Raccoon Mtn. Laurel Point Trail

On this somewhat chilly day, we joined an event sponsored by the Tennessee River Gorge Land Trust (TRGT).  Nancy Jo O., and Earl H., hiked with members of the TRGT and members of the Chattanooga Hiking Club.  There were approximately 30! people on the hike.  Originally approximately 50 people had signed up, but the cool weather kept some away.  The hike was about 4.1 miles with the option of taking a short cut at the halfway point that would reduce the length of the hike by half.  The hike lasted just over two hours with an average hiking speed of 2.8mph.  We had a couple of brief stops at overlooks but the rest of the hike was at a very quick clip.  At the very beginning we saw a buck with antlers bounding across the trail entrance.  I would rate the hike as easy.