shine

 

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.
~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

The view from Horseback Ridge on Unaka Mountain looking toward Erwin, TN.  The autumn colors are beginning to appear at the highest elevations. Click here for directions. Below is the view looking out toward Buffalo Mountain in the distance -- in the foreground is Stone Mountain and the ridge behind it, Little Mountain.

Changes

The View from Horseback Ridge looking out toward Erwin, TN

Roan Mountain as seen from Unaka Mountain

View south from Unaka Mountain Overlook

Looking toward Mt. Mitchell from Unaka Mtn Overlook

Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots. 
--Victor Hugo (1802-1885) French poet, novelist, and dramatist. 

Here are autumn scenes from Unaka Mountain. As you can see, it's not quite at peak yet. Maybe this cold snap will speed things along.  There are pockets of brilliant color, but many of the mountains still have a ways to go. Still it was a beautiful day to take in the breathtaking vistas of Unaka Mountain Road.

For directions and a discussion of all there is to see and do on Unaka, click here.

rosy sunset

If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God. 
--G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) English writer. 

The view of Buffalo Mountain from Horseback Ridge on Unaka Mountain.  For directions on how to get there click here.

snow on snow

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.
--Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) English poet

A view of winter from Horseback Ridge on Unaka Mountain in Unicoi Co., TN.

a matter of perspective

The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective. 
--Al Neuharth (b.1924) American businessman and author

The view from Horseback Ridge on Unaka Mountain looking out toward Buffalo Mountain in the distance. For directions and a discussion of all there is to see and do on Unaka Mountain, click here.

Punching Holes in the Darkness

Look! Men are punching holes in the darkness!
--Robert Lewis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish author

It is said that as a small boy growing up in the 19th century Scotland, young Robert Lewis Stevenson watched with childhood fascination as the lamplighters went through town with their torches and ladders lighting the gas street lamps. As he pressed his nose against the window, his parents inquired as to what he was doing. With great excitement he explained, "Look at that man! He's punching holes in the darkness!" When you think about it, that's a calling we all share.

The above photo was taken after sunset from Horseback Ridge on Unaka Mountain looking northwest toward Buffalo Mountain (upper left, with the towers) and the bright lights of Johnson City, TN.

risking to live

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.

--Leo F. Buscaglia (1924-1998) author and professor

I'm not sure this quote has anything to do with the photo above, but I thought it was great and wanted to share! Maybe it means you should play hooky today and explore Unaka Mountain. After all, this quote reminds those of us who are tempted to become complacent in our comfort that a life devoted to the pursuit of security is no life at all.

This shot was taken from a favorite vantage point on Unaka Mountain in Unicoi County, TN called Horseback Ridge. If you're looking for a wow place, a magical place - this is it. The Unaka Mountain Road is one of the most scenic, and roughest, drives in our area. For a dozen miles, this gravel road snakes around the mountain, offering breathtaking views and terrific hiking opportunities.

Unaka Mountain Road Directions: From I-26 take the Unicoi exit (#32). At the end of exit ramp turn east towards town. At the stop sign, turn right onto Route 173/Unicoi Road (which is also known locally as the Erwin Highway) and proceed for 0.7 miles. Follow the signs pointing to the Cherokee National Forest by turning left onto Rt. 107 (Limestone Cove Road). Drive 7.8 miles, turn right on Red Fork Road (it's also referred to as Unaka Mountain Road). Reset your trip odometer and proceed up the mountain. I've listed below some of the things to experience on Unaka...(listed in the order you'll find them -- with mileage listed as distance from Hwy 107):

Red Fork Falls (1.2)
Clear Fork Falls (2.2)
AT Connector Trail (4.9)
Stamping Ground Ridge (6)
Horseback Ridge (6.3)
Unaka Mountain Overlook (7.2)

Trailhead to Unaka Mountain Summit (7.9)

Deep Gap (9.3)

Beauty Spot Gap (9.8)
Beauty Spot Overlook (10.2)

AT Crossing (11.3)

Indian Grave Gap (Hwy 395) (12.1)

Click here to see a map of Unaka Mountain.

Here is a more detailed description: When you turn on Red Fork Road (aka Unaka Mountain Road), reset your trip odometer and proceed up the mountain. At 1.2 miles, you'll pass the parking area for Red Fork Falls (look for a large red dot painted on a tree!). Click the link for a description of that difficult hike. After experiencing the falls, continue driving. At 2.2 miles, just before the road turns to gravel, you'll see a very small (man-made) waterfall to your left (Clear Fork Falls). Continuing straight up the gravel road, at 4.9 miles you'll reach a sharp, hair-pin turn -- if you look closely on your left as you go around this turn, you'll see a trail heading off into the woods, this short connector trail (1/3 mile?) leads to the AT. Keep driving and eventually you'll see some outstanding glimpses to your right of Iron Mountain and Roan Mountain. At 6 miles, you'll pass by the parking area for Stamping Ground Ridge on your right. Sadly this area is overgrown, but still fun to explore. At 6.3 miles, you come to a very small pull-off area (as you emerge from the forest and round a left-hand curve) and unmarked trail head for Horseback Ridge to your right. This is definitely worth the stop. At mile 7.2 you'll come to a turn-off to your right for Unaka Mountain Overlook, this short side road is often in very rough shape, so drive slow. Don't attempt to take a low clearance car up there. The views from the overlook are primarily to the southeast and to the south -- some of the best views to be had from Unaka. Return to the main road and continue on to your right. The next stop is the trailhead to the Unaka Mountain Summit. This is 0.7 miles further on the Unaka Mountain Road and is found at the first sharp switchback -- if you look closely, you'll see a small trail heading off into the woods to the left. Take it and you'll immediately come to the Appalachian Trail, head left up the mountain and you'll reach the magnificent spruce forest in 1.5-2 miles. For the next overlook (Beauty Spot) continue on the Unaka Mountain Road 1.6 more miles until you reach another well-established intersection (at 10.2 miles) and turn left. This side road will take you to a parking area for the Beauty Spot. Park here and walk up the trail and you will quickly reach a summit where the AT crosses the grassy bald. After taking in the great views there, it's 2 more miles on the Unaka Mountain Road to reach the paved Rock Creek Road (route 395), which will lead you to Erwin, TN (6.2 miles to your right).

Before you go...

• While they've greatly improved the Unaka Mountain Road in recent years, I'd still strongly recommend a high clearance vehicle. This is especially true following heavy rains that create deep gullies on the mountain road. 
• In the winter months this road is gated and closed from Clear Fork Falls all the way to Indian Grave Gap -- and for good reason, this is a steep, narrow, dangerous, winding road that tends to freeze over and stay frozen long after roads further down the mountain are clear of ice and snow.
• If planning a trip to Red Fork Falls, please follow that link to read my description of the hike and my warnings about this beautiful, but dangerous waterfall.
• Click here for my safety tips and warnings before heading out.  Happy trails!

Autumn comes to Tennessee

I went up to the Beauty Spot outside of Erwin, TN to walk the dog tonight and was surprised to find that fall has made its way over the mountains into Tennessee. The trees up on Unaka Mountain are, to quote Bob Ross, happy little sparklers (If you know that reference, be afraid).

There are three main lookouts on Unaka Mountain. The first and best known is the Beauty Spot -- this is most easily accessed from Rock Creek Road in Erwin. It's a natural bald that offers terrific views in almost every direction. The second is a wonderful, but less known lookout known as Horseback Ridge -- which is best accessed from the Unicoi/Limestone Cove side of the mountain. The third overlook is the Unaka Mountain Overlook which lies in between Horseback and the Beauty Spot -- but the short acsess road to this lookout is in terrible shape -- even by Unaka Mountain standards! Unaka Mountain Overlook is about a mile past Horseback Ridge heading towards Erwin.

They've been working on the Unaka Mountain Road, and it's actually in pretty good shape (except for the small stretch of road to the Unaka Mountain Overlook). Still, it's usually a good idea to take a high clearance vehicle (truck, SUV, jeep) to navigate this rough road. Click here for a post listing all there is to see and do on Unaka Mountain.

Mountains Aglow

Last night's glowing sunset from Horseback Ridge on Unaka Mountain in Unicoi County. Horseback Ridge is an awesome place to watch a sunset or to see the mountains, with views (on a clear day) of Erwin, Johnson City and Elizabethton, TN. It also offers a nice break from the near-record-high temps we've been having. Although the ridge is not marked, and the road to the top is pretty rough -- I still really recommend this one! For complete directions to Horseback Ridge, click here. Click here for a post listing all there is to see and do on Unaka Mountain.

Horseback Ridge

After visiting Stamping Ground Ridge, I recommend that you drive up the mountain another half mile for another stunning view from Unaka Mountain. Horseback Ridge lies between Stamping Ground Ridge and the Unaka Mountain Overlook. The trail gently descends a rock outcropping for a quarter mile or so, with panoramic views at each step along the way. Just when you think the trail has ended, you'll find a small break in the rhododendron that will lead you to another level with expansive views. Above is the scene (facing northwest) of Stone Mountain (in the foreground), Little Mountain, Buffalo Mountain and Johnson City (far in the distance). [click photo above to enlarge]

Directions: From I-26 take the Unicoi exit (#32). At the end of exit ramp turn east towards town. At the stop sign, turn right onto Route 173/Unicoi Road (which is also known locally as the Erwin Highway) and proceed for 0.7 miles. Follow the signs pointing to the Cherokee National Forest by turning left onto Rt. 107 (Limestone Cove Road). Drive 7.8 miles, turn right on Red Fork Road (it's also referred to as Unaka Mountain Road). Reset your trip odometer and proceed up the mountain for 6.4 miles. You will pass by the parking area for Red Fork Falls, then the road will turn to gravel. At around six miles up, you'll pass by the parking area for Stamping Ground Ridge on your right and then it's just a short distance to a very small pull-off area (as you emerge from the forest and round a curve) and unmarked trail head for Horseback Ridge to your right. Note: While this particular section of the Unaka Mountain Road isn't nearly as rough as others, I'd still strongly recommend that you take a high clearance vehicle (truck or SUV) for this trip. Here's a good map of the area (note that the I-26 exits have since been re-numbered!)

Click here for a post listing all there is to see and do on Unaka Mountain.