Editing Indian Grave Gap to Iron Mountain Gap

{{Trail
|Trail System=Appalachian Trail
|City=Erwin
|Land Owner=Cherokee National Forest
|Trail Marking=White
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping
|Trail Features=Vistas, Mountains
|Difficulty Rating=Medium
|Hike Time=11 hrs
|Trail Distance=11.8 mi
|Round Trip Distance=22.4
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
|High Point=5,183 ft
|Low Point=3,340 ft
|Elevation Gain=3,303 ft
|Elevation Loss=2,937 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=South-to-North
|Parking location=36.11071, -82.36107
|Trailhead location=36.11071, -82.36107
}}
{{Trail Map}}

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== Trail Overview ==

== How to get there ==

== Route Description ==

(Trail South > North)

=== Indian Grave Gap ===

The Trail crosses TN395/NC197 at the state line with FS230 going towards Beauty Spot. There is a small parking area along the north side of the road.

=== USFS 230 / Beauty Spot Gap Road ===

USFS road that is accessible from Indian Grave Gap. Road is crossed between Indian Grave Gap and Beauty Spot. The road leads to the base of Beauty Spot and continues around Unaka Mountain to Limestone, TN.

=== Beauty Spot ===

One of the many beautiful highland balds in the southern Appalachians. Easily accessed by car via USFS 230.

=== Unaka Mountain ===

Originally bald, Unaka Mountain (5180') was badly burned by forest fires in the early 1900s. This resulted in the growth of dense spruce forest on the top that is much like northeastern evergreen forests. Unaka's massif includes Beauty Spot, Rattlesnake Ridge and Stamping Ground Ridge.

=== Cherry Gap Shelter ===

[[Shelter:Cherry Gap|Cherry Gap Shelter]] (3900') is a concrete-block shelter built in 1962 by the United States Forest Service.

=== Iron Mountain Gap ===

The Trail crosses TN107/NC226. Recent relocations have moved the Trail away from the Forest Service road that is frequented by backcountry horsemen. There is a small parking area along the road where the Forest Service road meets the highway.

== Photos ==
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}

{{Template:AT_Segments}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Summit|Marker Title=Beauty Spot (4,437 ft)|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1167500000, -82.332738000}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Summit|Marker Title=Big Ball (4,140 ft)|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1291000000, -82.274800000}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Campground|Marker Title=Campsite|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1178027840, -82.328569911}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Shelter|Marker Title=Cherry Gap Shelter|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1292400000, -82.264120000}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Point of interest|Marker Title=Flat Rock|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1341035228, -82.306228316}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Summit|Marker Title=Little Bald Knob (4,460 ft)|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1313000000, -82.245200000}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Summit|Marker Title=Piney Ball (4,250 ft)|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1359000000, -82.254600000}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Picnic spot|Marker Title=Pleasant Garden Picnic Area|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1341708508, -82.310344603}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Waterfall|Marker Title=Red Fork Falls (60 ft)|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1501380000, -82.261700000}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Waterfall|Marker Title=Rock Creek Falls (50 ft)|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1267000000, -82.322500000}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Summit|Marker Title=Unaka Mountain (5,223 ft)|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1339999183, -82.297229045}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Photo spot|Marker Title=Unaka Mountain Overlook|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1341951893, -82.310761772}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Point of interest|Marker Title=Iron Mountain Gap|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1432034410, -82.233243076}}
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Point of interest|Marker Title=Indian Grave Gap|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1107385727, -82.361074046}}