February 2nd, 2008 - I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend my Saturday by climbing Unaka Mountain.  I started my trek near the Limestone Cove Park on Rocky Branch Road.  I parked the Jeep about .5 mile short of the actual mapped trailhead for the Limestone Cove Trail (CNF Trail #30), and began at 2350' elevation.           

Small Waterfall on Rocky Branch

The Limestone Cove Trail is a nice, wide trail, which made for pleasant hiking.  Not far into the climb I crossed Rocky Branch and took a photo of the small waterfall (shown above).  Soon after that the trail began a series of switchbacks ascending directly up the north face of Unaka.  I ran into quite a bit of snow and ice as my elevations got higher.   

After 3.7 miles I ran into the Stamping Ground Ridge Trail at approximately 4500'.  This was the old Appalachian Trail many years ago.  I then turned right on that trail to keep ascending, and after another .5 miles I reached the upper terminus of Stamping Ground Ridge.  This area is a very nice location, and gave me wonderful eastern views of Roan, the two Humps, and the other surrounding mountains. 

From Stamping Ground Ridge, I came upon the completely ice-covered Unaka Mountain Road.  I again turned right and followed this road for another .5 miles until I found the unmarked trail leading down to Horseback Ridge.  It was at this point that I reached my highest elevation of the day at 4750 feet.     

I walked down Horseback Ridge for a tenth of a mile or so for breathtaking views.  This somewhat unknown viewpoint on Unaka Mountain remains one of my most-favorite places in east Tennessee.  I took a few photos and turned around to make my walk back down the mountain.   

I arrived back at the Jeep after four hours of hiking, climbing and descending 2400 feet in each direction, while covering 9.4 total miles. 

Directions to CNF Trailhead #30:   From Johnson City take I-26 to the Unicoi exit (#32). At the end of exit ramp turn left. At the stop sign turn right onto Unicoi Road and proceed for 0.7 miles. Follow the signs pointing to the Cherokee National Forest by turning left onto Rt. 107 (Limestone Cove Road). Drive for approximately 3.5 miles.  The park is on the left, and Rocky Branch Road is immediately after on the right.  Follow Rocky Branch Road for approximately 1 mile to a gravel parking area, and a small sign designating the trail.     

Total Miles Hiked:  9.4