Appalachian Trail: Erwin, TN

The Appalachian Trail is designated as a National Scenic Trail. The Appalachian Trail is 2100 miles long, beginning in Springer Mountain, GA and ending in Katahdin, Maine.

The Appalachian Trail in Tennessee and North Carolina covers approximately 290 miles. The Tennessee section begins south of Damascus, Virginia, where the Appalachian Trail travels through the mountains in the Cherokee National Forest. The AT then climbs into the high country of the North Carolina-Tennessee state line.

This mountain range, the Roan Highlands, contains some of the highest, most rugged and beautiful mountains on the entire Appalachian Trail, with several above six thousand feet. Nearby Roan Mountain on is approximately 6200 feet in elevation. The Roan Highlands is known for its rhododendron gardens and panoramic views on the open grassy “balds” such as Hump Mountain.

The A.T. continues southward to the Nolichucky River and then along the state line and through the Pisgah National Forest to Hot Springs, North Carolina, where it crosses the French Broad River. From Hot Springs, it is a short distance to to Hartford, TN and into Great Smoky National Park.

Be Prepared: the high mountains of the southern Appalachians can have dangerous weather conditions. Lightning is a particular danger in summer. Sudden snow storms are common, as late as April and May, and can strand hikers. If you are unsure of your wilderness skills, consider training with professional guides.

There are many good day hikes and multi-day backpacking opportunities on sections of the Appalachian Trail in the Erwin, TN and Nolichucky River area.

• Erwin, TN north to Roan Mountain, TN (48 miles) 
• Spivey Gap north to the Crockett (10.2 miles)
• Sam’s Gap north to the Crockett (23.2 miles)
• Iron Mountain Gap south to the Crockett (19.1 miles)
• USFS 230 south to the Crockett (12.7 miles)
• Erwin, TN south to Hot Springs, NC (65 miles)
• Indian Grave Gap south to the Nolichucky River (8.3 miles)
• USFS 230 south to the Crockett (9.4 miles)
• Nolichucky River to a really nice overlook (4 miles)

Mountain Adventure Guides and USA Raft on the Nolichucky River operate a large cabin bunkhouse we call Crockett Cabin, near Erwin, TN. Crockett Cabin bunkhouse is located just 75 yards from the Appalachian Trail, on the banks of the Nolichucky River. Crockett Cabin is available for Appalachian Trail hiker groups of 9 or more for just $11.95 each per day + tax.

Crocket Cabin Includes:

• Bunk-beds with thick foam pads for sleeping bags
• large stone fireplace
• covered porch facing the river
• charcoal grills
• large shower house
• outdoor bonfire ring
• sand volleyball court
• adjacent to the Appalachian Trail, Erwin, TN

Whitewater rafting is available on the Nolichucky River March through November. For reservations, please call 1-866-USA-Raft.

Erwin, TN Appalachian Trail Hiker Hostels, Lodging, Camping and Shuttle Information

Nolichucky Gorge Campground
1 Jones Branch Road
Erwin, TN  37650
Telephone: (423) 743-8876
Email: nolichucky@ntellos.net 

Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel151 River Road
Erwin, TN  37650
Telephone: (423) 735-0548

Super 8 Motel
1101 North Buffalo Street
Erwin, TN 37650
Telephone: (423) 743-0200
Fax: (423) 743-0577
URL: www.super8.com

Clayton’s Dogwood Inn
430 Ohio Avenue
Erwin, TN 37650
Telephone: (423) 735-0093
Fax: (423) 735-3069
E-Mail:  TNClayton@yahoo.com

Erwin, TN: Places to eat

Azteca Mexican Restaurant
1238 N. Main Ave
423-735-0600

China Kitchen
1067 1/2 N. Main Ave
423-743-7788

Little Ceasars
1203 1/2 N. Main Ave.
423-743-4111

McDonald’s
529 Jonesborough Rd.
423-743-5821

Other Appalachian Trail Links

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

AT in Tennessee 

AT in NC

National Park Service  National Park Service information on this multi-state national trail extending from Georgia to Maine.

Trailplace   Information about the Appalachian Trail and planning hikes on the Appalachian Trail.

Scouts on the Appalachian Trail in TN and NC

Hiking the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee