start to finish

[ramblinman]

What is a good start/finish point for a two hike on APT(NC/TN)? Strange question I know, but Im trying to get some ideas. Thanks

[Jack Tarlin]

Hot Springs NC to Damascus (just north of the NC/Virginia border) is a great stretch that be comfortably done in two weeks, or maybe a little less.

[terrapin_too]

Hey ramblin, Jack knows his stuff. :) It's a nice stretch of trail. Pond Mtn. might suck, but I wouldn't know. I'm blaming it on L. Wolf. If the weather's right, Roan highlands are fabulous. Laurel Falls another day or two after that, and then easy sailing into Damascus. Have a blast.

[RAT]

Pond Mountain does NOT suck. (Only those that skip it do) LOL, That is an urban myth. Esp with recent relos. Pond Flats are great and there are some really old fossils up there in the rocks right along the trail "skolithus" (sp) ?? That is a nice two week section depending on your hiking abilities, can always fall short and still have awesome hike. All in my backyard, and I love it :)

RAT

[Jack Tarlin]

Ramblinman:

There are any number of nice things about this stretch: For starters, Hot Springs is one of the most popular towns on the whole Trail: There are good places to stay, eat, safely leave a vehicle, and also it has one of the Trail's best outfitters, Bluff Mountain.

The stretch between there and Erwin (68 miles) is quite pretty and takes most folks around four and a half days. High point of the section is probably Big Bald Mountain, at 5516 feet with panoramic 360 degree views on a good day.

Erwin's a good place to take a break; Miss Janet's House in the center of town is one of the best-known hiker hostels on the entire Trail.

The next stretch is great, with early highlights being the very scenic "Beauty Spot" around 10 and a half miles North of Erwin; a few miles later the wooded summit of Unaka Mountain is beautiful as well.

Shortly after that, the Trail ascends Roan Mt; the shelter there is the highest on the entire Trail. This area is world-famous for it's wildflowers if you arrive at the right time of year Like around the third week of June).

From Roan Mt., the Trail descends to Carvers Gap on the NC/TN line, and then goes up into the Roan Highlands, which in my opinion is the prettiest stretch of the Trail in the South. The views on good days are spectacular; you'll also be going by Overmountain Shelter, and old barn now used by hikers. It's considered by many to be the best-located and prettiest shelter on the entire A.T.

The next stretch, after Rt 19E, is not as scenic, but is still quite nice. Recent re-routing of the Trail brings one past several waterfalls (great for a shower on a hot day) and there's now a beautiful new shelter in the section, near Mountaineer Falls.

Soon after, you'll arrive in Dennis Cove. Make sure you visit and stay with Bob and Pat Peoples at Kincora hostel, a legendary place. Bob will also drive you to a market so you can re-supply if need be, or you can have a parcel sent there.

Shortly after leaving Dennis Cove, you'll go right by Laurel Fork Falls, the largest waterfall directly on the Trail, and another great place to swim.

After going up and over Pond Mountain, you'll come out on Rt 321 near Watauga Lake, yet another nice place to spend some time.

From there, it's a quick and very easy 40-odd miles to Damascus. Like Hot Springs, there are all sorts of places to eat or stay, and several good options if you need a shuttle back to Hot Springs or anywhere else.

For more information on this section, check out the On-Line version of The Thru-Hikers Companion, which you can find at www.aldha.org; or, you might want to purchase the new edition of this book, the 2007 edition, which will be out any day now.

In any case, have a great trip!

[terrapin_too]

Ramblinman:

There are any number of nice things about this stretch: For starters, Hot Springs is one of the most popular towns on the whole Trail: There are good places to stay, eat, safely leave a vehicle, and also it has one of the Trail's best outfitters, Bluff Mountain..... <snip>


Hey, Jack... sometime next summer I'd sure like one of these custom-tailored descriptions for my 2007 section. :) It can wait....

[Gray Blazer]

:welcome to whiteblaze. Plan on taking some panorama shots at Rich Mountain fire tower, Camp Creek Bald Tower (you can see the AT route for miles in both directions), Big Bald (same thing, lots of good camping), Beauty Spot (good camping), Roan, Round Bald, Jane's Bald, Grassy Ridge, Big Hump (Good camping spot..cold even in July and August). In other words, bring your camera and plenty of megabytes. I love to camp on the peaks on the AT and those are some of my favorites in NC/TN. I (and everybody else) love the Damascus area.:sun