Claiborne County High Point Trip Report
Bryson Mtn
Date: April 1, 2001
Author: Mike Beavers
The lookout tower that Andy Martin mentions in his book is gone. In fact, the whole top of the mountain
may have been removed. The mountain looks like a giant set of steps with a large flat area on top. Ken
Oeser is going to visit this point in early May with his altimeter; maybe he will be able to determine how
much of the mountain top has been removed. We may have to find a new high point for Claiborne County.
The best way to access this high point is through Middlesboro KY. I didn't keep any distances from point
to point but here is a short description on how to get to the top. Take highway 186/132 from Middlesboro.
After a couple of miles you will see a unnamed gravel road heading up hill to your right. Take this road.
On the topo map, the road is just to the left of the word "Fork" in the place name of "Fork Ridge". (If you
reach Good Lane you have gone to far down 186/132) This gravel road will take you to the top of the
mountain. A word of warning: it looks like the strip mining and restoration work on top of the mountain
has been completed so they may not continue to maintain the road to the top. If that is the case then in a
year or so you will either need a ATV or be prepared for along hike to reach the top.
If you have never been in an area that has been extensively mined, Bryson Mountain is the area to visit.
Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is nearby and worth a visit. The new tunnel under the gap is
almost a mile long.