Short Hikes, Long Day

Wow! Where do I begin? Those who have seen my hike logs know that I am not only attempting to complete the Appalachian Six Pack of Peaks, I am also collecting State High Point’s along the way. After completing High Rock Loop yesterday in Kentucky, I headed down to Tennesse to knock out Clingman’s Dome (Tennessee’s High Point). Only 1.34 miles of hiking. After that the plan was to head over to North Carolina (same day) to hike Black Balsam Knob, 1.5 miles hiking. This was to set me up for Mount Mitchell and an 11 mile hike the following day. However, when I arrived at the National Park in Tennessee at 0930, the road to Clingman’s Dome was closed due to training and wouldn’t open up until 1400 (2pm).

So, instead of waiting 5 hours, I drove 2 hours to the Black Balsam Knob Trailhead in North Carolina. Started that hike at 11:55 am and finished the 1.5 miles with 376 feet elevation gain fairly quickly. Afterward, I headed back to the National Park to hike the 1.34 mile, 358 foot in elevation gain, Clingman’s Dome. Then head back to North Carolina in prep for Mount Mitchell. Short miles (2.84), not much elevation gain (734 feet) and long day (about 8 hours of driving).

The things we (I) do to get in my hikes and challenges!