Hike the Iron Mountain Gap to Hughes Gap

Bakersville, North Carolina

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

9 miles

Elevation Gain

300 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

This is a new adventure! Be the first to share your experience.

Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights.

Added by The Outbound Collective

Take in amazing views of Pisgah National Forest, Iron Mountain, and the Appalachian Trail on this 9 mile hike.

You will start this hike at a small parking area at the state line (~3700 feet). From here the first thing you'll see is the view of Pinnacle Mountain and Unaka Mountain to the west. Take the time to shoot these from different angels.

Not much happens for another 2 miles (some orchards and random outcroppings) and decent elevation gains. About 4 miles in you will reach Greasy Creek Gap, which may be a good place to stop and eat a little and rehydrate. Then in another 2 miles you will see the Blue Trail to the Clyde Smith Shelter, you will also see the start to a cliff overlook which is great for photos.

In another mile you will reach the high point of the Appalachian Trail on Iron Mountain near Little Rock Knob. Continue on for another 2 miles until you reach the Hughes Gap at a final elevation of 4040 feet.

Directions:

Directions: Take TN Route 107 (Limestone Cove Road) ten miles east from Unicoi, TN, or NC Route 226, four miles west from Buladean, to the NC to the state line, where there is a wide gravel pull off area. After parking, look toward the TN side and across the road and you'll see where the AT heads north toward Hughes Gap.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Scenic

Hike the Iron Mountain Gap to Hughes Gap Reviews

But it is 9 miles one way, 18 miles out and back

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Red Fork Falls Trail

Camp at Unaka Mountain Overlook

Hughes Gap to Roan High Bluff

Appalachian Trail: Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain

Hiking from Carver's Gap to Hwy. 19 on the AT

Cloudland Trail