Iron mountain trail

“I'm looking for information about the Iron Mountain trail (Tenn). I'm planing a trip sometime in January. Has anyone here been over it lately?”

“I live in Damascus, Va. I've been on it a few times in the past few years. Whatcha wanna Know?”

“Directions to the trail, points of intrest, how often is it used, just general information about the trail itself. I've not been able to find out much more than it's history.”

“You need to get the National Geograpic/Trails Illustrated map #783 which covers the Cherokee/Pisgah Nat. Forests. Trail #54 on the map is the Iron mtn. Trail.”

“Little know factum, the Iron Mt trail was prt of the original AT. I have mountain biked some near Damascus. The current trail essentially runs, close to 60 miles, from the AT near Tenn 91 to near Fries Virginia (close to the New river). I believe the AT was moved off the Tennessee portion of Iron Mt b/c water was less abundant than over on Holsten Mt. Past Fries the AT followed the path of the current Blue Ridge Parkway and when the parkway was constructed the AT was relocated. Recommend Earl Shaffer's book on the AT:Walking with Spring.

The section of the trail from Damascus to Va 16 is described in the ATC SW Va guide but I haven't found any detailed descriptions of the other sections on the internet. Although I have not hiked the Tennessee section, I suspect there are not many points of interest or views. The AT?Iron Mt loop is about 40 miles and should be a nice winter hike, BUT January weather can be unpredictable. I'd contact Dave or Jeff at Mt Rogers Outfitters. I'm sure Dave has hiked the trail”

“Thanks all. I've bought the map at Outfitters during Trail Days, but I didn't get to talk to them because of the crowd. I was hoping to get some first hand information on the section south of Damascus. Thanks again.”

“the store phone is 276-475-5416

internet mro@mtrogersoutfitters.com

I think Dave has a wealth of local trail knowledge (which remind me to see him and ask him some questions)”