ClubWIKI:TopsList

A common question we hear is "What are your favorite hikes in the region?" so below are our top recommendations within different hiking objectives.

Day hike (non-AT)

• Grayson Highlands Crest Loop

Day hike (AT)

• Carver's_Gap_to_US19E
• Grassy Ridge - spur trail off the AT

Family/Beginner hike

• Doe River Gorge - follow an old railroad bed through two tunnels along Doe River
• Lakeside Trail - hike around Bays Mountain Park reservior and into animal habitat area
• Twin Pinnacles or Rhododendron Trail at Grayson Highlands State Park in Aug-Sept for huckleberries (and ponies!)
• Warriors Path State Park - All of their trails with the exception of Devil's Backbone are good for quick family hikes

One night backpacking

• Carver's Gap to US19E
• Massie Gap loop

Multiple nights backpacking

• ???

Waterfall

These are hikes leading to or passing by waterfalls - not drive up views.

• Laurel Fork Gorge - large cascade water is probably most commonly led club hike over the years
• Virgin Falls, Crossville TN - Comes out of a cave, down 140' before disappearing into another cave at bottom
• Little Stony Creek Falls - plunge and cascade waterfalls seen on hike up creek gorge - currently has some blowdowns to navigate
• Margarette Falls - 60' cascading waterfall
• Gentry Creek Falls - two tiered waterfall reached by couple mile hike up along creek
• Ramsey Cascades, Great Smoky Mtn NP - highest waterfall accessible by trail in the Smokies
• Buckeye Falls in Clarks Creek Recreation Area - tallest cascading waterfall in Tennessee

View/Scenic Overlook

• Big Bald - On the AT and is the highest point in Unicoi County
• Wilburn Ridge or Twin Pinnacles in Grayson Highlands State Park
• Little Rock Knob on the AT in the Iron Mountain Gap to Carver's Gap section
• Beartown Mountain (4689 ft)
• Blackstack Cliffs up on Camp Creek Bald
• Grassy Ridge in Roan Highlands

Seasonal

Unique things to see (or eat!) that depend on the time of year

• Catawba Rhododendron
  • Grassy Ridge - When?
  • Rhododenron Gardens - June
• Ramps
  • On the way to Overmountain Barn Shelter in April
• Huckleberry/Blueberry
  • Grayson Highlands State Park - When?
  • On Roan balds on way to Grassy Ridge - Late August to mid September
• Blackberry/raspberry
  • Sinking Waters - Late June and July
  • Fall Creek Loop Trail - Late June and July
• Fall Color (October)
  • (where?)