Indian Grave Gap to Iron Mountain Gap

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Distance	* Miles
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(Trail South > North)

Indian Grave Gap

The Trail crosses TN395/NC197 at the state line with FS230 going towards Beauty Spot. There is a small parking area along the north side of the road.

USFS 230 / Beauty Spot Gap Road

USFS road that is accessible from Indian Grave Gap. Road is crossed between Indian Grave Gap and Beauty Spot. The road leads to the base of Beauty Spot and continues around Unaka Mountain to Limestone, TN.

Beauty Spot

One of the many beautiful highland balds in the southern Appalachians. Easily accessed by car via USFS 230.

Unaka Mountain

Originally bald, Unaka Mountain (5180') was badly burned by forest fires in the early 1900s. This resulted in the growth of dense spruce forest on the top that is much like northeastern evergreen forests. Unaka's massif includes Beauty Spot, Rattlesnake Ridge and Stamping Ground Ridge.

Cherry Gap Shelter

Cherry Gap Shelter (3900') is a concrete-block shelter built in 1962 by the United States Forest Service.

Iron Mountain Gap

The Trail crosses TN107/NC226. Recent relocations have moved the Trail away from the Forest Service road that is frequented by backcountry horsemen. There is a small parking area along the road where the Forest Service road meets the highway.