Iron Mountain Trail - South: Difference between revisions

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<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  Please scroll down to edit the main content of the article. -->
{{Trail
{{Infobox Trail
|City=Mountain City
                    | Image Name = placeholder.JPG
|Land Owner=Cherokee National Forest
                    | City = Mountain City
|Trail Marking=Blue
                    | State = Tennessee
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping, Hunting
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Dogs}} {{Camping}} 
|Difficulty Rating=Hard
                    | Difficulty Rating = Difficult
|Hike Time=2 day
                    | Hike Time = 24+
|Trail Distance=17.75 mi
                    | Distance = 18
|Round Trip Distance=17.75 mi
                    | Elevation Gain = up to 2200
|Trail Type=One way
                    | High Point = 4200
|High Point=4,208 ft
                    | Latitude = N36°28.367
|Low Point=1,997 ft
                    | Longitude = W81°56.917
|Elevation Gain=3,043 ft
                    | Medical = Mountain City, TN
|Elevation Loss=4,775 ft
<!-- DON'T EDIT THE GOOGLEMAP TAG -->
|Elevation Change Direction=South-to-North
                    | googlemap =
|Parking location=36.47989, -81.96225
<googlemap lat="36.538330" lon="-81.832008"  zoom="9" width="270" type="map" height="180" selector="no" controls="small">
|Trailhead location=36.47278, -81.94861
36.538330,-81.832008,Iron Mountain Trail - South
</googlemap>
}}
}}
<!-- End Infobox template table-->
{{Trail Map}}
 
Click Here for USFS Map of the Iron Mtn Trail: [https://caltopo.com/m/N1HN USFS Map of Iron Mtn Trail]
<!-- Start of Main Page -->


__TOC__
== Trail Overview ==
== Trail Overview ==
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
What is now the Iron Mountain Trail (IMT) was the route for Appalachain Trail until 1972 when a major relocation moved the AT away from all the communication towers over to the Roan Highlands.  Today, IMT offers a more secluded experience with spectacular overlooks.  For this trail wiki, the trail is being listed as two major sections with the city of Damascus as the dividing point.
IMT offers a more secluded experience with spectacular overlooks.  For this trail wiki, the trail is being listed as two major sections with the city of Damascus as the dividing point.


== How to get there ==
== How to get there ==
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== Route Description==
== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
The [http://www.johnsoncountytrails.org/iron.html#4 Johnson County Trails] group has nicely divided the southern portion into sections, thus reference their webpage for access directions.
The southern IMT can be divided into four sections referenced below. Note that the Camp Ahistadi section is a spur trail off the main Iron Mountain Trail.


{| class="wikitable" border=1"
{| class="wikitable" border=1"
Line 55: Line 53:
!Trail Section
!Trail Section
!Distance (mi)
!Distance (mi)
!Elevation (ft)
!Elevation Gain and Loss (ft)
|----
|----
|Cross Mountain to Hwy 421
|Cross Mountain Road to Hwy 421
|5.0
|5.1
|3700 to 3900
|1250, -1000
|----
|----
|Hwy 421 to Corinth Church
|Hwy 421 (Sandy Gap) to Forest Service Road 322 (To get to Corinth Church, follow FS 322 SE for 0.7 miles)
|8.7
|8.0
|3900 to 2900
|1300, -1650
|----
|----
|Corinth Church to Camp Ahistadi
|Forest Service Road 322 to Intersection with Camp Ahistadi Spur Trail (This 1.4 Mile Spur Trail Leads to Camp Ahistadi)
|6.0
|2.7
|2900 to 2300
|650, -750
|----
|----
|Camp Ahistadi to Damascus
|Intersection with Camp Ahistadi Spur Trail to Damascus (Orchard Hill Road)
|4.1
|2.5
|2300 to 2000
|100, -1550
|----
|----
|}
|}


Elevation change given from south to north direction.  The trail is marked by blue or yellow blazes with metal yellow mile markers (some missing).
Elevation change given from south to north direction.  The trail is marked by blue blazes with metal yellow mile markers (some missing). Note that the Camp Ahistadi Trail is also marked with blue blazes so be attentive to the signs at the intersection of these trails.
 
NOTE ON PRIMITIVE CAMP WATER SOURCES: Some springs may not be flowing during dry periods. The most reliable source of water is  about 7 miles from Cross Mt Road where three different streams cross the trail in the course of about 0.5 miles. Link to a map showing water sources: https://caltopo.com/m/N1HN
 
The first section appears to be a favorable day hike with a car shuttle. 


The first section appears to be favorable day hike with a car shuttle.   
<u>Spur trail from  Ahistadi UMC Camp</u>
<br>Park along TN91 outside, but not blocking, camp gate.  Enter camp, cross bridge, and then take right to follow stream to trailhead (N36°35.864, W81°45.382).  Trail is a steep path UP with essentially no switchbacks.  Some additional blue blazing would be helpful to ensure remaining on the trail instead of following an animal run1.4 mile distance climbing ~1220 feet net.


A loop hike of about 45 miles can be created by hiking this part of the Iron Mountain Trail along with the Appalachian Trail. Best would be to start at Damascus, head south on IMT, cut over on Cross Mountain Road for bit over a mile to Hwy TN-91, and then return north bound on the AT.  This circuit can be completed in four days.
A loop hike of about 45 miles can be created by hiking this part of the Iron Mountain Trail along with the Appalachian Trail. Best would be to start at Damascus, head south on IMT, cut over on Cross Mountain Road for bit over a mile to Hwy TN-91, and then return north bound on the AT.  This circuit can be completed in four days.
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== Typical Conditions ==
== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
Iron Mountain Trail is located in Cherokee National Forest (known as Forest Service Trail 54) and maintained by the [http://www.hiketennessee.net/ Mid-Appalachian Highlands] and Johnson County Hiking (miles 11 thru 13) clubs.  Typical condition has been reported as being in good shape with blowdowns promptly removed.  There are no shelters, but several campsites exists.  Available water supplies may be limited on the ridgeline.  Another observation is that IMT has more ups-and-downs which would have been typical for the early AT route - before all of the relocations and improvements have smoothed out the latter trail.
Iron Mountain Trail is located in Cherokee National Forest (known as Forest Service Trail 54) and maintained by the [http://www.hiketennessee.net/ Mid-Appalachian Highlands] and Johnson County Hiking (miles 11 thru 13) clubs.  Typical condition has been reported as being in good shape with blowdowns promptly removed.  There are no shelters, but several campsites exists.  Available water supplies may be limited on the ridgeline.  Another observation is that IMT has many ups-and-downs.


==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
 
No fees or permits are required. Dogs are not allowed in the wilderness area in Tennessee.
== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Any seasonal features, factoids, etc...? -->
 
 
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="36.55" lon="-81.832008" type="terrain" zoom="11" width="725" scale="yes" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png">
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Iron Mountain Trail.kml
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/AT_for_IMT_Circuit_Hike.kml
 
(G) 36.47278, -81.94861
Cross Mountain trailhead
(G) 36.49722, -81.88639
Hwy 421 access point
(G) 36.56667, -81.79333
Corinth Church access point
(G) 36.59806, -81.75444
Camp Ahistadi access point
(G) 36.625, -81.77222
Damascus trailhead
(F) 36.50903, -81.98622
Double Springs shelter
(F) 36.58086, -81.90205
Abingdon Gap shelter
(A) 36.479887,-81.962247
AT Parking on TN 91 (3 spaces)
(A) 36.538835, -81.948426
AT Parking on US421 at Low Gap (10 spaces)
</googlemap>


== Photos ==
== Photos ==
<gallery>
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Ideally we would have a picture of the trailhead to help people know when they found it -->
{{Map Marker
<!-- Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
|Icon Type=Point of interest
Image:placeholder.jpg|caption
|Marker Title=Cross Mountain trailhead
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
|Marker Location=36.47278, -81.94861
</gallery>
}}
 
{{Map Marker
<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. -->
|Icon Type=Campground
[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Difficult]] [[Category:Hiking]] [[Category:Camping]] [[Category:Dog Friendly]]
|Marker Title=Primitive Tent Camping, water 700ft west of campsite
|Marker Location=36.47290, -81.93127
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Campground
|Marker Title=Primitive Tent Camping, water 700ft west of campsite
|Marker Location=36.49315, -81.89897
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Hwy 421 access point
|Marker Location=36.49722, -81.88639
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Campground
|Marker Title=Primitive Tent Camping, water 500ft northwest of campsite
|Marker Location=36.51227, -81.86998
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Campground
|Marker Title=Primitive Tent Camping, a stream crosses the trail 700ft southwest of campsite, also water 600ft northeast of the camp
|Marker Location=36.516293, -81.860756
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Campground
|Marker Title=Primitive Tent Camping, water 500ft northwest of campsite
|Marker Location=36.543316, -81.8294
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Corinth Church access point
|Marker Location=36.56667, -81.79333
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Campground
|Marker Title=Primitive Tent Camping, water 200ft northwest of campsite
|Marker Location=36.576073, -81.79413
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Campground
|Marker Title=Primitive Tent Camping, water 500ft south of campsite
|Marker Location=36.581768, -81.78852
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Campground
|Marker Title=Two Primitive Tent Camping Areas about 200ft apart, water 500ft northeast of the lower campsite
|Marker Location=36.59448, -81.774826
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Camp Ahistadi access point
|Marker Location=36.59806, -81.75444
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Damascus trailhead
|Marker Location=36.625, -81.77222
}}

Latest revision as of 15:35, 10 January 2023

Iron Mountain Trail - South

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Land Owner Cherokee National Forest
Located Mountain City, Tennessee
Trail Marking Blue
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail

HikingCampingHunting

FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail


Difficulty Rating Hard
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. 2 day32 Hours <br />1,920 Min <br /> round trip
Distance: 17.75 mi28.566 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 17.75 mi28.566 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car
Trail Type One way
Low / High Point 1,997 ft665.667 Yards <br />608.686 Meters <br />4,208 ft1,402.667 Yards <br />1,282.598 Meters <br />
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. 3,043 ft927.506 Meters <br /> / (4,775 ft1,455.42 Meters <br />) – South-to-North
Trip ReportsFrom user "hiked it" submissions<br />Recent is within last 90 days No hikes logged yet
NearbyWithin 5 mi<br />Click link to view list 2 trails / 17.8 mi of trail
Parking 36° 28' 47.60" N, 81° 57' 44.10" W Map
Trailhead 36° 28' 22.01" N, 81° 56' 55.00" W Map
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Download KML / Upload new version / KML File Page / Create Profile Chart / gpsvisualizer Map
Click Here for USFS Map of the Iron Mtn Trail: USFS Map of Iron Mtn Trail

Trail Overview[edit]

IMT offers a more secluded experience with spectacular overlooks. For this trail wiki, the trail is being listed as two major sections with the city of Damascus as the dividing point.

How to get there[edit]

The first/southernmost section can be thru-hiked either direction with a car shuttle.

From Johnson City, TN:

  1. Take US-321 north to Elizabethton (10 miles).
  2. Turn left/north at the traffic light onto TN-37/TN-91.
  3. After quickly crossing the river, exit right onto TN-91/New Stony Creek Rd.
  4. Continue towards Shady Valley for 18 miles.
  5. Turn right onto Cross Mountain Road for 1.1 miles
  6. Look for radio towers on right for parking.
  7. Iron Mountain Trail is to the right of the gates to the Cross Mountain Subdivision. (This is the southern terminus of IMT.)
  8. Backtrack to TN-91 and continue north for 3.6 miles to Shady Valley.
  9. Turn right/east where TN-91 intersects with TN-34/US-421.
  10. Proceed to the top of Iron Mountain.
  11. Parking area is on the south side.


The northern end is roughly one mile south of Damascus, VA on Orchard Hill Road. It is recommend that you park at a lot in town.

Route Description[edit]

The southern IMT can be divided into four sections referenced below. Note that the Camp Ahistadi section is a spur trail off the main Iron Mountain Trail.

Trail Section Distance (mi) Elevation Gain and Loss (ft)
Cross Mountain Road to Hwy 421 5.1 1250, -1000
Hwy 421 (Sandy Gap) to Forest Service Road 322 (To get to Corinth Church, follow FS 322 SE for 0.7 miles) 8.0 1300, -1650
Forest Service Road 322 to Intersection with Camp Ahistadi Spur Trail (This 1.4 Mile Spur Trail Leads to Camp Ahistadi) 2.7 650, -750
Intersection with Camp Ahistadi Spur Trail to Damascus (Orchard Hill Road) 2.5 100, -1550

Elevation change given from south to north direction. The trail is marked by blue blazes with metal yellow mile markers (some missing). Note that the Camp Ahistadi Trail is also marked with blue blazes so be attentive to the signs at the intersection of these trails.

NOTE ON PRIMITIVE CAMP WATER SOURCES: Some springs may not be flowing during dry periods. The most reliable source of water is about 7 miles from Cross Mt Road where three different streams cross the trail in the course of about 0.5 miles. Link to a map showing water sources: https://caltopo.com/m/N1HN

The first section appears to be a favorable day hike with a car shuttle.

Spur trail from Ahistadi UMC Camp
Park along TN91 outside, but not blocking, camp gate. Enter camp, cross bridge, and then take right to follow stream to trailhead (N36°35.864, W81°45.382). Trail is a steep path UP with essentially no switchbacks. Some additional blue blazing would be helpful to ensure remaining on the trail instead of following an animal run. 1.4 mile distance climbing ~1220 feet net.

A loop hike of about 45 miles can be created by hiking this part of the Iron Mountain Trail along with the Appalachian Trail. Best would be to start at Damascus, head south on IMT, cut over on Cross Mountain Road for bit over a mile to Hwy TN-91, and then return north bound on the AT. This circuit can be completed in four days.

Typical Conditions[edit]

Iron Mountain Trail is located in Cherokee National Forest (known as Forest Service Trail 54) and maintained by the Mid-Appalachian Highlands and Johnson County Hiking (miles 11 thru 13) clubs. Typical condition has been reported as being in good shape with blowdowns promptly removed. There are no shelters, but several campsites exists. Available water supplies may be limited on the ridgeline. Another observation is that IMT has many ups-and-downs.

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

No fees or permits are required. Dogs are not allowed in the wilderness area in Tennessee.

Photos[edit]