Editing Wilbur Dam Rd to TN91

{{Trail
|Banner Image=File:NickGrindstaff.jpg
|Trail System=Appalachian Trail
|City=Elizabethton
|Land Owner=Cherokee National Forest
|Trail Marking=White
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping
|Trail Features=Vistas, Mountains
|Difficulty Rating=Medium
|Hike Time=13.25 hrs
|Trail Distance=16.1 mi
|Round Trip Distance=32.2 mi
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
|High Point=4,185 ft
|Low Point=2,239 ft
|Elevation Gain=3,365 ft
|Elevation Loss=2,114 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=South-to-North
|Parking location=36.32856, -82.11161
|Trailhead location=36.32856, -82.11161
}}
<br/>
{{Trail Map}}

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== Trail Overview ==

== How to get there ==

== Route Description ==

(Trail South > North)

=== Wilbur Dam Road === 

This is the last access point to the Trail before the long ridge walk along Iron Mountain. It can be reached from Stoney Creek via TN91 or from Elizabethton via Siam. The road is gated during the winter approximately 2 miles from the Trail.

=== Vandeventer Shelter === 

[[Shelter:Vandeventer|Vandeventer Shelter]] (3510') is a concrete block shelter built by the United States Forest Service in 1961. It is located within the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness. Nearby are tremendous views of Watauga Lake.

=== Iron Mountain Shelter === 

[[Shelter:Iron Mountain|Iron Mountain Shelter]] (4125') is a concrete block shelter built the United States Forest Service in 1960.

=== Uncle Nick Grindstaff Monument === 

This monument is the gravesite of hermit Nick Grindstaff (b. Dec 26, 1851, d. July 22, 1923). He lived a remote existence on Iron Mountain after being robbed and beaten out west. The chimney-like monument was constructed out of the remains of his cabin. Local folklore tell that when locals tried to carry out the body of Nick, his dog was so protective that they had to overpower it. It was later laid to rest with Nick. Past hikers who have camped at the site have claimed to hear the haunting howls of the dog in the night.

=== Iron Mountain Trail === 

The [[Iron Mountain Trail - South|Iron Mountain Trail]] does not intersect with the AT, but can be reached by continuing east on Cross Mountain Road from the TN91 trailhead. The IMT runs along the eastern rim of Shady Valley into Damascus.

=== TN91 ===

Located at the ridge crest of Cross Mountain between Stoney Creek and Shady Valley at Osborne Farm. There is a small parking area and Cherokee National Forest information display.

== Recent Conditions ==

1/21/2014 - Reports are in of repeated vandalism at the Cross Mountain trailhead. Either do not leave vehicles here for extended periods of time or hide/lockup/take with you any valuables from your vehicle.

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

{{Template:AT_Segments}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Parking
|Marker Title=Parking
|Marker Description=AT crossing at TN91
|Marker Location=36.4802732248, -81.961421877
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Shelter
|Marker Title=Vandeventer Shelter
|Marker Location=36.3670587690, -82.058805660
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Shelter
|Marker Title=Iron Mountain Shelter
|Marker Location=36.4356480750, -81.990886832
}}