The Search for Governor Sanford……… A hike on the Appalachian Trail

July 4, 2009 | Bert

[bert]

I have written before of the simple pleasures that just seem to happen when you live in East Tennessee. The fresh from the patch Scott Farms strawberries in May, and the wonders of the flowering displays on Roan Mountain in June are two.

We took a hike this week on the AT traversing the highlands of the Roan pretty much following the Tennessee/ North Carolina border. Folks know it is the most beautiful section of the whole trail from Georgia to Maine, and they come from all over to take in the views . We also seek the solitude of the high mountains and discussed the possibility of meeting the governor on the trail. Such a meeting was also on the minds of several we met that morning. Alas, we found hide nor hair of the man.

We had an outstanding day hiking the l six miles from Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge and back. The weather was crisp in the high 60’s with a stiff breeze. The coolness and wind meant good views. The haze of summer was not present and the views of the surrounding mountains were very long and spectacular. At 67 and the youngster in the trio, I was pleased to not only get back on the mountain trail but thankful for the ability to do so. The fantastic 360 views of the distant blue mountains and the up close displays of colorful flowers can’t be adequately described.

I have posted below a few photos to show what we saw.

[bert]

It is summer and time to enjoy what we have in spite of the daily display of truly awful disconcerting news

[bert]

The trailhead at Carvers Gap

 

[bert]

View from Round Bald towards Black mountain and Asheville

[bert]

The glorious Flame Azalea, one of the reasons for the hike

The displays are fantastic

[bert]

The Cawtaba Rhododendron grows wild on the high mountain balds and is measured in the hundreds of acres. It is the second reason.

[bert]

The rare Gray's Lilly, named for the famed botonist who studied the roan plant diversity extensively. It grows almost exclusively on the few miles of the Roan Balds.

[bert]

The delicate Bluets are ubiquitous in the grass.

[who knows what evil?]

I have been to Carver’s Gap hiking numerous times...the Balds are fantastic hiking. Absolutely beautiful. The rhododendron gardens at Roan are a MUST-SEE when blooming in June. I pray every day that I can get back there soon...

[Eric in the Ozarks]

About the only place I like as well as the Missouri Ozarks is Eastern TN...

[Guenevere]

I was born in Chattanooga and dad would often take us for day trips to the Smokies...where we would have a picnic on the side of the road and keep an eye out for bears.

..once(when I was about 5) I fell into one of the icy creeks and dad had to fish me out :)

They wrapped me in a blanket and dried my clothes by hanging them from the car windows (I'm serious)...

Your pictures are beautiful!!...Thanks for the nostalgia.

[dljordan]

I was going through some old stuff last week and found my Roan Mountain patch. I miss the AT.

[Flycatcher]

Gorgeous country. Gorgeous photos. Thanks!

[bert]

East Tennessee ping.....

[cva66snipe]

I remember as a kid me and my dad ran into a character of sorts around Gregory's Bald in the park. He told us that the pod or off white gauze like part of a Flame Azalea was edible and a fair source of water. They didn't taste too bad and I reckon a good thing to remember in a pinch.

BTW sounds like two parents and two little kids were lucky a week or so ago on Roan Mountain. The kids about 6 & 8 were lost overnight and found OK the next morning.

My long trip hiking days are over. I wouldn't make it on a hike up a mountain and back now with my feet and you has about 15 years on me in age. You do good :>}

[cva66snipe]

Ever drive up to Max Patch out of Del Rio? A nice drive if you can figure out how to get back in there LOL. That’s about as far as upper eastern I’ve gone on the mountains. Most of my running around has been the park and south down in Tellico.

[NellieMae]

Thanks for the ping bert. Very nice article. We sure do live in a beautiful place don’t we? We went to Backbone Rock today to visit our son and family who were camping there. I snuck up on them while he and the girls were crawdad catching in the creek. I love jumping in a particular deep pool of icy water in the creek near a waterfall. It was too cool to do that today though. Damascus was bustling with activity as usual.

[who knows what evil?]

Ever drive up to Max Patch out of Del Rio?

Hadn't heard of it until you mentioned it...I have been up in that area...picking blueberries around Greeneville; then down to Asheville the 'back way' via Hot Springs. Just checked it out on Mapquest; that does look like a fun drive. We love those remote mountain roads; off the beaten path; as they say. Is Max Patch paved? Or does it require a sturdy vehicle? (We went up to Beauty Spot in the Erwin area for a meteor shower one night...4 x 4 road, to say the least. Huge rocks in road...if you can call it that...))

[cva66snipe]

The last time I was up there maybe 10 years ago it's a well maintained rock road. I would have trouble finding the right road up now. But you can likely back track the road by looing at the Waterville, NC exit on the map and tracking the road from the north side of the interstate back down to Del Rio on a map. Max Patch is basically a large field right at the top of the mountain going up from Del Rio side on the left of the road. As I understand it the place was once a resort many years ago.

You'll eventually end up in NC at the Waterville exit on I-40 IIRC. After you turn right off the main hi-way out of Newport in to Del Rio there are two roads just past the old town buildings and I can't remember which one is which. I also remember that gosh awful wooden bridge right out of Newport too before it was replaced LOL..

This site tells which road to take out of Del Rio and shows pictures. I've taken cars, pick ups you name it on the road. Just don't attempt it in the snow. If you have someone who can't walk up a mountain yet you want to show them a mountain top bald or field this is the right place.

[cva66snipe]

Yje site I forgot tpost it LOL http://www.griztrax.net/backroads/DelRioRide/RioRide2.htm

[who knows what evil?]

I found all kinds of maps and photos searching around the net earlier...ten years all over that area, and yet I never heard of it. Next time I am in the area (soon, I hope); I will check it out. Thanks for the tip!