Editing Rattlesnake Ridge

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{{Infobox Trail
                     | Image Name = View_from_Rattlesnake_Ridge.JPG
                     | City = Erwin
                     | State = Tennessee
                     | Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Dogs}} 
                     | Difficulty Rating = Hard
                     | Hike Time = 6
                     | Distance = 6-8 
                     | Elevation Gain = ~2500
                     | High Point = ~4850
                     | Latitude = N36°08.189 
                     | Longitude = W82°20.284
                     | Medical = Erwin, TN
<!-- DON'T EDIT THE GOOGLEMAP TAG -->
                     | googlemap = 
<googlemap lat="36.136490" lon="-82.338066"  zoom="9" width="270" type="map" height="180" selector="no" controls="small">
36.136490,-82.338066,Rattlesnake Ridge
</googlemap>
}}
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== 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. -->
Located in Cherokee National Forest, a steep hike to outstanding views of the mountains.

== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
From Erwin, TN
#Take Exit 36 off I-26.
#Turn left on unnamed road across the interstate to intersection with Tenn. 107 in Erwin.  
#Turn right on Tenn. 107 for about a mile.
#Turn left on Tenn. 395 (USFS sign to Beauty Spot).  
#Proceed 3.2 miles.
#Turn left into the USFS Rock Creek Recreation Area.
#Park near restrooms at Picnic Area.
Same as for [[Rock Creek Falls]] trail

== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
Rattlesnake Ridge is USFS #26 Trail.  Out-and-back hike starting at Rock Creek Recreation Area parking lot.  Proceed to the back of the campground to the trailhead common with Rock Creek Falls. Take the split along an old road for about a mile over to Dick Creek Gap - a junction of several trails and old roads. Head up the ridgeline into the Unaka Mountain Wilderness (sign seen after 100 yards) to the top at the Pleasant Gardens Overlook on Unaka Mountain.  When you see spruce trees, you are near the top where all the highest mountains in Unicoi County are visible.

== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
Being in wilderness-designated area and not heavily used, the trail may be a little overgrown but is well defined. 

==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
Rock Creek Campground is open May 1 through November 1.  Campground gates are closed from 10 PM until 7 AM.  If closed, then add a mile to hike in from the main gate.  Day use area fee is $2 per car. Permit must be visibly displayed in vehicle.  Wilderness designated area, thus group size is limited to 14 people.

For more information, see [[http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110804&ttype=recarea&recid=34978&actid=29&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=100000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003693&pname=Unaka+Mountain+Zone+-+Rock+Creek+Recreation+Area Forest Service webpage]].

== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Any seasonal features, factoids, etc...? -->
The Pleasant Gardens Overlook on Unaka Mountain is called that due to the large number of laurels in area.  Beauty Spot can be seen in the distance. The overlook can be reached by forest service roads, but the last section is extremely rocky.  (Busted the radiator on a sedan, so high clearance vehicle recommended.)

Dogs are allowed, but must remain on a 6 ft or shorter leash.

== 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="36.136490" lon="-82.337" type="terrain" zoom="14" width="725" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png">
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Rattlesnake_Ridge_Trail.kml

(G) 36.136490,-82.338066,Rattlesnake Ridge Trailhead 
(G) 36.13425, -82.31113,Pleasant Gardens Overlook
</googlemap>

== Photos ==
<gallery>
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Ideally we would have a picture of the trailhead to help people know when they found it -->
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Image:Rattlesnake Ridge Trailhead.jpg|Trailhead with Rock Creek Falls
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</gallery>

<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. -->
[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Hard]] [[Category:Hiking]]  [[Category:Dog Friendly]]