THE TN/VA/NC CORNER:
Southern Hospitality Included

Our visit to this tri-point was scheduled as an NC06 Konvention event we were to lead. Two tri-pointers showed up - us. Good thing, too, because there was floundering since we had not been there before. As Bob Whitney recently reported, permission is no longer needed to pass through the 2 livestock gates which are now left open. Also, the last 1/2 mile has been re-graded by the owner but needs some fine-tuning. Meanwhile, a 4WD is still required for this final leg.

We drove to the base of the owner's driveway and headed up, not knowing for certain how far we'd need to hike. As we neared the top of the driveway, a man appeared at the back of the house. It was the owner, Lowell Hensley (pictured). We asked if we were trespassing and xplained our mission. No problem: Do we want a ride up? Mr. Hensley graciously drove us the remaining distance in his 4WD construction-cab P/U truck, pleased as cheese grits to do it. His Christmas tree farm touches the 3Pt.

Go 10 miles east from Damascus on US58. At Konnarock, 58 goes hard right and up. Look for Rt726 but do not turn at Chestnut Mountain Rd.; instead, continue to the right turn (US58 goes left) at the Green Cove/Whitetop Stn. sign (Rt726). Pass the Green Cove Church. At the unmistakable, 7-point intersection, look for Rt755 ->, Pond Mountain Ln., a gravel road which travels uphill for over 3 miles. (Note: If driving west on US58, turn left immediately prior to the Whitetop general store and proceed 2 miles to the 7-pt. crossing). When within sight of the "WEIGHT LIMIT 3 TONS" sign, bear right, passing through 2 open gates, the first a new, red one. Pass the access road to the right for the cell phone repeater tower for a rougher up. Where P.M. Ln. goes hard left, continue straight to the Hensley home or park on the grass and hike up.

The 3Pt is another 1/2 mi. above the house near the NC forest land gate on a right fork. If Mr. Hensley is in, this fine gentleman says he'll take you up; otherwise, he invites 2WD tri-pointers to leg it or kick back on a porch rocking chair, wait for his return, and ride.