Indian Grave Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
| Indian Grave Gap to Iron Mountain Gap (log in to submit report) | |
|---|---|
| Trail System | Appalachian Trail |
| Land Owner | Cherokee National Forest |
| Located | Erwin, Tennessee |
| Trail Marking | White |
| Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail |
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| FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail |
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| Difficulty Rating | Medium |
| Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. | 11 hrs0.688 Days <br />660 Min <br /> round trip |
| Distance: | 11.8 mi18.99 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 22.422.4 mi <br />36.049 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car |
| Trail Type | In-and-Out |
| Low / High Point | 3,340 ft1,113.333 Yards <br />1,018.032 Meters <br /> / 5,183 ft1,727.667 Yards <br />1,579.778 Meters <br /> |
| Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. | 3,303 ft1,006.754 Meters <br /> / (2,937 ft895.198 Meters <br />) – South-to-North |
| Trip ReportsFrom user "hiked it" submissions<br />Recent is within last 90 days | 2 logged hikes (0 recent) |
| NearbyWithin 5 mi<br />Click link to view list | 3 trails / 13.3 mi of trail |
| Parking | 36° 6' 38.56" N, 82° 21' 39.85" W Map |
| Trailhead | 36° 6' 38.56" N, 82° 21' 39.85" W Map |
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| Show In Google Maps | |
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Trail Overview[edit]
How to get there[edit]
Route Description[edit]
(Trail South > North)
Indian Grave Gap[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
One of the many beautiful highland balds in the southern Appalachians. Easily accessed by car via USFS 230.
Unaka Mountain[edit]
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[edit]
Cherry Gap Shelter (3900') is a concrete-block shelter built in 1962 by the United States Forest Service.
Iron Mountain Gap[edit]
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.
Photos[edit]