On a sunny — but not deathly because mountains 💞 — day at the end of July, we set out upon Big Run Loop. Avoiding the covid crowds, we started around 9am and succeeding in seeing few people.
We did Big Flat Mountain Loop the same day, so you see both in the map below.
Total distance: 5.01 mi
Max elevation: 2889 ft
Min elevation: 1713 ft
Total climbing: 1883 ft
Total descent: -1926 ft
Average speed: 2.58 mi/h
Total time: 02:32:25
Max elevation: 2889 ft
Min elevation: 1713 ft
Total climbing: 1883 ft
Total descent: -1926 ft
Average speed: 2.58 mi/h
Total time: 02:32:25
But first, Rocky Top Overlook.

The trail begins in woods, on a slope thick with verdant fernage.

An easy river crossing.

Then grass takes over as the undergrowth of choice.

Followed by lunch, back at Rocky Top Overlook. Green mountain majesty indeed.

Stats
Distance | 5.7 miles |
Elevation Gain | 1072 feet |
Moving Time | 2 hours, 45 minutes |
Total Time | 2 hours, 45 minutes |
Average Pace | 28 minutes per mile / 2.2 mph |
Equipment
Pack | CamelBak Aventura hydration pack |
Navigation | Phone 6 with AllTrails Pro |
Shoes | Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 trail running shoes |
Used Poles? | No |
Clothes | Socks: Injinji Trail Midweight Mini Crew Toesocks Bottom: quick dry running shorts Shirt: short sleeve wicking tee |
Recording
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/big-flat-mountain-loop-via-appalachian-trail-8a36dfc
See my current gear, clothing, and thoughts about it on the Hiking Gear page.