Adventure is worthwhile ~ Aristotle
October 14, 2022
AT miles: 8.3 miles
Ascent: 454’
Descent: 2106’
Weather: cool, sunny, and breezy
Sightings: gorgeous foliage
High points: It was great to be back on the trail on such a perfect day!
I am spending four days on the trail in Tennessee with my hiking partner MJ, hiking about 40 miles. We will be heading south from Indian Grave Gap, where I got off trail after my failed thruhike attempt.
We spent last night at Uncle Johnny’s Hostel, an iconic, rustic but comfortable, and cheap hostel in Erwin Tennessee.
Today we did a short easy hike, an 8-mile southbound descent to the Nolichucky River. Around 7:30 we were shuttled up to Indian Grave Gap, a place that has horrible memories for me since it is where I made the decision to quit my AT thruhike attempt. I walked past the place where, on April 13, 2021, I had set up my tent, cried for a while, and decided to return to Williamsburg. I was glad to hike by the site of that bad memory on a beautiful day with a friend.
The foliage here is absolutely amazing – not just the Virginia gold but bright oranges and vivid reds as well.
With all the vibrant colors, even the trail looked festive.
We had an early lunch at Curly Maple Gap Shelter.
As we headed down from the shelter, we walked across numerous small mountain streams. I was very impressed – each one had a bridge!
The rest of the day was an easy descent down to the Nolichucky River. Judging from the number of fishermen I have seen on its banks, there are plenty of fish in this river!
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!
Those colors are beautiful! You picked a great time of year to do some more hiking.