Erwin, Unicoi County, TN

Unicoi County, TN

    

Beauty Spot

    Beauty Spot is everything that it's name says. You are on top of balds in Unicoi County with amazing panoramic views of the mountains! The road to get to the top can be a little rough and even though I would recommend at least all wheel drive, I have seen low clearance cars make the trek up. It's just gravel and lots of pot holes and can get washed out.  This is a very popular place to watch the sunset because there is no hike involved.  People bring picnics, build camp fires, have parties and camp out.  There are lots of places you can walk around and the Appalachian Trail runs through here. 

Indian Grave Gap Trail

    Even though you can drive straight up to Beauty Spot, there is a trail that you can hike up to it.  And when the gate across the road is closed for the winter and you had planned on hiking up past Beauty Spot to the Emerald Forest Walk and you have 5 kids with you and your sister, then you have to have to take a moment and figure out what to do.  You put the Emerald Forest Walk on hold, park at the gate and just hike the 2.5 miles up to Beauty Spot.  It was so cold that day and when we got to the top, the kids built a fire - in a premade fire ring and roasted pepperoni.  It's one of the best memories!  So when your plans don't work the way you had hoped, don't give up!  Find another plan and make memories!  Just so you know, the gate is closed from Dec through March.  You can find this and other road closures on the US Forest Service Page because this is not the only one!