Day 6 of AT in TN NOBO

Indian Grave Gap (352.9) to Iron Mountain Gap (364.9)
Daily Mileage: 12.0

Started ascending right out of Indian Grave Gap (3,400 ft) parking lot at 7:30am. 50 degrees and eerie dense fog. You could tell the day would warm up quickly.

The trail was lined initially with rhododendrons, azaleas, and mountain laurel all the way to Beauty Spot at 4,300 ft.

Once above the fog level after 45 minutes or so, the cloudless sky was crystal clear and the cloud inversion/fog views of the valley below were nothing short of amazing (see pics & videos).

Enjoyed FaceTiming Karina from Beauty Spot so that I could share the beautiful overlooks and scenery.

North out of Beauty Spot and headed up to the top of Unaka Mountain (5,200 ft Elev.). Halfway up, the landscape changed quickly to a forest of young Eastern/Red Spruce, Hemlocks and immense amounts of moss. I felt right at home.

The last 6.4 miles of the day was mostly descending ridge-running towards today’s exit point of Iron Mountain Gap. Passed Cherry Gap Shelter on the way. A nice 6-person shelter in an idyllic setting.Read more