The Indian Grave Gap trailhead is located on the Rich Mountain Road and is accessible via the Crooked Arm Ridge Trail or the Rich Mountain Loop Trail from Cades Cove in the winter – so it can be a winter outing if you want to continue on. The trail begins climbing up the flank of the mountain as it leaves Rich Mountain Road and is wide in this portion because it was used by the power company to service power lines going into Cades Cove.

Near the first mile, the trail climbs more steeply (1,000 feet in a mile) as the pine forest transforms into a hardwood forest with oaks, maples, silver bells, and other trees. There’s a great view of Cades Cove near near the top of Tater Ridge where the trail intersects with Rich Mountain Loop. After mile 1.9, you’ll run into Campsite five, and the trail goes straight for above a quarter mile before arriving at Cerulean Knob, where a small spur trail leads to the highest point on Rich Mountain.

In the small opening, cement blocks that were once the foundation of the old Rich Mountain Fire Tower remain. The main trail continues east rolling up and down for another mile and a half, with wildflowers lining the trail. Views of Dry Valley and Townsend, both of which lie outside the park, are offered on the left hand side, while obstructed views of Cades Cove are off on the right.