This view is found on the way up Unaka Mountain from Iron Mountain. It's one of my favorite springtime hikes. This is about two miles from the trailhead, so it makes a good destination and turning around point. It has some steep parts, but mostly it's just steady. What's surprising is the dense green ground cover found in some places high up the mountain, well before the trees are in leaf. As you can image, there are lots of wildflowers this time of year. I'd say next week would be the prime time to do this hike, the leaves should be (mostly) opened by that point.
Directions: From Unicoi, TN turn east on Rt 107 (toward Limestone Cove), and drive for 10 miles till you reach the TN/NC line. Park in the gravel pull-off to your right. You'll see the AT markings on both sides of the road. Take the trail on the side that you parked.
Mark, I don't take the time to comment as often as I should. You do beautiful work and your photos on this blog have lead me to many wonderful places. I will stop and say hello one of these days as I pass through Elizabethton on my way from Nashville to Wilkesboro.
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