|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: Gee Wilderness has a couple of trails that take you on a nice quiet hike. The area is damaged by the pine beetle blight on a windy day this would not be the hike to do. You will gain all the elevation in the 1st 3.0 mi. The trail begins by following up an OTV road for 1 3/4 miles. At this point you leave the OTV and turn left up a hiker/horse trail, with several deep pits. Since the trail has horse traffic be prepared for mud. From this trail, in winter, you will have good views of the surrounding area and Star Mountain. Continue the up hill trail for 2 1/2 more miles before you descend to Iron Gap. This is a good place for lunch. This area is open to hunters in the fall and spring so be sure to call ahead before hiking or wear plenty of orange just in case. We did not see any wildlife during the hike but saw plenty of signs of their presence in the area. I would suggest hiking this particular hike only in winter since the foot traffic shares the trail with horses. Trailhead: From Etowah, take US HWY 411 south for 8 miles to Delano. Turn left at County Road 27 (Spring Creek Road). Travel 1/2 mile to the Hiwassee State Park Office and park there. Or continue past the park office and immediately turn left on the gravel road crossing the RR tracks. If parking at the park office walk to the gravel road, cross the RR tracks and the trail begins at the gatepost at the back corner of the parking lot, taking the OTV road to the right. (Lat:35.23 Lon:-84.54) Trail Guides for Gee Wilderness - Chestnut Moutain #104 to Iron Gap: Wilderness Trails of Tennessees Cherokee National Forest by William H. Skelton (University of Tennessee Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Hiwassee Ranger District (423) 263-5486 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Lucinda Turbeville, who has posted 3 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Polk County Hiking, Polk County Trails, Polk County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
