My time in the woods or on the water
On my way to Roan Mountain State Park from visiting my sister in North Carolina, I stopped for a hike to see Elk River Falls and Jones Falls. Elk River Falls is a short walk from a trailhead, while Jones Falls is a few miles away on the Appalachian Trail.
Summary
Distance: 9.1 miles
Elevation gain: 2,400 feet
Type: Out and back
Start: Gravel road (for last mile), passenger car accessible (map)
AllTrails map
This hike on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina has great views, a mix of forested sections and open balds, and plentiful fall wild flowers.
Starting from this trailhead gives easy access to balds that are away from the very popular area at Carvers Gap. I saw very few other hikers. The trailhead is over 4,000 feet high and it’s less than a mile on a gated gravel road to get to the AT.
Summary
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Type: Out and back
Start: Paved lot (map)
AllTrails map
This section of the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee is famous for open, grassy balds and is very popular because it’s easy to access from a paved road that runs through Carvers Gap..
I really wanted to catch sunset from Grassy Ridge Bald and then return to my car under the light of an almost full moon. I was camping at Roan Mountain State Park, so I left the campground around 4PM to drive the 8 miles or so up to Carvers Gap. I had dinner with me, so I could enjoy a leasurly hike.
Continue reading “Appalachian Trail – Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald”
Steve's Outdoor Life 