Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain on the AT
Loading ...Posted on: November 18, 2009
Posted in: Trail Vlogs, Video
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One of the more favorite spots to admire on the AT, (and there are many) is “Beauty Spot”. The Appalachian Trail passes over the Unaka Mountain in Unicoi County. It’s easy to see why Beauty Spot is a favorite stop-off for thru hikers on the Appalachian Trail, one of several that crisscross the mountain and is identified by fence posts emblazoned with white slashes. It must also be a popular campsite, as evidenced by a large ring of fire-blackened stones on one of the hilltops.
No one really knows what causes balds like Beauty Spot — some blame severe forest fires, while others say overgrazing of livestock or buffalo created them — but whatever the reason, the wide-open grassy fields offer fantastic views of the surrounding mountains in every direction.
Watch this video shot by YouTube User: bedelay of a section hike on the AT between Beauty Spot and Unaka Mountain.
At the Tennessee/North Carolina line (a spot known as Indian Grave Gap, about three miles past the Rock Creek Recreation Area), we veered off on an unmarked gravel road to the left, and after two more miles of bumpy twists and turns — and a right turn at the fork in the road — a rustic split-rail fence signaled our arrival at Beauty Spot.
Directions: From I-26 take the Erwin Main Street Exit (#36), at the end of the ramp turn east toward town and you will immediately arrive at a stop light. Turn right onto Rt. 107 and drive 1/2 mile, turn left at stop light onto Rock Creek Road (Rt. 395) — continue on for 6.6 miles to TN/NC line (called Indian Grave Gap). [The sign welcoming you to NC has been stolen, so be sure to watch your odometer. The state line crosses at the top of this mountain gap, so if you find yourself heading downhill, you've gone too far!]. At Indian Grave Gap take the unmarked gravel road to the left (it’s often closed in the winter months). After about 10 minutes (2 miles) you’ll come to a fork, stay right and you will immediately arrive at the Beauty Spot.
Patagonia Sale
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