AT-Iron Mountain-Feathercamp Loop

Park at the pullout or a tenth of a mile south on 58 at the Straight Branch Virginia Creeper parking lot. You will start and end this loop within sight and/or sound of water. Head north on the AT through the steepest section of the hike past Saunders Shelter and down into Beartree Gap, then north on the Beartree Gap trail. Cross 58 and pick back up on the trail a few yards to the south. You have a few choices for trails through the Beartree Lake area until you pick up on the Beartree Gap trail once again and climb to Shaw Gap and the Iron Mountain Trail. Take the Iron Mountain trail toward Sandy Flats, where you will connect with the Feathercamp Branch trail to complete your loop. This last section is the least maintained and will have you crossing water many times. Best early spring or late fall for views.