Iron Mountain Trail - South: Difference between revisions
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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? --> | ||
Located in Cherokee National Forest and maintained by the [http://www.hiketennessee.net/ Mid-Appalachian Highlands] | Located in Cherokee National Forest 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. | ||
==Fees, Permits, etc. == | ==Fees, Permits, etc. == | ||
Revision as of 20:52, 6 August 2011
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Trail Overview
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.
How to get there
From Kingsport, TN
- Take I-26 North to Exit 69 (TN-394/Blountville).
Route Description
The Johnson County Trails group has nicely divided the southern portion into sections, thus reference their webpage for access directions.
| Trail Section | Distance (mi) | Elevation (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Cross Mountain to Hwy 421 | 5.0 | 3700 to 3900 |
| Hwy 421 to Corinth Church | 8.7 | 3900 to 2900 |
| Corinth Church to Camp Ahistadi | 6.0 | 2900 to 2300 |
| Camp Ahistadi to Damascus | 4.1 | 2300 to 2000 |
Elevation change given from south to north direction.
The first section can be thru-hiked with a car drop Directions: At the intersection of Hwy 421 and Hwy 67, go north on Hwy 421 towards Shady Valley. It is 6.5 miles to top of Iron Mountain. Parking area is on the left, leave one vehicle there. Continue on 421 to crossroads in Shady Valley 4.1 miles. Turn left onto Hwy 91, go 3.5 miles to Cross Mountain Road. Turn left and proceed 1.1 miles, look for radio towers on right. Park vehicle. The Iron Mountain Trail starts to the right of the gates to the Cross Mountain Subdivision. This trail is marked by blue blaze. About 100 yards from the road, the trail splits, take the right fork.
This part of the Iron Mountain Trail makes an excellent loop hike of about 45 miles total when combined with the Appalachian Trail at Highway 91. This circuit would required ___ days to complete.
Typical Conditions
Located in Cherokee National Forest 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.
Fees, Permits, etc.
Misc. Information
Maps
<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
(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 </googlemap>
Photos
- Placeholder.jpg
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