Scott County High Point Trip Report
Date: September 1, 2002
Author: Ken Oeser
Burge Mtn (3,260+ ft?)
This has been strip mined, so don't know if it is still 3,260+ feet high.
From the junction of TN Highways 116 and 62, zero odometer and drive north on Highway 116. At 5 miles
is the saddle and parking/road to Morgan county's highpoint. Continue and turn left onto a gravel mining
road at 9.9 miles. There is a sign stating that mining trucks have the right-of-way, but I can't tell that they
mine here anymore. We saw many locals on this road, one even pulling a pop-up camper, others with floats
and camping gear. Zero odometer again and continue on this main gravel road 6.2 miles to the ridge,
then go straight and ignore a left fork at 6.3 miles. Park at mile 7.6, and see Burge Mountain straight ahead.
The road curves left around the base of the mountain. Follow a dirt road to the right and follow this up the side
of Burge Mountain. The highest point seems to be at the edge, overlooking the valley and ridge road.
There are signs of mining, but the trees and partial cut below this part seem to match the topo, which shows
at least a 3240 foot contour touching the edge here.
Walnut Knob and Guinea Hill Knob (3,240+ ft)
Return to your vehicle and go the way you came in 1.3 miles to the fork. Turn right and go downhill,
then back up and park at the saddle at 1.6 miles from the split. The dirt road to Guinea Hill Knob is on the left at
this point, and the dirt road to Walnut Knob is a little farther on the right. Both knobs are about 1/4 mile
hikes one-way from here. We drove all these roads in a 2WD Honda, so nobody should have any problem.
I would avoid this area in hunting seasons.