Appalachian Trail #1 (Bly Gap to Rock Gap)

The Appalachian Trail runs along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee for about 200 miles, often straddling the ridgeline that separates the two states. It’s one of the most scenic and diverse sections of the entire 2,190+ mile trail, with high elevations, scenic balds, dense forests, and stunning views.  The State of North Carolina has the highest point of the entire A.T. at Clingmans Dome (6,643 feet) which is on the ridgeline in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  Max Patch, Roan Mountain, and Big Bald also offer some of the most scenic views in this section.  

This is the first section of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina which starts in Bly Gap at the border with Georgia. Standing Indian at 5,498 feet is the first place the A.T. goes above 5,000 feet for the northbound hiker, and it has excellent views from a grassy area (and former site of a fire tower). Albert Mountain is the next major climb in this section, and the fire tower is still standing on the mountain (although the enclosed top is locked and off limits to hikers.) Albert has 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge, the Little Tennessee Valley and the Nantahala National Forest.