Appalachian Trail: Ruins to Damascus
It’s only a short hike into Damascus for Trail Days and the end of my one-month quest, one well worth the effort.
Appalachian Trail: Nick Grindstaff Memorial to Ruins above Damascus
The “Tennessee Thruway” is an easy rollercoaster on a ridge with several trail magicians with food to share.
Appalachian Trail: Riff Raff to Nick Grindstaff Memorial
The night at Riff Raff is such a loud nightmare, I opt to hike out in rain with limited views just to have a camping spot in the woods.
Appalachian Trail: view above Hampton to Riff Raff Pre Daze Camp
It’s a short day to the Riff Raff pre Trail Days magic of food, beer, camping, slack-packing ad general mayhem.
Appalachian Trail: Apple House to view above Hampton, TN
The trail is mostly in forest past stunning cascades where a friend from last year’s trail brings us food.
Appalachian Trail: Little Rock Knob to Apple House
On likely the most exceptional section of the Southern AT over high, exposed balds, I get perfect sparkly weather.
Appalachian Trail: Curley Maple Gap to Little Rock Knob
It’s an extraordinary day from the “Beauty Spot” to fairy forest Unaka and finally sunset from a knob.
Appalachian Trail: Whistling Gap to Curley Maple
A well-placed hostel with some resupply offers a taste of “trail life” as I walk all day, but fit in charging and eating in between downpours.
Appalachian Trail: Flint Mountain to Whistling Gap
It’s hard climbing in pouring rain which finally clears for a flower-lined trail to Bald Mountain.
Appalachian Trail: Little Laurel to Flint Mountain
Spectacular views are completely in mist and it’s a race to a shelter before a terrifying thunder storm.
