Sat, Oct 31 2015 - Halloween Morning Hike - Unicoi Gap to Rocky Mountain loop (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Erik Participants: Erik, Bruce B, Vicky S

Bruce, Vicky and myself met and drove to Unicoi Gap. The sky was partially overcast as the sun came up, but the temperature was perfect for a hike and the trees were at peak fall color. Bruce is a veteran member of the AOC and we welcomed Vicky on her first hike with the club!

The first 1.3 miles up Rocky Mountain were straight up the side and a challenging hike. We ran into several groups of hikers going up and came across two people still asleep in their hammocks on the summit of Rocky. Once over the top, the descent was gentle and had several spectacular views to the east. (We could see Mt. Yonah and more). The wind picked up significantly and it was much cooler on this side of the mountain.

We finished our descent to Indian Grave Gap (a convieniently spooky destination for Halloween!) and turned onto the Rocky Mountain trail that followed a service road. After about a mile, the return trail turned off into the woods and went up 800 feet to rejoin the AT. We followed this back the parking area.

We finished the hike a little faster than anticipated, so the whole group decided to go a little extra distance by heading southbound on the AT. This portion of the trail climbed up a very rocky ascent. After a half hour of going up, up, and up, we turned around to make it back to the car to be on the road before noon.

Everyone made it back safely, in one piece (no bear snacks!) and with our legs and lungs happy for the chance to relax in the great outdoors. The views were great too -- the trees were popping with yellows, bright orange, and fiery red leaves.