron Mountain Gap is approximately 1.2 miles. There are no stream crossings to worry about. An older version of the AT parallels the trail but it does not confuse the route, except maybe at one spot on the way back but a sign marks the AT as the way veers right. This is a short and friendly hike of easy level with tremendous potential if you enjoy wildflowers. Further Online Resources: TEHCC: Iron Mountain Gap - Carver's Gap Appalachian Treks: Iron Mountain Gap - Hughes Gap Sherpa Guides: Appalachian Trail Description |
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Driving Directions:
From ETSU, turn right onto University Parkway headed toward Elizabethton and Interstate 26. Turn right onto I-26. Stay on I-26 until reaching the exit for Unicoi, Exit 32. Turn left from the off-ramp onto TN-173.
At the Stop Sign, turn right staying on TN-173 as the road travels through the town of Unicoi. In less than 0.5 miles, turn left onto TN-107. Follow TN-107 for approximately 10 miles where a moderately-sized pull-off parking area will be on the right, near where the AT crosses Iron Mountain Gap. You will know you have gone too far if you find yourself going down the North Carolina side of the mountain on NC-226. Driving directions to Iron Mountain Gap using Google Maps is linked here. |