Guest
On 8/9/2021 I embarked on hike in GSMNP. My route was 22 miles and 6,909 ft of elevation gain. I started on Lead Cove which is a steady incline. When I hit my first trail Intersection I turned right into Bote Mountain trail which is a continuation of my steady incline to the A.T.. Once arriving at my second trail intersection i was on The Appalachian Trail heading North Bound which was a constant Up and Down hike through Rocky Top, Thunder Head Mountain, Beechnut Gap, Brier Knob, Mineral Gap, Starkey Gap, Peak 4820, Sugar Tree Gap, and Little Chestnut Bald. After I Reached the Bald I started my way back the way I came. On the way back I found a water source on the Appalachian Trail that wasn't at a shelter (IMO is rare). It is located in between Thunderhead Mountain and Beechnut Gap. There are two Elevation Markers when heading NOBO The 1st one is at Thunderhead the water source is .1 mile before the second marker or .8 miles after Thunderhead.
