Holston Mountain Trail
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Trail Overview
Ridgeline trail along crest of Holston Mountain, fire tower with views on Holston High Knob. The trail doesn't look like it is regularly traveled or maintained when you get to the end of the road that takes you up to the firetower. The firetower is fenced off, but it looks like there are various ways to get through the fence and climb the tower. Some of the steps and landings on the tower did not look like they were in pristine condition. (Summer 2020)
How to get there
From Elizabethton, TN
- Follow TN 91 about 10 miles toward Shady Valley to Panhandle Road.
To southern trailhead
- Turn left on Panhandle Road (signs for Blue Hole) and follow for about 4 miles to trailhead and locked gate.
To northern trailhead
- Continue on TN 91 7 miles past Mill Creek Road to crest of mountain where Appalachian Trail crosses TN 91 at Osborne Farm. Gravel parking area is on south side of road.
- Follow Appalachian Trail north through Osborne Farm to Shelter:Double Springs where Holston Mountain Trail intersects Appalachian Trail.
Route Description
The blue-blazed Holston Mountain Trail is designated Forest Service Trail #44. It travels the Holston Mtn crest. The following route continues onto the Applachian Trail to TN91 to have a nice thru hike.
| North to South (Miles) | Hike Description | South to North (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | From backcountry parking area at junction of USFS roads 56, 56A and 202 on crest of Holston Mountain (3,750’), follow gravel forest service road north (now closed to motor vehicles). | 12.5 |
| 1.2 | Reach end of gravel road on Holston High Knob (4,140’). Tower (fenced off and in deteriorating condition) affords splendid view. Continue north on foot trail along mountain crest. | 11.3 |
| 3.7 | At end of ridge crest, best left, and descend by switchbacks. | 8.8 |
| 4.0 | Reach Flint Mill Gap (3,380’). Several trails and old roads lead from gap. To the left and west is the blue-blazed Flint Mill Trail (USFS #49) which descends padding spring and campsite in 100 yards and Flint Rock in 0.4 miles. Flint Rock offers outstanding views of South Holston Lake. Follow the Holston Mountain Trail to the northeast. | 8.5 |
| 5.3 | Pass Josiah Trail on left | 7.2 |
| 6.3 | Reach Little Deep Gap (3,620’) | 6.2 |
| 8.1 | Pass through Spanish Oak Gap (3,700’) | 4.4 |
| 9.5 | Join AT in glade at Double Springs Shelter. Take AT right from Holston Mountain Trail towards TN 91. US 421 is to the left 3.5 on the AT 3.5 miles. | 3.0 |
| 9.8 | High point of crest of Cross Mountain. | 2.7 |
| 11.7 | Northern end of pasture on Osborne Farm | 0.8 |
| 12.5 | TN 91 and gravel parking area | 0.0 |
Typical Conditions
The trail up to the firetower is an old forest service road that is a nice packed gravel road. Past the firetower, the trail does not look to be well maintained.
Fees, Permits, etc.
None Required
After the Hike
Blue Hole swimming area and waterfalls are on Panhandle road up to the trailhead. It is a good spot to stop and get your feet wet. It can get really crowded in the summer time. There is also a jet crash memorial on the road if you continue driving past the trailhead on panhandle road.