Limestone Cove Trail
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Trail Overview
Route into Unaka Mountain Wilderness Area. Hike in spring for wildflowers and fall for leaf color.
How to get there
From Johnson City, TN
- South on I-26 to Exit 32 for TN-173/Unicoi Road.
- Turn left under interstate and head 0.5 mile.
- Turn right at tee onto TN-173 for 0.7 mile.
- Turn left onto TN-107 and head out of town for 3.5 miles.
The picnic area is to the left, along North Indian Creek. A new trailhead is on the right at the former campground site.
Route Description
The Limestone Cove Trail (FS Trail #30) climbs 2200’ from the recreation area in 3.8 miles to Stamping Ground Ridge. From the new trailhead at a locked gate, follow an old Forest Service Road 4343 for 0.3 miles to a sharp right onto a wide, grassy trail. Cross Rocky Branch stream at 1.2 miles, then climb steadily with some steep sections up old logging roads through regrowth hardwoods and rhododendron. In a pretty gap covered with red spruce, reach a junction with the Stamping Ground Trail at 3.8 miles. A right turn leads 0.4 miles to the Stamping Ground Ridge overlook and parking area on Forest Road 230 (Unaka Mountain Road). This last leg has the views of the nearby mountains and valleys.
Typical Conditions
The trail is generally in good condition. Watch closely for the blue blazes as old logging road crossings could lead up a dead end.
Fees, Permits, etc.
No permit or fee. The picnic area is day use only.
After the Hike
Misc. Information
The Forest Service webpage for the picnic area [1].
Maps
<googlemap lat= "36.162" lon="-82.298536" type="terrain" zoom="13" scale="yes" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png"> http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Placeholder_trail.kml (S) 36.176317,-82.298536 Picnic area (G) 36.17095,-82.29512 Locked gate (G) 36.16623, -82.29381 Road/trail intersection (G) 36.14422, -82.28556 Intersect Stamping Ground Ridge Trail (A) 36.14258, -82.29271 Parking lot at FR230 </googlemap>
Photos
- Placeholder.jpg