Hancock County High Point Trip Report
two areas (2,620+ ft)
Date: November 24, 2000
Author: Ken Oeser
area one on Clinch Mtn
From Mooresburg on Highway 11W, take Highway 31 north 6.7 miles north and turn right onto Firetower
Road at the second left hairpin turn climbing Clinch Mountain. If you miss this turn, 0.3 mile farther the
Highway descends north toward Sneedville. Follow Firetower Road about 1.5 miles to the fire tower at
the top. The highest area is on some rocks near the base of the tower.
area two on Newman Ridge
From Sneedville, take Highway 33 west for one mile west and follow along the north side of the Clinch
River for another 2 miles, then the highway heads north away from the river. A little over 1.5 miles after
leaving the river, turn right at a left curve onto Short Mountain Road. There is a sign pointing the way to
Sandy Springs Church at the side of the highway. Follow this road north for about a mile to Sandy
Springs Missionary Church on the left. Continue on the gravel/dirt road another half mile to a split.
Turn right/downhill and park on the side of the road just past the bottom area. Hike up a steep ATV trail
on the left. Follow this north to a junction with a larger dirt/ATV trail heading northwest to the creek bed
heading for Brewer Gap. The trail follows the creek north, then northwest, and ascends Newman Ridge
about .25 mile west of Brewer Gap. Hike west up the ridge about 0.25 mile to the highest area. There is
an ATV trail along the ridge, and there was a friendly group of riders on the trail when we were there.
The highest area seems to be on the right side of the trail, with a nice view north (at least in the winter).
A steep logging road can be seen ascending toward Brewer Gap from the road just to the north. Total
hike of our route is 2 miles round trip and 1000 foot elevation gain.