Hike the Appalachian Trail ~ October 1st, 2018

On the 1st of October, 10 hardy hikers met at Newfound Gap for our BRNN high altitude hike.  The weather was beautiful if a bit foggy at times.  Our original destination of Clingman’s Dome was off limits due to the search for a missing hiker.  Instead we set off from Newfound Gap at about 5,040 ft. elevation east along the Appalachian Trail headed to the “Jump Off” about 1000 feet higher.  Local naturalist Ed Kelly lent his high elevation expertise to the group, assisted where necessary by Scott Dean.  The Jump Off proved a marvellous lunch location, with periodic glimpses of distant peaks through the fog.  The return trip progressed more quickly, largely due to it being mostly downhill.  In total our group covered 6.75 miles, and ended the day tired but content.

Photos by Randy Richardson