August 1, 2023
Woody Gap to Dockery Lake
Once again, another beautiful warm, 70's summer day to hike in the Blood Mountain Wilderness under high tree cover. Today we hiked northeast on the AT from Woody Gap to the intersection with the Dockery Lake Trail and then southward to Dockery Lake . The AT is well used, but also well maintained. The grade up to Preacher's Rock and Big Cedar Mountain is not too difficult nor long. The Dockery Lake Trail is not as well maintained and quite rocky in places with some tree falls too, making it's mostly downward descent a bit tricky. We saw a few summer wildflowers along the way. Unfortunately we were unable to see Martha's Falls nor Twin Falls which would require extensive bushwacking. The Dockery Lake Falls are visible, but mostly obstructed by numerous dead trees falling directly up to and onto the falls. This is a moderately difficult trail.
Today's Hikers: Ken Kellerman, Vic Robson, Sue Vaughn, Gary King , Jenny Bell, Renée Corbett, Rich Brown, Gita Patel, Matt Henderson, Jane Brown & Squirt, Lynn Steele, Mike Bell & Shelia Getman.
The route
7.3 mi · 1,066 ft climbing · 4h 46m out, 4h 1m walking · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
22 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (24)
A perfect reflection of the sky and trees on Lake Dockery! Today's hikers on Preacher's Rock (L-R): Back: Ken, Vic, Sue, Gary, Jenny, Renee, Rich, Gita, Matt & Jane; Front: Lynn, Mike, Squirt & Shelia. Starting point of our hike. Not too bad of a grade on the AT portion of our hike. The AT from Woody Gap is nicely maintained as shown by these well constructed stone steps. Some of the first and dominate wildflowers seen today. A few mushrooms too. A first view of the mountains to the east from an overlook prior to Preacher's Rock. Taking a look from Preacher's Rock. And it is a beautiful clear view today! Come on Mike, not another group shot! The bees were busy on the Winged Sumac on Preacher's Rock. Always a favorite spot to take a photo, but the question still is, "Is this one or two trees?" More wildflowers including this Shrubby St. Johnswort in the upper right frame. Snack time and Squirt says, "Me too!" Time to head south. Some nice sounds from Pigeon Roost Creek and its tributaries. Rich crossing one of those small feeder branches. So sad, the damage to these Hemlocks from the Woody Adelgids. I hear it, but don't see Martha's Falls . . . tougher bushwack that we wanted to make. Same with Twin Falls just a bit further down the trail. Lots of deadfall heading down Dockery Lake Trail. Squirt does not want to leave this cooling water hole crossing our trail. One of the highlights of our hike, a couple of Carolina Lilies. Dockery Lake Falls. I was hoping it might have been cleaned up just a bit more from two years ago.