First time Hot Springs to Erwin section

[Tennessee Viking]

Bald Mtn Range -
Rich Mtn Firetower above Hot Springs
Side trails to Jones Meadows and Blackstack Cliffs
Be sure to follow the exposed trail
Not sure how the trail goes now between Big Butt and Flint Gap. But visit the Shelton Laurel graves.
Nice overlook before getting to Spivey Gap.

Roan area -
If the Rodos on Roan are blooming, you may want to do a quick trip through the Gardens.
Grassy Ridge is awesome. The side trail to Grassy Ridge is rocky but fairly easy. There is a marker at the summit. A faint trail and bushwhack lead to a set up cliffs.
Definitely stay at Overmountain Barn. The valley view is worth it.

NB of US19E-
Mountain Harbour is a awesome stay.
Take the side trail to Jones Falls.
Coon Den Falls Trail (old AT route) is a steep descent next to a small set of falls out to Dennis Cove Road next to Black Bear Resort. Its ok. Nothing big.
There is a narrow cliff line right before the Laurel Falls steps to what is called Potato Top. The top has a large view of the Laurel Fork Gorge.
Definitely hit up Laurel Fork Falls.
After Watauga Lake there nothing of interest till Damascus.