A rugged, lightly traveled backcountry ridge trail in the Cherokee National Forest traversing the full Holston Mountain massif between Hampton and Shady Valley, with fire tower ruins, primitive campsites, and expansive views into both Tennessee and Virginia from the exposed quartzite summit ridge. The trail's remoteness and low visitation preserve a genuine wilderness experience rare in accessible Southern Appalachian public lands. Popular with backcountry ultrarunners and long-distance hikers.
