This section of the AT is one of the best in
the south, but
be warned, you're going to have to work for those views. Right
from the start,
you'll climb up to elevation, and although you're steadily
going up, it's
in the classic "up and down" of the AT. The major climb of the
trip is a steep,
rocky, and usually cold trek 2000+ feet up -you'll know you're
near the top
when you hit a high-elevation pine forest. The climb tops out near
the Roan High
Knob shelter, at 6300 feet, the highest shelter on the entire
Appalachian
trail.
From
here,
you descend and ascend across deciduous forests and balds, getting
an a
constant eyeful of the beautiful views that surround the trail.
You'll still be
splitting your time between tough ascents and descents, but having
something
pretty to look at makes
the time and
terrain fly by.
After
the
often cloudy and ethereal highlands section ends, you'll descend 3,000
feet to get to 19E. The climb down is still scenic, but it pales
in comparison
to the world you just left. The
trail
through this section constantly flits between the TN and NC state
line.
Protips: From the top of Roan north to 19E is at
high-elevation. You won't get sick, but know that it's cold
year-round and gets
frequent precipitation. Also, Texas longhorns and/or horses can
often be found
grazing on a few sections of the trail and can be caught being grumpy and/or pushy. Bring pepper spray or a bottle of Elmer's glue to remind them who's boss.
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