Last Revised: March 08, 2007

Appalachian Trail Frequently Asked Questions (ATFAQ)

A.T. Hiking Questions and Answers

For detailed information on the TEHCC section of the Appalachian Trail, consult the "Appalachian Trail Guide to Tennessee-North Carolina", published by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. ATC's address and phone number are:

Q:    Where are the best places to hike in Tennessee?

A:    Tennessee abounds in great scenery and outstanding hiking opportunities.  Recommended hikes in our area are described in our Favorite Hikes page.  Hiking opportunities in other parts of the state are listed in Hiking in Eastern and Middle Tennessee.

Q:    What about hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

A:    The Smokies are a great place to hike.  The Park is about 70 miles south of the TEHCC section of the A.T.  See Hiking in Eastern and Middle Tennessee for more information about the Smokies. 

Q:    Where can I safely leave my vehicle?

A:    The 132 miles of the A.T. maintained by TEHCC are crossed by many roads. Unfortunately, there have been a few incidences of vandalism involving vehicles left at road crossings.  TEHCC does not recommend leaving vehicles overnight at remote mountain sites.  When possible, you should leave your vehicle at a home or business near a road crossing, after asking permission from the owner.
    Specifically, TEHCC does NOT recommend that vehicles be left overnight at U.S. 19E, and at any road crossing between U.S. 19E and Bitter End.  Check our Alerts page for the latest information.
The Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club and Eastman Chemical Company assume no legal or financial responsibility for any incidents of vandalism.

Q:    What car shuttles and guide services are available?

A:    See our car shuttle service and guide service pages for the latest information.

Q:    Is it safe to hike the TEHCC section of the A.T.?

A:    Yes.  Just use some common sense, and you should not have any problems.

    During the past few years, there was an ongoing dispute between the U.S. Forest Service and a group of residents living near the A.T. between U.S. 19E and Bitter End (known locally as the Buck Mountain area); occasionally, this dispute has resulted in vandalism and in harassment of hikers.  This dispute, while not completely resolved, has simmered down in recent years.  The majority of residents living along the TEHCC section of the A.T. are friendly to hikers.

Some guidelines you should consider:

Q:    Are water sources plentiful on the TEHCC section of the A.T.?

A:    During the winter, spring and early summer, water is usually available. However, during late summer and the fall, water can be more difficult to find.  Some tips on finding water sources:

Always carry an ample supply of water.  Remember that all water on the TEHCC section of the A.T. should be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated.

Q:    When and where do the rhododendrons and flame azaleas bloom on the TEHCC section of the A.T.?

A:    In general, flame azaleas bloom about a week before rhododendrons.   The bloom of both depends upon the elevation.  At 2,000 to 2,500 feet (for example, Laurel Fork Gorge), the blooms occur by the first of May.  At 3,000 to 4,000 feet, they occur towards the end of May.  At 5,000 to 6,000 feet (for example, the Roan Highlands), the blooms occur in mid to late June.

Flame azaleas and rhododendron occur throughout the TEHCC section of the A.T.   Round Bald in the Roan Highlands is a good place for flame azaleas, and Grassy Ridge (also in the Roan Highlands) is a great place for rhododendrons.