Blue Ridge Country - May/June 2017 - 52

Hot Springs, North Carolina is another friendly town with AT
white blazes taking you through its downtown.

which is within sight of the AT. The
easy two-mile hike culminates in an
80-foot falls.
For a longer adventure, walk from
the porch of the Iron Mountain Inn
to the AT. After climbing two gentle
miles up to the intersection, head
north and you'll encounter the Iron
Mountain Shelter, and, after 5 more
miles, the Nick Grindstaff Monument. From there, it's a quick jaunt
downhill to Route 91 (Cross Mountain Road) where Wood will pick
you up. A little over 7 miles total.
Shuttle: Innkeeper Vikki Wood
is happy to offer pro bono shuttles
anywhere within 100 miles.

Roan Mountain

Stay: Mountain Harbour Bed &
Breakfast and Hiker Hostel. Standing less than .3 mile from the AT,
Mountain Harbour provides a dose
of authentic thru-hiker culture. Visit
between April and June for an immersion-MH's notorious breakfasts
have been known to feature as many
as 50 hikers! Rooms are rustic and,
given the area's isolation, cheap:
52 BlueRidgeCountry.com

Len Foote Hike Inn, the walk to which is the most demanding of these Appalachian Trail walks, is in
high demand as a destination, and requires booking well ahead.

starting at $50. mountainharbour.net
Dine: Venture a couple of miles
into the tiny town of Roan Mountain and try Smoky Mountain Bakers. Featured in Martha Stewart Living, this gem is way off the beaten
path and offers world-class breads,
wood-fired pizza and pastries. facebook.com/SmokyMountainBakers
Hike: With the AT abutting the
property, Mountain Harbour offers
ample opportunities for easy exploring. Heading north, hike about
2 miles and you'll see the meadows
along the Elk River, and, if you go
another four miles, you'll come to
Jones Falls-which is about 60 feet
tall and features three cascades.
Heading south for 5 miles, you'll
come to Roan Highlands and the Big
Hump bald. At 6,000 feet, the grassy
mountaintop offers unobstructed
panoramic views into North Carolina and Virginia, which owner Dave
Hill describes as, "kind of like standing on top of the world."
For those interested in a longer
adventure, there's the shuttle out
to Carver's Gap. "It's a 15-mile walk

back to [Mountain Harbour] that
brings you over all five balds," says
Hill. "It's probably the most popular
hike on the AT, and definitely our
most popular."
Shuttle: The inn provides shuttle
services, with many included in the
cost of a room. However, even the
lengthiest ride runs you just $12.

NORTH CAROLINA: Hot Springs

Stay: Mountain Magnolia Inn. Less
than a mile from where the AT passes right through the center of Hot
Springs, this gorgeous 1868 property has amazing gardens and a finedining restaurant on site. Lodging
options include rooms and suites
in the main house, as well as chalets and cottages. Each is furnished
with antiques and feels like a posh
historical time-capsule. Rooms start
at $105. mountainmagnoliainn.com
Tip: While in town, hit the Hot
Springs Resort & Baths. Sets you back
$15, but the private 1-hour soak is
well worth the price of admission.
Dine: Chef Zeb McDermott has
worked in Asheville, North Carolina,

http://www.mountainharbour.net http://www.book.com/SmokyMountainBakers http://www.mountainmagnoliainn.com http://www.BlueRidgeCountry.com

Blue Ridge Country - May/June 2017

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