Two AT Hikes in Tenessee

This was a nice hike in the Cherokee National Forest. The first hike was much longer than expected, so only one hike was done this day. At the end of the hike we ended up at the Station AT 19E for some beers. The Station was a hostel an restaurant. Three of us participated on this hike.

We were staying at a hostel in Hampton, Tennessee for this trip. It was called the Braemar Castle Hostel. A nice place.

Both hikes will be one way hikes and will require a shuttle. All are welcome to particpate in both hikes or just one of the hikes.

The first hike will be 7 miles in length and begin at Walnut Mountain Road (where it crosses the AT) and end at US -19E.  The hike will have one ascent of about 700 feet and two descents of about 700 feeteach. Most of the hike is relatively flat.

About a mile into the hike we shall descend into Sugar Hollow (700 ft. descent). May have views of Beech Mountain and Grandfather Mountain. On the next ascent we should have a view of Roan Mountain. A very sharp ascent will change into an very gradual ascent and bring us to our high point at 3820 feet.  From the high point we descend for the next two miles to US-19E and the end of the hike.

The second hike will be 3.7 miles and is considered moderate with 2.7 miles of the hike on the AT. The hike will start at the Dennis Cove Trailhead and descend to the Laurel Falls Trailhead.

This hike can be very rocky in places but will offer some nice views. We will pass by Laurel Falls on this hike, which will provide a swimming hole.