Blue Ridge Gap to Bly Gap on the Appalachian Trail

Another "great day for a hike" with perfect weather, sunny, 40-62 °F, and a trail in very good condition. The trail is an mostly gentle, 3.4-mile climb up to Bly Gap with a few short steep sections making the hike moderately difficult. However, the path was easy on the feet with very few exposed rocks and roots. As a ridgeline trail, we had nice views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The "Level Tree" is still at Bly Gap. As best I can find, it got its name for its distinctive, horizontal, 'level' limb that stretches out dramatically, marking the state line." The biggest challenge of this hike is the 1-mile dirt Forest Service road to Hightower Gap that has a few deep washouts requiring a higher clearance vehicle. We met two AT "through hikers" on our return from Bly Gap, a pleasant surprise, with one later catching a ride with us to Hiawassee. Today's Hikers: Matt Henderson & Toby, Lynn Steele, Heather Wall & Toby, Angela Evans, Allyson Aldrich, Jenny Bell, John Cape, Linda Shultz, Jack Treadman & Mike Bell.