Trail Updates

08/07/2025

The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) remains closed around Iron Mountain Gap per a Forest Service order due to ongoing repair work following Hurricane Helene (NOBO miles 360.6 to 366.1). This closure includes Cherry Gap Shelter, which was destroyed during the storm.

Hikers must use the Iron Mountain Gap Detour until the closure is lifted.

Repair work includes a storm debris removal project to reduce potential wildfire fuels.  The heavy equipment being used for the project is extremely dangerous, and it is very hard for equipment operators to see or hear hikers approaching.

Please note that crews are closer to Iron Mountain Gap, so northbound hikers may not see or hear equipment when approaching the start of the detour. However, this does not mean it is safe to enter the closed section. Once past the detour, there is no safe way to bypass the work area. Along with reducing the risk of wildfire, the project will also make it easier for landscape rehabilitation work to begin after the project is complete.

See the detour map below. 

NOBO (northbound) Directions:

1. Turn left onto the official A.T. detour at NOBO mi 360.6 and follow the white plastic blazes downhill for ~0.5 mi, mostly along Forest Service Rd 4344/Clear Branch Rd. to the intersection with Red Fork Rd/Unaka Mtn Rd.
2. Turn right on Red Fork Rd/Unaka Mtn Rd and follow it for ~3 mi to State Road TN 107.
3. Turn left along TN 107 and follow it for ~100 yards.
4. Turn right and start up the ridgeline for ~0.5 mi back to TN 107 (avoiding a dangerous and narrow curved section of road). The path has been cleared by a leaf blower, so may not have worn tread.
5. When you reach TN 107, turn left along the side of the road for ~0.1 mile to FS 53421.
6. Turn right onto FS 53421 for a short distance then turn left onto FS 53422
7. Follow FS 53422 for ~1.6 mi to its end, then continue on a leaf blown path for ~0.4 mi to reconnect with the A.T. at the side trail to a spring, NOBO mile 366.1. Turn left onto the A.T. and continue NOBO toward Roan Mtn.

SOBO (southbound) Directions:

1. Turn right onto the official A.T detour at a junction with a side trail to a spring (NOBO mi 366.1) and follow the white plastic blazes ~0.4 mi up and over the ridge, and down to the end of Forest Service Rd 53422. The path has been cleared by a leaf blower, so may not have worn tread.
2. Follow FS 53422 for ~1.6 mi to FS 53421.
3. Turn right onto FS 53421 for a short distance then turn left, following the blazes along TN 107 for ~0.1 mi.
4. Turn right uphill, away from the road for ~0.5 mi to then get back to TN 107. This avoids a dangerous and narrow curved section of the road.
5. Turn left along TN 107 for ~100 yards to the junction with Red Fork/Unaka Mt. Rd.
6. Turn right onto Red Fork/Unaka Mt. Rd. and follow it for ~ 3 mi to FS 4344/Clear Branch Rd.
7. Turn left onto FS 4344/Clear Branch Rd. and follow it ~0.4 mi to where the detour leaves the road.
8. Turn right and head uphill ~0.1 mi back to the A.T. at NOBO mi 360.6. Turn right and continue SOBO toward Unaka Mtn.

Click the image for a printable version with written directions.