Signal Point to ...

1.28.12  Nance Jo, George, Carl, McBob, Earl   We decided to hike from Signal Point to Mushroom Rock.  The plan was for George, Carl & McBob to go out ahead to Mushroom Rock while Nance Jo and Earl followed behind moving more slowly.  As it turned out the lead group took a wrong turn and went a couple of miles out of their way before rejoining the trail.  Therefore, Nance Jo and Earl were in the lead further along up the trail.  Earl and Nance Jo went towards Edwards point until they reached a rain swollen stream about 1/4 mile from the point.  About this time George and his group caught up and went across the stream while Nance Jo and Earl headed back.  Since George's group had gone astray, they decided to stop at Edwards Point and start back.  Their total distance was 7+ miles while Earl and Nance Jo went about 5.4 miles.  The day was perfect for hiking and there were many hikers, dogs and children on the early part of the trail.  We counted at least twelve people and the Signal Point parking area was overflowing.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  For a few pictures from Earl and Bob, click here or on the Signal Point tab above.

Hotwater Road to Rock Climber's Parking Lot

1.25.12   Nance Jo, Pat, George, McBob, Earl  Nice day for a hike considering it is the middle of January.  The temperature was in the mid 50s and no rain!  We met at the baseball field and carpooled up to the small parking area at Hotwater Road.  We intended to drop off a vehicle at the rock climber's parking lot, but for some reason the gate was locked.  Therefore, we left one vehicle at a nearby cemetary for when we came out of the gorge.  When we were in the gorge, Pat, George, and McBob went down the steep trail to Soddy Creek.  This added about 0.5 mile to their hike.  The water was high and roaring in the creek.  From there we hiked on out to the parking lot.  The total distance was about 3.5miles and I would rate the hike as moderate.  For some pictures click here or on the Hotwater tab above. 

Audubon Mountain

1-18-12  Pat, Renee, Nance Jo, George, McBob, Earl  This is always a good hike.  We decided to park at the top of the trail, hike down to the cabin, eat our snack and then hike back.  This would make it a 5.4 mile hike.  It was a little cool when we started, somewhere in the mid thirties.  The hike down was a little difficult as the trail was covered with leaves making it difficult to follow.  The blazings were quite far apart and we got off the trail several times.  Thanks to George, we always found our way back to the trail.  Near the bottom, we followed a set of white blazes that were not the right ones and ended up following an old road until we realized that we weren't on track.  This is when we did what all good hikers do when they aren't sure where they are.  We sat down and had a snack!  We quickly found our way back to the correct trail and continued to the cabin.  We then turned around and began the arduous hike back up the mountain.  All went well though until it was time to leave.  George's truck was stuck in the mud.  Thankfully, Renee lived only a few tenths of a mile away and she had a TRACTOR!  With the help of the tractor we were able to get George's truck out in short order and everyone went on their way.  I would rate this hike as moderate with a total distance of 5.8 miles.  If you would like to view a couple of pictures, click here or on the Audubon Mountain tab above. 

Piney Ridge

1.14.12  McBob, Tony, Carl, Bill, Renee, Penny, Mary, Caro, Larry, Tom and George.  I was not with them on this hike, but from the pictures it looks like they had a good time.  Obviously, there was light snow on the ground and from their clothing it looked like it was pretty cold.  I think all had a good time on this 8 mile hike.  For a few pictures, click on the Piney River tab up above. 

Rock Creek Loop

1.14.12  Nance Jo, Earl  A little cold, low 40s, but otherwise a beautiful day for a hike.  We did the Rock Creek Loop which is always a good hike.  Rock Creek was roaring with lots of water and very cold.  The Rock Creek Overlook is especially pretty this time of year as it is not blocked by so many trees.  In fact, someone has cut down the trees that used to block the view.  Unfortunately they left some ugly stumps where the trees used to be.  Near the end of the hike we spotted a lone hiker up on the side of the mountain where there is not a trail.  We never saw him again, but wonder what he was doing up there.  At the end of the hike we met Zack and Jessica who are new to the Chattanooga area.  They were carrying there two young children.  We talked about local trails and invited them to join us sometime.  Total distance for this hike was 4.3 miles and I would rate it as moderate.  For a few pictures of the hike, click here or on the Rock Creek Loop tab up above.