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.