AT Day 30: Roan Highlands into Tennessee

Daily Miles: 21.1, Total Miles: 402.4

Despite the noisy, flapping tent, I did enjoy the beautiful sunset and sunrise from my perch on Round Bald.

A fun day overall, hiking the ridgelines and balds of the Roan Mountains.

Some of the best, clear views yet of the North Carolina and Tennessee mountains and countryside. Made it even better that there wasn’t near as much climbing as in days past.

Leapfrogged with a hiker named Stretch since yesterday. I also caught up with Buttercup and Booyah at lunchtime near the US19E crossing.

Getting noticeably greener along the trail with grass, bushes, weeds and leafing trees. I think I’m now more in Tennessee proper rather than straddling the border with North Carolina. I took a side trail to pretty Jones Waterfall, then a nice stroll along the Elk River with blooming dogwoods. Saw my first snake on the AT – a long black one stretched completely across the trail. A little prodding got him on the move.

I found a nice tent site near fellow hiker, Patriarch, who has a hammock nearby. Aptly named, 9 kids and 28 grandchildren!

I met two guys on the trail today with full camo and shotguns. They were hunting turkeys but no luck yet. Speaking of birds, I used my Merlin app to identify two new birds, tufted titmouse and eastern towhee.

Forecasted to start raining tonight until midday tomorrow.