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Jared Green

Great hike. Just finished this one this weekend! However you also have a 3rd option should you be interested (which we did). You can pass the Swallow Fork Trail, continue your hike to Gunter Fork Trail (4.1 miles), then jump on the Balsam Trail (0.9 miles), and then onto the Mount Sterling Ridgeway (5.3 miles) before you summit. Adds a lot to your hike and can be a bit of a challenge. The view at the summit in the tower is stunning.