August 8th, 2008 -  Today I checked out four wonderful overlooks on Unaka Mountain via the Unaka Mountain Auto Trail.  My first stop was Horseback Ridge, which looks to the north and west of the mountain.  This is one of my favorite places in east Tennessee, but the weather was so humid today that I didn't get any good photos.  Regardless, I'm always in awe of the expansive views of this area... and the unbelievable silence that accompanies it.    

After returning to the car, I drove on up to the Unaka Mountain Overlook (also called Pleasant Garden).  I was happy to see that some work was being done on this area, as a lot of brush was cut around the overlook giving great views to the south and west.  After a couple of photo attempts, I drove back down the hill to get back on the main road, and it was at this intersection that I decided to check out a mostly unknown trail leading to a nice viewpoint (see trail directions below).  This trail led me to a large flat rock with amazing vistas to the southwest.  It was a shame it was so hazy.

From there I drove on to Beauty Spot where I stayed for a while, and eventually witnessed a wonderful sunset.  My photos don't even come close to doing it justice.  If you haven't seen a Beauty Spot sunset, you need to make the trip.                 

Looking Toward North Carolina 

from Beauty Spot

Total Miles Hiked:  0.6 

Getting There:  

Driving - From I-26, take exit #32 (Unicoi). At the end of ramp turn toward town.  Then at the stop sign turn right onto Unicoi Road.  Proceed for 0.7 miles and turn left (at Jones Hardware) onto Rt. 107 (Limestone Cove Road).  Go 7.8 miles and turn right on Red Fork Road. Go 6 miles and you'll see the Stamping Ground Ridge Trailhead on your right.  I didn't stop here, but this would give you nice views to the east if you walk down the trail (see here).  Keep driving another ~.5 mile and you'll see a small pull-off on the right side of the road.  This is Horseback Ridge.  Continue driving on approximately another mile and you'll come to an intersection.  Take a right and go up the hill on a very rough road to the Unaka Mountain Overlook.  Turn around, drive back down the hill, and then stop at the intersection.  You'll see a faint trail right across the road leading to the "flat rock" viewpoint.  Continue driving on down the road (forgot to do the mileage) until you see a road leading off the the left.  This goes to Beauty Spot.  After leaving Beauty Spot, take a left and continue on the road for another two miles and you'll come to route 395 (Rock Creek Road).  Take a right and go 6.6 miles and you'll end up in Erwin, TN.

The road across Unaka is gravel, but was in surprisingly very good condition.  I took my small car and made it without dragging anywhere.  The only rough spots were on the short access road to the Unaka Mountain Overlook.       

Trails - 

Horseback Ridge:  Simply follow the trail down the ridge for approximately .1 mile.  The views are breathtaking.  The trail is in good shape, and you can go a little further down if you work your way through some Rhododendrons. 

Unaka Mountain Overlook:  No trail here... just get out of the car for great views.

"Flat Rock" Overlook:  I'm not sure of the real name of this rock, but it's a very nice viewpoint.  If you're coming down the access road from the Unaka Mountain Overlook, stop at the intersection and look directly across the road.  You'll see a very faint trail in the Rhododendrons.  You'll have to work you're way thru some thick underbrush here, but it a short hike to get to the flat rock... probably just around 200 feet from the road.

Beauty Spot:  There are some nice views here by just getting out of the car, but go ahead and climb up the hill for a couple tenths of a mile to the junction of the Appalachian Trail.  It's worth it because the views are much better from this vantage point.