5.3 Mile Appalachian Trail Hike - Hot Springs to Tanyard Gap

Four of us did this AT hike after lunch in Hot Springs.

This hike was in sunshine and the temperatures were higher than the 3 previous hikes. This hike started in Hot Springs and then went across highway bridge over the French Broad River. After crossing the bridge the AT tracked along the river for a while before beginning a steep climb to Lover's Leap. A large outcropping that overlooked the river and Hot Springs. 

After Lover's Leap the trail leveled out quite a bit, but with many more ups and downs( More ups). 

We reached a large man-made lake about about 2/3 of the way into the hike. It was formed with the help of a large concrete dam. Probably the site of a mill.

We spent 3 hours on the trail for this hike.

This 5.3 mile one-way hike requires an auto shuttle. It will be mostly an up hill hike with many ups and downs. The hike starts in Hot Springs at the French Broad River and travels along the river for a bit before begining a stiff up hill climb for the first mile, where we intersect with the Lover's Leap Trail. Here there is a large flat ledge jutting out from the cliff face 500 ft. above the river. It is an nice place to rest and view Hot Springs and the French Broad River. A legend tells of a Cherokee maiden who leaped to her death after her lover was killed by a rival.

After the viewing ledge the trail will descend a bit before climbing again to meet the Pump Gap Loop Trail at 2.8 miles. After a series of ups and downs the AT will cross the Pump Gap Loop Trail again at the 3.9 mile mark. The trail will continue its gentle ascent and come to a concrete dam at the 4.3 mile mark where there will be a pond. The trail has one more gentle ascent before dropping slightly to Tanyard Gap.

Plan on spending 3 hours on the trail for this hike.

There are beds available at the Laughing Heart Hostel in Hot Springs.