For this hike we will use a short car shuttle to Flats Mountain (trail #102). We will drop some cars at Beehouse Gap, the northern end of Flats Mountain Trail (near Indian Boundary Campground), then car shuttle to Eagle Gap on the Cherohala Skyway and begin our hike at the southern end of Flats Mountain Trail. This 6.1-mile trail follows the ridge of Flats Mountain, overlooking Indian Boundary Lake and the Citico Creek Wilderness dotted with Flaming Azaleas and Rhododendron . The trail begins with a short climb to two unnamed balds, then it descends 1900 ft., to Beehouse Gap, where our shuttle cars will be parked.

Hike is 6.1 miles, rated Moderate. Trail might be overgrown in some areas, so pants or knee-high gaiters are recommended. There will be plenty of daylight left after this hike to take the short drive on River Road to see the new bridge at Bald River Falls as you make your way home!

Meet at Kroger in Alcoa, 244 S. Hall Road at the SE end of the building, near the KARM store, and park around the side of the building, ready to leave at 7:00 am. Carpool is 130 miles RT (7¢ = $9.10, OK to round up or down). Or meet at the Camp Store in Indian Boundary Campground (Loop B), for final head count and car shuttle drop, ready to roll at 8:30am.