Dicky Gap to South Fork

I have hiked this section of the Appalachian Trail three times now.  There are some "ups and downs" but they are fairly gentle which provided for a good intermediate level workout.  Becky and I left Dicky Gap and started hiking north.  As seen below, the parking area has a rustic fence bordering a swarth.

Parking area at Dicky Gap near Troutdale

Along the trail, we saw several of these flowers (see picture below.)  Occasionally, one of the four pods would be yellow instead of purple.  We also saw several chipmunks.  

narrow-leaved gentian (Gentiana linearis)

After approximately two miles, we reached a trail-head leading to Raccoon Branch to the east.  As a side note, in most literature about the Appalachian Trail, east means to the right, if you are hiking north; not necessarily east by compass.  Less than a mile later we were hiking along a ridge known as High Point.  This is where I heard a squeak and saw it belonged to one of two chipmunks running along a fallen tree.  They reminded me of the cartoon chipmunks Chip and Dale.

really pretty slope with lots of visibility

From a previous trip.  Just as we started off High Point

Two miles later, we arrived at four-way intersection, if you will allow the term.  The AT makes a right angle turn to the left, continuing straight ahead leads to Slabtown, and a blue-blaze trail to the right leads to Trimpi Shelter.  Since Becky had never been to Trimpi, I wanted to show it to her.  This shelter is made of stone and has a fireplace.  We made the five minute walk down a sloping trail.  As I approached the shelter, I first noticed a backpack on the picnic table and then the hiker to whom it belonged.  Directly after exchanging greetings, he asked, "Are you staying the night?"  I halfheartedly stifled a giggle as I answered, "No."  He confessed that he found the place "spooky."

Trimpi Shelter

I went to the privy (a.k.a. outhouse, long-drop) while Becky chatted with our fellow hiker.  Another hiker came in seconds behind us.  He had taken a bus to Marion and was shuttled to Partnership Shelter where he started his hike south.

I was slightly concerned with our time because we got on the trail a little later than I thought we would.  I wondered if we would still be in the woods when darkness fell.  This last section of our hike flew by and we did, in fact, find our ride home in daylight hours.

a stile north of Trimpi Shelter

In the two point seven miles between Trimpi and our final destination, we crossed a stile, walked through a pasture (with cows, this time),  found a really nice set up of trail magic, crossed a gravel road, and arrived at our pick up point.

bridge over South Fork of Holston River

Because it is now hunting season, Becky and I decided to wear orange vests, just to be safe.  She lit up like a Christmas tree in the above photo.

We finished our seven mile hike in three hours and fifteen minutes; I am very pleased with our progress and feel confident we will be ready for our hundred mile trek next summer.

duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
mileage: 7
elevation changes: 3300 to 4040 to 2450