Johnson City resides in the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, resting in the valleys and peaks of roaring waterfalls, hidden trails and scenic lookouts in the surrounding area.
Students oftentimes miss out on these natural endeavors due to an abundance of classwork or overcrowded schedules, yet the beauty of Johnson City is unique and holds beautiful undiscovered gems at every corner.
Brian Carruth, an active member of the ETSU community and undergraduate student, has made it his goal to explore the natural scenery of the surrounding area. Spending his free time exploring trails and chasing beautiful views, Carruth delves into his admiration for some of his most visited and favored spots along the Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail extends 2,200 miles along the eastern coast of the United States, but areas near the Blue Ridge Mountains are notoriously visited trails featuring hikes like Carvers Gap Trail.
“Carvers Gap is my all-time favorite because it overlooks the water gorge,” said Carruth. “The Appalachian Trail section near Johnson City offers so many beautiful hikes, and Carver’s Gap is just one of the many that I love to explore.”
Carver’s Gap is accessible from Roan Mountain, which is a thirty-minute drive from ETSU’s campus and features multiple trails that are easily accessible. The gap stretches from Roan Mountain all the way to Bakersville, North Carolina, and is open from May-October, featuring scenic views from the base of the mountain to the peak of the outlook. Carver’s Gap is a 1–2-hour hike, so if you explore the area, be sure to bring plenty of food, water and, most importantly, a hiking buddy to stay safe.
Sitting at a whopping 5,509 feet (about twice the height of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world), the view is something completely unique and, for students like Carruth, keeps them coming back time after time again.
When taking beautiful hikes such as Carver’s Gap, it’s extremely important to practice hiking safety for you and your hiking partner. Before beginning a mountain trek, make sure to research the terrain and wear the correct attire based on weather conditions.
Additionally, if rough terrain is expected, consider bringing a hiking pole or large stick to help with balance and navigation of rocky trails. For Carver’s Gap, in particular, make sure to bundle up in the winter months, bring enough provisions for the hike, and, if you are hiking alone, alert a trusted source of your whereabouts and inform them of your expected return time.
