November 2nd, 2008 -  I set out at Indian Grave Gap in search of an overlook that I've heard referred to as "Eagle's Nest", which is truly a magnificent, sheer-cliff vista overlooking the Nolichucky River Gorge. 

I started at an elevation of around 3700' on the Shinbone Trail that is primarily an old forest road utilized by horseback riders.  It is completely unmarked, but otherwise in very good condition to hike...  I think I only crossed a couple of small blowdowns all day.  Like most old forest roads though, there can be a few intersections that are confusing, so if you wish to hike this one, please read my trail directions at the bottom of this page.        

Fall  Flora

One of the Two Open Fields

as I Was Getting Near the Overlook 

I made my descent to around 2800', enjoying the beautiful autumn colors.  Once down to the lower sections, there were a couple of open fields that were very scenic, and I thought would be nice places to camp (you can see these fields as the tan colored areas on the Google Earth map below).  Soon after the second field, I found the short trail leading to the overlook, and it was an absolutely amazing view.  My photos were taken looking into the sun so they do not do this wonderful spot justice.  My GPS showed that I was standing around 2850', and I knew the river is around 2000'.  This means that the drop off was over 800 feet!  Needless to say, I didn't get too close to the edge.           

The "Eagle's Nest" Overlook

Over 800'... Straight Down!

View of the Flattop Mountain Ridgeline

 & the Nolichucky Gorge

After the overlook, I kept going on the trail to complete my loop by working my way back up to the top of the mountain.  This ridge was much more rugged and steep than the one I came down, making me wish I'd done this section first instead of last.  In the higher elevations there were no switchbacks, just straight up climbing, but I eventually made it back to the top ridgeline after ascending over 1000 feet. 

With the extra exploring that I did (and at little bit of getting "lost"), I hiked around 12.0 miles for the day.  But I think if you just stay on the Shinbone Trail it would be approximately 10.0 miles round-trip.  

As a footnote:  There are numerous Hemlock forests on this hike as well as towering oaks, poplar, and maples, making it a great autumn hike.  There were wonderful views of the surrounding Unaka Mountain Range, and of course the entirety of Flattop Mountain.  I also counted nine people on horseback for the day... I was the only crazy one walking!

Back on Top of the Mountain

After a Long, Tough Climb

Total Miles Hiked:  12.0 

Getting There:  

Driving - From I-26 take Exit #36 (Erwin), at the end of the exit ramp turn east toward town.   At the red light, turn right onto Route 107.  Drive 0.5 mile and then turn left at the next red light onto Rock Creek Road.  Proceed for 6.5 miles to the TN/NC state-line.  This is called Indian Grave Gap.  You will immediately take the gravel road on your right. This forest road is in very good condition, and I had no problems with my low clearance vehicle.  Proceed 0.9 miles until you come to a fork in the road.  Park here, out of the way of the road to the right, which leads to private property.  The fork to the left (that is gated) is the Shinbone Trailhead.  There's a sign at the gate designating it as Shinbone.      

Trails - The Shinbone trail is listed as 8.5 miles on my maps, but I think it's about 1.5 miles longer to do the entire loop from the gated trailhead because you have to backtrack on that one stretch of trail.  To do it the way I did it, I believe it's about 10.0 miles round-trip. 

At the Shinbone Trailhead, simply follow the forest road on a fairly level trek for approximately 1.5 miles until you come to a fork in the road.  I took the left-hand fork (going down the eastern side of the mountain).  The trail in this area is much like the second photo on the top of this page (an old road with many open views that gradually descends to 2800').  Once around 2800', the trail turns westerly, following in the direction of the gorge.  You will pass two open pastures.  After the second pasture, the trail splits... the left leads to another pasture along the gorge's ridge, and the right keeps descending into the forest.  Take the trail to the left.  In just a couple hundred yards you'll see a short trail leading through the trees toward the gorge.  There was a fire ring at this location on the day I visited.  You can also download this GPS waypoint and track too if you wish (right click on link, and chose "Save Target As" or Save As".  Download to your hard-drive and then upload to your GPS unit).  After visiting the overlook, return to the intersection you just passed, and head down the road into the forest.  From here the trail changes from the wide road, to more of a rugged trail.  You'll ascend up a couple of long switchbacks in a beautiful forest, and then you'll make a tough climb straight up the rest of the way to the top of the mountain.  At the second open pasture near the top of the mountain, take the road to the right.  This will lead you back to the initial fork.  Of course go left at this fork and you'll be back at the trailhead in another 1.5 miles.