The Heat Was On At Rich Mountain Fire Tower

Hot! That was the best way to describe my hike Sunday with the Greeneville Hiking Club to Rich Mountain Fire Tower. I had read that this could be a hot hike in summer and boy was that right. Of the six of us who started the five-mile out-and-back hike, only four made it to the top as two of our group had to head back because of the heat.

Our group about to head out...

At Tanyard Gap (photo by Joe Allison)

It was hot...

...on the AT

Headed up to Rich Mountain.

This is a hike I had made twice before once in winter with snow on the ground and the other time last autumn.

Same spot with snow in 2013....

...last autumn...

...& Sunday.

While the seasons made all three hikes unique this one was also different because of what has happened to the Appalachian Trail (AT) since the fire in this area back in April. Starting up from Tanyard Gap the blackened trees were clearly visible and you could still smell the charred wood. Then just over a half-mile in, where the AT passes close to an old road bed, an area of trees had been cut most likely as a fire break. It really isn't until about halfway to the fire tower when the trail runs out of the burnt area. It is a shame as this was a beautiful stretch, but the woods will bounce back.

Burnt rhododendrons.

This spot last October...

...after the fire on Sunday.

Woods before the fire break...

...& after.

Before the fire...

...& after.

Anyway, as always the view from the fire tower on Rich Mountain was nice as it was not as hazy as I expected. Because of foliage one place not visible today were Camp Creek Bald and its fire tower. We spotted something that looked like a fire. It first looked like rain was headed our way, but we then spotted smoke and we guessed that there was a fire...but I haven't confirmed it. I felt like one of those lookouts from days gone by. I will say that the winter view from here is better than the one in summer.

Headed up to...

...the tower.

The 30-foot fire tower.

People have decorated the inside of the tower.

Call Giorgio!

North Carolina vista.

Mosheim, TN.

Fire on the mountain? 

Overall, while hot it was overall a nice day out with the Greeneville Hiking Club on the AT.