Savage Gulf - Collins West Hike

2.12.2011  We enjoyed a combined hike with the Murfreesboro chapter as well as a couple of people from other areas.  It was quite cool when we arrived and there was some snow.  The hike in was rather treacherous with several area of ice and snow covered rocks.  The real challenge was at Suter Falls where ice and overhanging icicles made the going very dangerous and slow.  The view here was incredible and slowly but surely everyone made it past the ice and over the one-at-a-time bridge.  There were a couple more perilous points, but we finally made it to Hoursepound Falls.  This was a beautiful location and here we stopped for lunch.  The return was also challenging, but again everyone made it safely and all were rewarded with a very satisfying hike.  The total distance was 5.6 miles and I would rate this hike as difficult.  For some pictures, see the tab labeled Collins West.