Autumn Comes to East Tennessee

Looking for beautiful fall color in East Tennessee this weekend? Check out Unaka Mountain in Unicoi, TN. The trees are at or near peak in many areas on the mountain. The above was taken on Stamping Ground Ridge. On the right are scenes found along the Unaka Mountain Road which winds around the mountain for a dozen or so miles, offering fabulous views and great hiking opportunities. Click here to see my post summarizing all there is to see and do on Unaka Mountain (includes detailed directions). Click here for a map of the area.

Out and about in Western NC this weekend? Visit Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct and Rough Ridge Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in the awesome autumn colors on display right now.

Mountain Laurels on Stamping Ground Ridge

Okay, so it may not be nearly as amazing as the rhododendron garden on Roan Mountain, but the Mountain Laurel blooms on Unaka mountain are still worth the trip. This heath bald is another of the little known gems of Unicoi County, TN (a heath bald means you'll find mostly rhododendron, mountain laurel, blueberry bushes and other shrubs -- with very few or no trees). Stamping Ground is beautiful with its unique plants and wonderful views. The trail itself goes all the way down to the old Limestone Cove camp 3.9 miles below, but it's insanely steep (click here for more info). I'd recommend you drive up to Stamping Ground via the Unaka Mountain Road, and walk the top portion of the ridge (a short and easy stroll -- approximately 1/2 mile) to where the trail enters the forest.

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 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). Proceed up the mountain for 6 miles to a well-marked parking area and trail head to your right. Note: They've really worked on this section of the Unaka Mountain Road, it's in the best shape I've ever seen. In the past I've always recommended high clearance vehicles (truck, jeep, van or SUV), but now I'd say most cars should make it up this particular section of the gravel road with little or no problem. If you're planning a trip to Stamping Ground Ridge, you should also check out Red Fork Falls and Horseback Ridge.

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

Rocky Branch and Limestone Cove Trail

Not to be confused with Rocky Fork, the mammoth tract of land in Unicoi County which as been preserved following a development controversy, Rocky Branch is a small stream in the Limestone Cove area of Unicoi County, TN. While the angle of this photo makes this look like a sizable waterfall, it's probably only two or three feet high! The trail starts from just beyond the old Limestone Cove campground and runs 3.9 miles to Stamping Ground Ridge high atop Unaka Mountain. The first mile or so is a fairly easy stroll, from then on, it's very steep! Expect a workout. Eventually you'll intersect with the trail coming down from Stamping Ground Ridge, turn right onto this trail and you'll soon arrive at your destination.  The better, easier way (and really the only sane way) to get to Stamping Ground Ridge is from the top of the mountain via Unaka Mountain Road (click here for directions).

Click here for photos of the views from Stamping Ground Ridge.

Directions to Rocky Branch and the Limestone Cove Trail: (Map here) 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 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 for approximately 3.5 miles, you'll see the Limestone Cove picnic area on your left, Rocky Branch Road is on the right. Turn right here and follow Rocky Branch Road for approximately 1/3 mile till you reach a gate and a gravel parking area on your left. Park your vehicle and then continue following the forest service road on foot for approx. 1/2 mile, just before the road makes a sharp turn to the left and crosses Rocky Branch, look for a trailhead marker on your right -- this is where your adventure really begins! :)

Stamping Ground Ridge

Click on the photos above to enlarge. Most people who know anything about Unaka Mountain in Unicoi County, TN know it for an overlook known as the "Beauty Spot." And certainly the Beauty Spot deserves it's name and your visit. But there are other lookouts to be found on Unaka Mountain. What's neat about the view from Stamping Ground Ridge is that it looks out to the east, while most of the others face west. However, there's not much information out there about this destination. There are two steep trails which climb up to Stamping Ground Ridge from Highway 107 down below (outside of Unicoi, TN). One begins at the old Limestone Cove Campground (excellent description of this hike here). The other begins near Paint Branch on private property (I believe). I'd recommend you drive up on the Unaka Mountain Road and explore Stamping Ground from the top of the mountain. A short and easy walk from a large parking area leads to breathtaking views of Roan Mountain to the east.  A map and more information here.

 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 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). Proceed up the mountain for 6 miles to a well-marked parking area and trail head 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.

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

The photos here were taken at a similar point along Stamping Ground Ridge at different times of the year. The top photo taken in October. The middle photo taken in May. The bottom one was taken in June.

[Update 3/2016: the trail and area around Stamping Ground Ridge has not been well maintained in recent years. It's quite overgrown. Even the parking area is in rough shape.]