grassy ridge

[TNjed]

can anyone tell me what the grassy ridge split is all about? Why is it there? Thanks

[Tennessee Viking]

can anyone tell me what the grassy ridge split is all about? Why is it there? Thanks
Its a unofficial trail. Going northbound on the AT on Roan, you cross the balds. After Jane Bald, you climb up to the Grassy Ridge split. All it is a blazed posted. The AT goes to the left along the side of Grassy Ridge toward Yellow Mountain and Yellow Mountain Gap. The Grassy Ridge Bald Trail leads up a eroded path to Grassy Ridge Bald, one of the largest and highest balds in the southern Appalachians. At the summit is a group of rocks with a plaque dedicating to Cornelius Rex Peake. He was resident of the area long ago who helped start in the work to perserve the grassy balds of Roan Mountain.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/2/4/1/6/dscf0077.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=25183&original=1&c=member&imageuser=12416)

Grassy Ridge Bald is also home to the best examples of wildflowers in the area like the Greys Lily and Flame Azaleas.

Currently, the trail from the AT up to the summit/plaque is newly sponsored by the TEHCC. And will be restored to better condition in the future. The northern section from the summit to the small gap just beyond the plaque is owned by Forest Service. While an area of heavy rodo growth to the southern end is owned by the Southern Appalchian Highlands Conservancy. They own that piece because the original owners of Grassy Ridge at one point in time were looking in developing it into a mountain top community. The SAHC bought it up and is keeping it to preserve its beauty. Hikers are allowed to adventure to the southern end to the rocky bluff, but camping is not allowed past the forest service property line. Be sure to wear long pants because it the growth can carry some thorns, bugs, and other surprises.
[/URL]
There is also some humor to the Grassy Ridge Split. Many of hikers who are new to the area tend to take the Grassy Ridge trail instead of staying on the AT. They keep their heads down and their pace fast when they hit the split. They get a big surprise when they reach the summit and the trail ends.

Grassy Ridge Bluff is quite a sight.
[URL="http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=26055&original=1&c=searchresults&searchid=27439"]http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/2/4/1/6/grassyridgepano2.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=25183&original=1&c=member&imageuser=12416)
To the left is Grassy Ridge Bluff. Its just one big panoramic view and viewss down into Toe Valley. Had lunch at the Bluff, you could see from Grandfather to Mt Mitchell to back to Roan High.

[jfarrell04]

That panoramic view is spectacular!!! Great shot TV.

[Canada Goose]

That panoramic view is spectacular!!!

Makes it all worthwhile, dun'it? :sun

[Cabin Fever]

Its a unofficial trail. Going northbound on the AT on Roan...

You are a nerd. :banana

[BobTheBuilder]

"There is also some humor to the Grassy Ridge Split. Many of hikers who are new to the area tend to take the Grassy Ridge trail instead of staying on the AT. They keep their heads down and their pace fast when they hit the split. They get a big surprise when they reach the summit and the trail ends."

Actually, I didn't think it was that funny when I did it.

[Chaco Taco]

There is a sign up there now at the junction. One of the best side trails down here. Amazing views and fun spot. You gotta go up there, higher than anything in that area with the view. Good camp spots up there too, get water just past the junction and camp up top