While Indian Grave Gap is most well known for the hike on the AT up to Beauty Spot, there’s more to explore in the other direction that deserves a visit. If you want the views of Beauty Spot, but want complete seclusion, this is the hike for you.
Little Rock Knob
Little Rock Knob is Andy’s favorite local hike. It’s a 4.5 mile roundtrip hike on the Appalachian Trail leading to a rocky overlook of the valley below.
Warriors’ Path State Park
On a busy weekend, we often only have a few hours to do a hike. When we’re pressed for time, we like to go to Warriors’ Path State Park. Warriors’ Path is located on the South Holston River in east Kingsport. It’s very accessible, only a 5 minute drive from 81.
Lower Higgins Creek Falls
On Saturday, we got a big rainstorm. The first thought we have after a storm is “what waterfall should we do tomorrow?”. I love to do waterfalls after a rain, you’re almost guaranteed to have good flow, but you don’t have to worry about a slippery trail or flash flooding like you would the same day as a storm. Lower Higgins Creek Falls is a 60 foot waterfall and the short hike makes this one worth a visit.
Sam’s Gap to Big Bald
Sometimes I take for granted how lucky we are to have the Appalachian Trail right in our backyard. I often default to the same couple of AT hikes, but with hundreds of miles accessible within an hour or so, I’ve been trying to explore some new sections! Sam’s Gap to Big Bald is a section I have heard about a couple times over the years.
Laurel Fork Falls – Hampton Trailhead
If you were to ask me for the best waterfall hike in the Appalachian Highlands, I would tell you Laurel Fork Falls.
Lone Oak Trail
I’m always looking for a hike close to Johnson City, so I was pleased when I stumbled upon the Lone Oak Trail. The trail is located on the backside of Buffalo Mountain and gives hikers a different view from the mountain. You will eventually hike to Tip Top in Buffalo Mountain Park.