Wilbur Dam Rd to TN91: Difference between revisions
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{{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}} | |||
__TOC__ | |||
== Trail Overview == | |||
== How to get there == | |||
== Route Description == | |||
(Trail South > North) | (Trail South > North) | ||
== Wilbur Dam Road == | === 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. | 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 == | === 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. | [[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 == | === Iron Mountain Shelter === | ||
[[Shelter:Iron Mountain|Iron Mountain Shelter]] (4125') is a concrete block shelter built the United States Forest Service in 1960. | [[Shelter:Iron Mountain|Iron Mountain Shelter]] (4125') is a concrete block shelter built the United States Forest Service in 1960. | ||
== Uncle Nick Grindstaff Monument == | === 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. | 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 == | === 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. | 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 == | === TN91 === | ||
Located at the ridge crest of Cross Mountain between Stoney Creek and Shady Valley at Osborne Farm. There are two parking areas at the highway - space for three vehicles on north side and 10-12 on the south by the Cherokee National Forest information display. | Located at the ridge crest of Cross Mountain between Stoney Creek and Shady Valley at Osborne Farm. There are two parking areas at the highway - space for three vehicles on north side and 10-12 on the south by the 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 == | == Photos == | ||
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}} | |||
{{Template:AT_Segments}} | {{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 | |||
}} | |||
Latest revision as of 17:41, 20 February 2023
| Wilbur Dam Rd to TN91 (log in to submit report) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Trail System | Appalachian Trail |
| Land Owner | Cherokee National Forest |
| Located | Elizabethton, Hampton |
| Trail Marking | White |
| Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail |
|
| FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail |
|
| Difficulty Rating | Medium |
| Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. | 13.25 hrs0.828 Days <br />795 Min <br /> round trip |
| Distance: | 16.1 mi25.91 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 32.2 mi51.821 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car |
| Trail Type | In-and-Out |
| Low / High Point | 2,239 ft746.333 Yards <br />682.447 Meters <br /> / 4,185 ft1,395 Yards <br />1,275.588 Meters <br /> |
| Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. | 3,365 ft1,025.652 Meters <br /> / (2,114 ft644.347 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 | 4 trails / 24.5 mi of trail |
| Parking | 36° 19' 42.82" N, 82° 6' 41.80" W Map |
| Trailhead | 36° 19' 42.82" N, 82° 6' 41.80" W Map |
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| |
| Show In Google Maps | |
Download KML / Upload new version / KML File Page / Create Profile Chart / gpsvisualizer Map
Trail Overview[edit]
How to get there[edit]
Route Description[edit]
(Trail South > North)
Wilbur Dam Road[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
Iron Mountain Shelter (4125') is a concrete block shelter built the United States Forest Service in 1960.
Uncle Nick Grindstaff Monument[edit]
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[edit]
The 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[edit]
Located at the ridge crest of Cross Mountain between Stoney Creek and Shady Valley at Osborne Farm. There are two parking areas at the highway - space for three vehicles on north side and 10-12 on the south by the Cherokee National Forest information display.
Recent Conditions[edit]
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[edit]
Uncle Nick Grindstaff monument