2-16-19. We were greeting by a cold, rolling fog as we set out on the Jerry Miller Trail around 9:15. The Shelton Laurel backcountry is a gorgeous setting in any season. The green of the rhododendron leaves and mosses were a contrast to the grey mist enveloping the cove. Intersecting with the Appalachian Trail, the Jerry Miller trail is a hidden gem for hikers. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=70837
After crossing the foot bridge over Big Creek, we traversed a boggy area that quickly ascends to a few switchbacks that are laden with wildflowers in the spring. It was eerily silent, with our breathing and footsteps the only noise as we climbed. This trail never disappoints- we have done this trail about a dozen times and have only seen other hikers two or three times. It is much more common to encounter bear hunters. Then the trail becomes quite narrow, sidehilling through rhododendron tunnels. The majority of the trail is uphill, with a few brief breaks in elevation.
Falling waters
After about a mile above where Jerry Miller begins, you come to this lovely waterfall. While it is not a cataract waterfall, the water cascades over nearly 100 feet of slick rocks. It was particularly gorgeous on this day due to the amount of rain that has soaked Western North Carolina over the past several months.
I walked past areas where native orchids, dwarf iris, trillium, fringed phacelia, mountain laurel, toothwort and other wildflowers grow in abundance in the spring and early summer. Last fall, we encountered a yellow jacket nest along White Oak flats. The beauty of this trail just keeps giving! As we climbed, blue skies unveiled as the fog dissipated but settled in the coves. The winter landscape provides such a glimpse into the features of the land- every cove, rock and vista is exposed and appreciated.
Firescald and Jerry Cabin
The Jerry Miller trail ends on the Appalachian Trail, just above Firescald Knob and Jerry Cabin shelter. It was very wet and mucky, and the cold fog was casting a chill, especially in the shade. Firescald is a high rocky ridge, full of large, stacked boulders that are best experienced when it is not rattlesnake season- for good reason (another post for another day). The views there are so incredible and pristine- here is a picture from December a few years ago.
It was another lovely day on the trail- a total of 10 miles and various microclimate changes as we rose and descended in elevation. Here is a final image of the beauty of the Shelton Laurel backcountry.
There are two ways to get to Shelton Laurel in Madison County,NC. You can go through Marshall, NC, going north on Route 25/70. Rt. Continue straight on NC Rt 208 (NC Rt 25 goes left towards Hot Springs) and then bear right onto NC Rt. 212. Continue on NC Rt. 212 until you reach Big Creek Rd on the left; the forest service road is about 3 miles on your left; you will ford a stream and proceed down the gravel road; the parking area to the Jerry Miller trail is the first turn off to your left. Alternatively, you can take Interstate 26 towards Johnson City TN. Take the Flag Pond exit; at the end of the road, turn right and after a few miles, turn left onto TN Rt. 352. TN Rt. 352 turns into NC 212- remember, this area is on the NC/TN border. Take a right onto Big Creek Rd. (beside a large church). Take a left onto the forest road to the Shelton Laurel backcountry, immediately ford the stream, and drive down the gravel road to the trail parking area on your left.
