Hughes Gap to Little Rock Knob on the Appalachian Trail.
It's Fun to Look Down on "our" Buffalo Mountain from this Summit!
The Hike. We did this hike when Bridger and Julian were 11 and 8. It is a 5 mile round-trip hike from Hughes Gap - an out (2.5 mile) and back (yep, 2.5 mile) with very cool overlook at the far point. Plus, it has some fun ridge line hiking with a scenic path. We went on a cool day in spring and even though it was not a terribly strenuous summit, it was exhilarating to nestle in the rocks there and listen to the wind roar through the trees around us. Best of all, the vista offers a new perspective of our "own" mountains. On the clear day we were there, we could make out the piney top of Unaka Mountain and the profile of Buffalo mountain in the distance.
It's Fun to Look Down on "our" Buffalo Mountain from this Summit!
The Hike. We did this hike when Bridger and Julian were 11 and 8. It is a 5 mile round-trip hike from Hughes Gap - an out (2.5 mile) and back (yep, 2.5 mile) with very cool overlook at the far point. Plus, it has some fun ridge line hiking with a scenic path. We went on a cool day in spring and even though it was not a terribly strenuous summit, it was exhilarating to nestle in the rocks there and listen to the wind roar through the trees around us. Best of all, the vista offers a new perspective of our "own" mountains. On the clear day we were there, we could make out the piney top of Unaka Mountain and the profile of Buffalo mountain in the distance.
Directions. Head out to Roan Mountain State Park. Past the park you'll see the old mom and pop's "Jack Barnett Grocery" on your left. Go right, onto Cove Creek Road. Take Cove Creek Road about 3 miles. The start of the hike is right at the state line, where you will see a parking area. Follow the AT blazes to the north, or, to the right as you approach the area from Roan Mountain. Appalachian Treks has this map of the area so you can get your bearings before you head out: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?ll=36.148272%2C-82.187004&spn=0.106041%2C0.143509&msa=0&mid=189eigsUq3CMUh7GKrqTIz02KV5w