8.3 mile AT Hike - Fox Creek to Dickey Gap

There were four of us on this nice hike.  

The hike began  by crossing Fox Creek on a footbridge and continued with a moderate climb of two miles to the creat of Iron Mountain. On the descent we crossed the Iron Mountain Trail. At about 3.2 miles we cam upon Hurricane Mountain Shelter we stopped for a short rest and a snack. 

Most of the trail was downhill or flat once we crested at Iron Mountain which made for a pleasant hike. We saw a doe with one fawn taht quickly moved away from us once she saw us. 

Near the end of the hike we came to Comers Creek, where the swimming hole was located. It was not much of a swimming hole though. The bridge over the creek had washed out, but the creek was easily passable. It provided some nice photo opportunities.

This will be a one-way hike on th Appalachian Trail and will require an auto shuttle. We shall drive to the trailhead at Dickey Gap and leave a car there. From there we shall drive to the start of our hike at the Fox Creek trailhead. This 8.3 mile hike will run through the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area.

As we depart the Fox Creek trailhead we will begin an ascent over the next two miles. We will start at an elevation of about 3480 feet and climb to the crest of Iron Mountain at 4200 feet. From there we will begin a long descent over 3.5 miles to about 2600 feet. On the descent we will come upon the Hurricane Mt. shelter at 3.2 miles into our hike and a place to rest.

From the low point of elevation we begin another ascent, at first steep, and then gradual, to Dickey Gap at 3200 feet. 

At 7.3 miles into our hike we will come to Comers Creek, considered the best swimming hole in the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. It has a 10ft. cascade and a deep pool. Could be a nice stop.. A mile later the hike ends at Dickey Gap.

Plan on spending 5 to 6 hours on the trail for this hike. (Does not include driving).