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The Appalachian Trail is a public footpath that
spans 2,155 miles, from Maine to Georgia. The trail is readily accessible
by road, and more than 97% of it is on protected land owned by the Federal
or State Government. The trail was formed by many volunteer hiking clubs,
in cooperation with the National Park Service in the 1920s and the trail
was marked in the 1930s.
The Appalachian Trail in North Carolina:
From Damascus, Va., the trail follows segments of mountain ranges in
the Cherokee National Forest to the North Carolina-Tennessee line above
the famous Roan Mountain, noted for its rhododendron gardens and far
ranging views. From here the Appalachian Trail continues along the two
states' boundary and beyond through the Pisgah National Forest in North
Carolina. The trail gives a most rewarding introduction to the majesty
of the southern Appalachians. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park,
with 70 crest-line trail miles, is a most primitive section and the
highest of the entire route.
The Appalachian Trail from Hot Springs to Max
Patch Trail:
A portion of the Appalachian Trail is located near Hot Springs, NC.
Parking is available at the Hostel Trailhead and at the Max Patch Trailhead.
The trail clibs south from the Hot Springs Hostel up to Bluff Mountain
on the N. Carolina / Tennessee border. Enroute to Bluff is the Deer
Park Shelter, just 3 miles south of Hot Springs. The trail continues
south, crossing a gravel road at Garenflo Gap where a small parking
area exists. Approximately 12.5 miles from Hot Springs is the Walnut
Mountain Shelter. The Roaring Fork shelter, just 0.3 miles south of
Lemon Gap, was built in 1990 to replace the Walnut Mountain Shelter.
The trail leads across the Roaring Fork drainage and climbs up to Buckeye
Ridge and Max Patch Bald. The grassy ridges and blackberry slopes of
Max Patch Bald have been called the "Crown Jewel" of the The
Appalchian Trail.
Trailhead Parking:
Parking for trail users is generally available at the various trailheads.
Visitors are cautioned about leaving vehicles on remote roads unattended
and susceptible to theft. Contact the Appalachian Trail Conference (304-535-6331),
the Hot Springs Welcome Center (704-622-7611),
or the Forest Service office in Hot Springs (704-622-3202)
for more information.
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