Rock Creek 12.16.17

Today's hike (12-16-17) was a moderately strenuous hike of about 6 miles.  The weather started in the low 20's and the skies were clear and calm. By the time we finished hiking temps were in the 50's.

There were 7 hikers today and we finished the hike a little bit after noon. 

To see some really nice pictures click here. 

Black Mtn. Cave 12.9.17

On today's hike we traveled to the Crossville area to see the cave in the Black Mountain area. It started as  a beautiful but chilly day. As the day progressed it became cloudy and windy and it remained pretty chilly.

On today's hike we had 8 hikers including 6 from our club and 2 hikers from the Crossville club (Cheryl Heckler and Carolyn Miller). Our hike leader today was Boodie Fox who did a very good job.

Today's hike would be rated as moderately strenuous and covered a distance of about 5 miles.

We had a good time and enjoyed our lunch and the chance to talk with each other and the hikers from the Crossville club.

For some really great pictures, click here.

Flipper Bend 12.2.17

Todays hike was a moderately strenuous hike of about 10  miles at Flippers Bend. Five hikers from the club participated in the hike which was led by Boodie Fox.

The hikers made pretty good time due to the good weather conditions.

If you would like to see some pictures, click here.  

Falling Water 11.28.17

There were 14 hikers on this Falling Water hike!  It was an absolutely beautiful day with some water flowing in the creek and also along side the trail.  Some of the hikers enjoyed the overlook and there was water over the falls.  After the hike some of the hikers went to Home Folks for a delicious lunch.   If you would like to see some really nice pictures, click here.

Raccoon Mtn. 11.25.17

Larry H. says,

Wow, what a great hike I had with the Soddy Daisy Hiking Club today leading down and around Racoon Mtn.. I had planned to solo hike today until I spoke with George B. yesterday (the best hiking buddy anyone could ask for) and he informed me of the club's intended hike leading down from Racoon Mtn. and he also threw in that it would be a new trail for me which sucked me right on in to wanting to go with them this morning.

The only thing I wasn't aware of was that the trail was shared usage with the mountain bikers. The bikers were out in force today too but we only had to yield right of way to them about 6 times or so but was glad to do it since it was exciting to watch some of them maneuver their bikes on the more technically advanced sections of the trail. My thanks goes out to the SORBA Chattanooga group that was responsible for providing these awesome trails for combined usage. On July 17, 2005, SORBA Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) entered into a land management agreement allowing SORBA Chattanooga to build and maintain mountain bike accessible trails at the TVA Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility.

About ten of us met at the Red Bank-Food City Parking Lot and several of us drove to the Racoon Mtn. TVA Pump Facility so we could stage our vehicles in order to prevent us from having to hike both down and then back up the mountain, although on the last leg of our journey we had a surprise ascent of about half way back up the mountain to intersect with the nearby road below us that was apparently climbing up the side of the ridge as we were heading up on the trail - Lol.

The initial trailhead led from one of the Laurel Point's parking lots and we made our way along the Laurel Point trail down to the High Voltage trailhead which became fairly steep in places as we descended almost 1500 feet in elevation. Once at the mountain's base we connected with the Live Wire 2 trailhead and proceeded to our intended destination of the parking lot across from the Live Wire 2 terminal point.

All in all we had great weather today for our hike as we completed somewhere between 7 to 8 miles of trail (my GPS showed 8.1, another hiker's GPS showed 8.2 and George's showed a little over 7 but based on my legs I felt we had done a solid 8 but maybe not - Lol). This was a little more than some would have preferred to hike today but when all was said and done it appeared everyone appreciated the weather, the trail, the fall color on many of the trees and especially the fellowship!

Happy Hiking!

If you would like to see some pictures of the hike, click here.  

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Pot Point 11.18.17

This hike was a joint hike between the Soddy Daisy Chapter and the Plateau Chapter.  There were a total of eight hikers.  Five were from the Soddy Daisy Chapter.  Deb Westervelt of the Plateau Chapter was the leader.  We thank Deb for doing such a great job.  The distance of this hike was nine miles and the hike was rated as moderate to strenuous.  The last mile being the most strenuous as it was all uphill.  The group lunched on the trail and managed to miss the rain. The rain began after the hike was completed.  If you would like to see a few pictures, click here.

Heiss Mtn. 11.11.17

There were 6 hikers on this strenuous 7.5 mile hike.  I know it was strenuous because one of the hikers told me so!  The most strenuous portion (by far) was the portion from the Little Possum Creek Bridge to the top of the adjacent mountain.  There were 5 of our club members on this hike plus one hiker from another club that occasionally hikes with us.  As we were about to begin our decent into Little Possum Gorge we ran into a previous member of our club, Larry Hill.  If you would like to see a couple additional pictures, click here.

Cumberland State Park 10.4.17

It was a cloudy, foggy day when this group left Soddy Daisy for the Cumberland Mtn. State Park.  There were seven hikers on this hike.  By the time they reached the mountain the fog had dissipated.  The group started the hike in the clockwise direction and everyone enjoyed the hike.  The hike distance was about 6 miles.  The group finished the hike at about 1:15 and then enjoyed lunch at the lodge.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here. 

5-Points Trailhead 10.31.17

Perfect day for a hike.  A very nice lady by the name of Peggy came all the way from Indianapolis to hike with us!  There were 10 hikers on this easy to moderate hike five mile hike.  We started at the 5-Point trailhead and worked our way to the Cloudland Connector Trail.  We hiked about 2.5 miles and then turned around and came back.  If you would like to see a couple of pictures, click here. 

Craven's House

Although there were only four hikers on this hike, they were mighty in effort.  They took the Mountain Beautiful Trail up to Point Park, continued toward sunset rock, then returned via the Bluff View Trail.  The weather was perfect!  Unfortunately, there was no color to be seen on the mountain and the Kudzu was still thriving.  The hike totaled just a little under four miles and I would rate the hike as moderate.  If you would like to see more pictures, click here.

White Oak Mtn. 10.10.17

Wow!  There were 14 people and three dogs on this short hike.  It was an overcast and drizzly morning, but not one drop fell during the hike.  However, it was very humid and I think everyone was glad when this short four mile hike was over.  I would rate the hike as moderate.  I'm going to admonish every one of the hikers except the dogs.  You would think that with this many people some one could send me some pictures.  I only got the one of the group. 

Mushroom Rock 10.30.17

There was a relatively large group of 13 hikers on this beautiful Fall morning.  This Signal Mountain hike was scheduled to be about 5.5 miles on the Blue Loop Trail to Mushroom Rock.  Today we had a couple of dogs!  One was a beautiful golden retriever named Abby and then little Miss Mattie.  Mushroom rock is about 1.2 miles from the trail head and is marked with white arrows.  It is on private land and not as well maintained as official trails.  After a short break at Mushroom Rock, we headed back towards the Blue Loop Trail to complete the hike.  The second leg of the hike was a bit of a "surprise" (you could say lost or mistake, but I'll be gentle) as the group took a different route than planned.  You might call it the road less traveled.  The next mile or so could best be described as a "meandering ramble".  A couple of the hikers slipped on this dusty trail, but the blood was minor and no tears were spilled.  Soon the group was back on track and as they say, "all is well that ends well".  No one was in the mood to continue on to the covered bridge, maybe next time.   To see some pictures, click here.

imodium Falls 9.30.17

There were six hikers on this very beautiful day.  Originally this hike was scheduled for six miles.  But being the SUPER HIKERS OF SODDY DAISY, they decided to go all the way to the falls for a distance of 9.5 miles!  I would rate this hike as strenuous.  The trails were beautiful, but the falls were only a trickle.  At the falls, the group stopped in a beautiful area for a snack.  Thanks Boodie for leading the hike.  To see a few more pictures, click here. 

Sittin's Gulch 9.26.17

Sittin's Gulch is a 4.5 mile hike.  It is uphill all the way to the falls but of course that means it is downhill all the way back.  I would rate this hike as strenuous, at least the uphill part.  Most of the trail is in the shade so this made for a very comfortable hike.  To see some very nice photos, click here. 

Harrison Bay S.P. 9.19.17

There were 14 hikers on this beautiful day. One of today's hikers was a lady from New York!  She was camping at the park so we asked her to join us.  She travels all over and loves to hike.  She was down here to play softball in Dalton.  Today's hike was more of a stroll and the group did not finish until about 11:00 AM.  The distance of  this hike was bout 4 1/2 miles and I would rate it as easy.  If you would like to see some very nice pictures, click here. 

Roaring Creek 9.16.17

It was the perfect day to hike along Roaring Creek.  The hike was quite strenuous over a one mile section of the trail, but the four intrepid hikers conquered all.  The view from the bluff and the sound of the rapids was well worth it.  The total distance of the hike was 6.4 miles total.  The exhausted hikers no doubt set a world record at 3.75 hours (1.65 MPH) over this torturous terrain.  Too see some pictures, click here.  

Rock Climbers 9.9.17

I apologize for the late posting.  I was out of town and could not access a computer with the necessary programs.  Any way here it is.  The group of seven hikers had a very good time.  The wind was just right so that it was not too hot.  There were quite a few wildflowers along the trail.  I would rate this five mile hike as slightly strenuous.  To view some pictures, click here.

Greenway Farms 9.5.17

It was a beautiful morning for a hike.  The hike was an easy four miler with 14 hikers showing up.  I guess they like the shorter cool hikes.  The group hiked on both sides of the Chickamauga Creek.  There were even a couple of new faces.  All in all, a great day.  If you would like to see a few more pictures, click here.

Prentice Cooper 9.2.17

This was the first hike after taking the month of  August off.  There were only four hikers on the moderate seven mile hike.  The weather was almost perfect.  Thanks to Donna and John for the Pictures.  If you would like to see some nice pictures click here.

Riverwalk 7.25.17

The stroll on the new section of the Riverwalk at the St Elmo trailhead was a new visual experience of Chattanooga's golden manufacturing days and a walk down memory lane for others. The walk near the river revealed beautiful flowers and a glimpse into the city's manufacturing prime. The companies past and present include Wheland Foundry, U.S. Pipe and Foundry, Siskin Steel and Combustion Engineering that once employed a few of today's participants/family members along with several thousand Chattanooga residents. Before we drift back on those good old days, I have to mention that those same facilities helped Chattanooga gain the notoriety as the most air polluted city in the country. It was not unusual during the 1960's and early 1970's for the pollution to prevent the view of the surrounding mountains. It was not unusual for drivers to turn on their headlights at noon because the dust and smoke in the air was so thick. Thanks EPA.

The walk also allowed for a nice casual 2-3 mile walk or a longer 5-6 mile walk in the heat. This outing is a great event for the fall/winter but not late July/August (note to self, no Riverwalk during the summer). For a bunch of pictures, click here.

Signal Mtn. High School Loop Trail

A dozen dedicated hikers and one four legged hiker completed the short but sweet Signal Mountain High School Loop Trail. In spite of the mercifully shady trail and even a slight mountain breeze, there was not a dry shirt in site by the end of the hike.  Since it was still early, the hike leader offered to extend the hike to include the formidable Mushroom Rock and/or the Covered Bridge. Sadly, there was unanimous and wholehearted rejection of this offer. 

Other than one fairly short area of elevation, this three mile hike is mostly easy and a nice one for a hot Summer day. Several little streams with well maintained bridges add to the scenery on this trail. Beware, they are slippery if wet! There are also some muddy areas. We spotted a large owl box but no owl. The trail to Mushroom Rock is now marked with white arrows and is about a mile off the Blue Loop. Happy Trails!  To see a few pictures, click here.

Big Soddy Gulf 7.11.17

July 11 was a beautiful, sunny day, though a bit warm. However, the threat of a little heat and humidity did not deter the 16 hearty souls who showed up for our Tuesday hike. We began at the Big Soddy Gulf Recreation area and easily made our way along the mile-long flat roadbed to Boardcamp Creek where it intersects Big Soddy Creek.

The trek began in earnest as we made our way up the old mining/logging road to the spot where the Cumberland Trail crosses the path. Since it was mid-July, the intersection looked very different than the last time some of our folks were up this way. Long story short, the first group missed the blaze on the tree and were well past the intersection before we retrieved them. Together again, we turned right, going north toward Highway 111. Our destination this day was the big rock bluff and the long staircase to the top of the bluff. Not to be deterred by any physical restraint, George led several of the more adventuresome up the steps and through the woods to the top of the falls where Boardcamp Creek tumbles down the mountain.

Once we retrieved the overachievers, we made our way back down the mountain for a total of about 6 miles. I would rate this hike as moderate because of several rocky sections north of the mining road.  This time, there is only one picture.  SHAME SHAME!

Cloudland Connector 7.8.17

The group found a trail that none of the members had been on before, The Cloudland Canyon connector trail starting at Cloudland Canyon State Park.  It was an easy walk down to the Ascalon Trailhead where we had a car parked.  The path was wide, well kept, and marked well.  It will be fun to go back and try some of the side trails.  It was very warm (maybe hot is a better word) and we wet our handkerchiefs at every opportunity.  It was a total of 5 miles and there were 6 of us that enjoyed the hike.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  Of course after the hike we rewarded ourselves with a delicious lunch in St. Elmo. If you would like to see some pictures of this hike, click here.

Lookout Mtn.

What an impossibly beautiful day. We had for our trek up Lookout Mountain starting at the historic Craven’s House. A cloudless sky with just a little nip in the air and low humidity, it felt more like April than almost July. We started with a steep climb up the Morning Glory Trail and were pleasantly surprised that the trail was in good shape with very little encroaching vegetation for late June. Approaching Point Park, some chose to accept the challenge of the long, steep steps to take in the sweeping view from the crest of the mountain. After a brief peek into history at the museum, we returned to just below the rock bluff down to the Bluff Trail and on out to Sunset Rock, passing a lone rock climber along the way.  A few hearty souls chose to follow the short side trail to take in the view of Lookout Valley from the top of Sunset Rock.

Rather than returning down the Gum Springs trail, which is very steep with rolling rocks, we chose to retrace our steps about a half mile back to the intersection of the Craven’s House Trail. From there it was just a little over a half mile back to our cars. Having worked up an appetite, we capped off the morning with lunch on the patio of Mojo Burrito gazing back up to the top of the mountain we had just traversed.  I would rate this hike as difficult.  If you would like to see some very nice pictures, click here. Please note that the first picture is actually a video.  

Leggett Road 6.20.17

We had quite a large group on today's hike.  There were 15 hikers and three dogs!  I will rate this hike as moderate even though it was mostly downhill.  The distance was four miles with a stop at the overlook.  It was great to see so many people on this hike.  The lucky dogs got to play in the water when the hikers reached the creek.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

Roaring Creek 6.17.17

Today's hike was a distance of 9.2 miles.  I would rate it as difficult.  The day was overcast and quite muggy.  There were only three hikers on today's hike, Joyce, Betsy and John.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

Signal Mtn. 6.13.17

It was a beautiful day for a hike on the mountain.  There was a total of seven hikers on this hike of moderate difficulty.  The hike was led by Boodie this time and everyone had a very good had an excellent hike.  If you would like to see some really nice pictures, click here.

Booker T. Washington SP 6.6.17

Quite a group turned out for this hike.  Due to all of the rain we have been having, the hike was changed from Harrison Bay to Booker T. Washington.  It was quite a challenge to get everyone together at the correct place on such a short notice.  There were 15 hikers including one child and one dog.  This hike of  4.2 miles was rated as easy.  After the hike most went to Peggy's for pizza and salad and to see pictures of her hike in Spain along the Camino de Santiago.  The pictures were beautiful.  Thank you Sally! If you would like to see some pictures from today's hike click here.

National Trails Day, Greenway Farms, 2017

Nice day and a great day for a three mile hike.  I would rate this hike as easy.  For another picture of the group, click here.

Enterprise South

There was quite an unusual group on this hike.  Nine adults, two children and two dogs.  Ed took some of the group for a four mile hike while Donna to others on a five mile hike.  I would rate both hikes as easy and very enjoyable with excellent weather.  If you would like to see a couple other pictures, click here.

Chickamauga Creek

It was a small group today consisting of George, Boodie, and John.  They hiked to the end of the old roadbed beyond the Boston Branch overlook and returned.  The distance was about seven miles under partly cloudy skies.  This hike was rated as moderately strenuous.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

River Walk at Boathouse 5.23.17

Yes, it rained!  This group of six hikers was prepared for the rain.  The distance of this very social walk was only four miles and I would rate it as easy.  After the hike, the group ate at a local restaurant.  Hike leader George certainly has not lost his appetite.   Their waitress bet that George wouldn't finish his meal.  She lost her bet!  Everyone had a very nice time.  If you would like to see a few more pictures, click here.

Upper Leggett Road 5.20.17

This hike was approximately 5.5 miles on this warm, muggy, overcast day.  I would rate this hike as moderate due to the elevation changes.  There were four hikers, Peggy, George, Boodie and John.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

Retro Hughes Trailhead 5.13.17

Ok to all of you who didn't go on this hike, you missed something special.  Everywhere you looked you could see wildflowers.  George, Boodie and John made this 7.5 mile hike.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  The weather was excellent, overcast but no rain and the temperature was perfect.  The trio had lunch at the Rock Creek Overlook.  As you can see from the photographs, the spring flowers were now coming out.  If you would like to see a bunch of beautiful photographs, click here.

Booker T Washington SP

There were eight hikers on this mostly easy hike.  The weather was absolutely perfect.  The group split in two.  Ed led one group around the outer loop which was about 3 1/2 miles and Donna led the second group on the inner loop which was about 5 1/2 miles.  Everyone had a great time.  If you would like to see one additional picture, click here.

Chickamauga Creek.

George and John hiked from the trailhead  to the Boston Branch Overlook and return. The creeks were running very well today due to all the rainfall we've had lately. A couple of the crosstrail creeks were running so well that they had to be waded in places.  The day was very overcast with occasional rain.  

This hike is rated as moderately strenuous with the distance being about 5 miles.

Click here to view a few photos.

Audubon Trail 5.2.17

On today's hike there were seven human hikers and one hike leader Maddie (K9).  The hike distance was approximately three miles downhill to the cabin at the bottom.  The human leader of this hike was Renee, the queen of Sale Creek.  The temperature was in the mid 70's with no wind.  The group did manage to flush a wild turkey that made quite a ruckus trying to get airborne amidst the foliage.   There were several trees down, but nothing could stop this group.  I would rate the hike as easy, as long as they didn't attempt the return hike.  There was plenty of water along the way as there had been lots of rain in the preceding days.  If you would like to see several pictures, click here.

McGill Creek 4.30.17

George and Boodie decided to take their own hike to McGill Creek.  As you can see from the pictures, they had a great time.  They started early in order to get there and back before it became too hot.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  I you would like to see a whole lot of pictures, click here.

McGill Creek 4.26.17

This hike included John and George.  They hike a recently completely segment from Upper Leggett Road to McGill Creek.  The distance was approximately four and a half miles to five miles and was rated moderate due to a couple of steep inclines.  The weather was perfect and there were several good waterfalls.  The water was running well due to the recent rainfall.  If you would like to see some gorgeous photos, click here.

White Oak Mtn.

There were ten hikers on this relatively easy hike of about four miles.  The group started at the bottom of the mountain and then hiked up to the ridge and followed the ridge line as far as it went.  The group saw several turtles (Eastern Box Turtle) and a quick to disappear snake (unidentified).  It was a little disappointing that there weren't many flowers.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day for a relatively easy hike.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

Pickett S.P. 4.11.17

 

On April11, The Soddy Daisy Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association packed up and headed for a three day adventure in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. We had excellent accommodations in the 3 bedroom deluxe cabins at Pickett State Park located approximately 2 miles from the western park entrance and very near the trails that traverse one of the most diverse geological areas in the eastern U.S.

The first afternoon we began by exploring Hazard Cave, an Indian rock house, the swinging bridge over a beautiful little lake and the natural bridge, all at Picket State Park.  The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we headed for the Twin Arches and Charit Creek Loop trails. It soon became clear that this was no ordinary hike.  From the first view of two of the largest natural arches west of the Mississippi River to the cavernous rock houses that seem to appear around every turn in the trail, we were all captivated. We soon found ourselves in a beautiful valley literally walking among wild flowers and beside a babbling brook.  We lunched at the picnic tables at the Charit Creek hostel where we relaxed while enjoying picturesque views.  Afterwards we were faced with a long steep slog up the other side of the loop back to the arches with some challenging stairs, up to the top of the arches and the end of the loop.

Following a refreshing shower and lots of spaghetti, we relaxed around the campfire and prepared for our hike on the Middle Creek Trail on our last morning. Again, we were not disappointed, lots more beautiful rock houses, and a forest of Hemlocks, Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. Would love to return in a month when they are in full bloom.

This area is surely a keeper.  To see some pictures of this hike, click here.

Sluder Lane > New Bridge

There were only three hikers on this hike to the new bridge at Big Soddy.  The group returned to Sluder Lane via the Rock Climbers parking lot.  It was a really beautiful day for a hike.  The hikers were Don, Bootie and John.  They lunched at the Big Soddy bridge with a group of seven or eight hikers who arrived at about the same time.  I would rate this hike as strenuous.  If you would like to see a few pictures, click here.

Shakerag Hollow 4.4.17

This was an absolutely beautiful day for a hike.  All told there were 11 hikers on this approximately 4.5 mile hike.  Dolores led this hike and that was fortunate as she new some of the history of this area.  This hike was scheduled as a hike to see some of the local wildflowers and it did not disappoint.  The group didn't really know the names of the flowers, but they enjoyed them nevertheless.  The overlook was especially beautiful so the group spent a little time there.  This hike is rated as moderate.  The hike was dedicated to George and we are waiting for him to get better and rejoin us.  If you would like to see some really nice pictures, click here.

Wow, what a group.  This is one of the largest hiking groups we have had with a total of 21 hikers.  Nine of the hikers were actually members. It was an absolutely perfect day with a temperature of about 65 F. and sunny skies.  The only thing missing was that there were no wild flowers blooming yet.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

Pots Point 3.28.17

There was a good group of 12 hikers on this hike.  The group hiked the ridge trail and then along the river front.  Some members decided to take the road back as the river route was likely to be a bit soggy.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

Little Cedar Mtn. 3.14.17

This hike was led by Gail.  It was a figure eight hike of about five miles.  I would rate this hike as moderate and if you would like to see a couple more pictures of the hikers, click here.

Raccoon Mtn. 3.11.17

This was a relatively short hike on a cloudy somewhat cool day.  There were a total of seven hikers on this four mile hike.  I would rate it as easy-moderate.  The club had two new hikers this time.  WELCOME!  If you would like to see a bunch of photos, click here.

Cloudland Canyon

This hike was about five miles and the group stayed mostly dry.  I say mostly dry as there was no rain until the last ten minutes of the hike and then it came down.   I would rate this hike as moderate.  This hike was especially beautiful and dramatic.  Thank K. Daniels and George for these pictures.  If you would like to see the pictures, click here.

Frozen Head 3.4.17

There were only three hikers on this cold hike.  The length of this strenuous hike was approximately eight miles.  They almost made it to the top of Chimney Top before the hike leader determined that they had gone far enough and turned them back.  If you would like to see a couple pictures, click here.

Raccoon Mtn. 2.28.17

There was a rather large group of ten hikers on this day.  The temperature was OK, but the group got thoroughly soaked on the way back to their cars.  Spring showers I guess.  The distance of this hike was about four miles.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  I you would like to see some pictures from this hike, click here.

Flipper's Bend 2.25.17

There were seven hikers on this loop hike at Flipper's Bend.  The four hikers from our club were joined by Debra and Mary from the Plateau Chapter and by Peter from the Nashville Area.  The locals really enjoyed their company on this hike.  The hike distance was about 9.5 miles and the weather was excellent.  The group had lunch on a beautiful overlook of the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge.  I would rate this hike as strenuous.  For a few pictures, click here. 

Roaring Creek

We had a great turnout on this hike despite the possibility of rain.  Luckily, there was no rain on this hike.  The distance was only about three miles but it was still rated as moderate.  I think the group had a great time on this hike.  For a bunch of pictures, click here.

Roaring Creek 2.11.17

There were only two Soddy Daisy Chapter hikers on this hike at Roaring Creek.  About a third of the way through the hike they met up with five members of the Plateau Chapter.  They hiked past Gilbreath Creek and ate lunch with the Plateau Chapter at the halfway point.  Everyone enjoyed hiking with the Plateau members.  The distance of this hike was ten miles and I would rate the hike as strenuous.  The group was lucky as the there was no rain and the temperature was moderate.  If you would like to see some very nice pictures, click here.

Enterprise South 2.7.17

There were nine hikers on this relatively easy hike.  The distance was approximately six miles.  Everyone enjoyed the hike even though it was heavily overcast.  The group just finished the hike before the rains came.  If you would like to see a bunch of pictures, click here.

North Chickamauga Creek

There were only three hikers on this overcast somewhat cool hike.  The hikers went only as far as where the steps used to be and then turned back.  This made a hike of about five miles.  I would rate this hike as strenuous.  This trail is in particularly bad shape and will have to be worked on this coming spring.  If you would like to see a couple of pictures, click here.

Lower Leggett Road 1.28.17

This hike included five hikers, Peggy, Sandy, George, John and Delois.  It was a relatively long, fairly cold hike, but other than the temperature it was a very nice day and the group maintained a steady pace.  The distance was approximately eleven miles and began at the Lower Leggett Road trailhead and on to Rock Creek Bridge for a lunch stop.  Following lunch the group returned via the lower loop.  I would rate this hike as strenuous.  For some very nice pictures, click here.

Big Soddy Gulf

WHAT A TURNOUT!!  This was the nicest day we have had in some time.  It was cool, clear and and bright.  This nice day brought a turnout of 19, yes, 19, hikers!  The hike distance was approximately six miles.  The group went to the Big Soddy Creek  Bridge and then turned back and returned to the parking lot.  Everyone had lots of exercise on this moderate hike.  If you would like to see a bunch of really nice pictures, click here.

Cumberland Trail

There were only four hikers on this hike. I think the strong possibility of rain kept people away.  The small group hiked toward the Big Soddy Creek Bridge.  Just as the group was approaching the Bridge there was a bright flash of lightening followed immediately by thunder.  The group immediately turned around and began hiking back toward the parking lot.  Unfortunately it was too late and the rain came pouring down.  By the time they reached the truck everyone was thoroughly wet.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  If you would like to see a couple pictures, click here.

Stringer's Ridge 1.17.17

There were 15 hiker's today!  This is surprising since it was a damp, overcast, drizzly day.  After the hike the group got together and had lunch.  I would rate this 4.5 mile hike as easy.  If you would like to see the pictures, click here.

Savage Gulf 1.10.17

As it turned out, it was a clear cold day.  The length of the hike was approximately five mile.  A total of 14 brave hikers turned out for this hike.  Six of the hikers turned back at the stream crossing.  Three of them were at the trail head when the others returned.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here. 

Falling Water Falls 1.3.17

This hike was approximately five miles.  There were either fourteen intrepid hikers on this clear cold day.  When the group reached the creek, six hikers turned back and three braved wet feet and crossed the creek.  The falls were roaring with plenty of water and it was enjoyed.  When the three hikers returned to the trail head, three of the original hikers were there to greet them.  I would rate the hike as severe because of the water crossing.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

Snow Falls 12.31.16

This was not the most pleasant of hikes.  It was planned for ten miles, but because of sleet, wind and a cold rain at the top of the mountain, the group only made it seven tough miles.  Needless to say they did not make it to Snow Falls.  They did stop for a quick lunch at the top of the mountain which was rated as moderately uncomfortable.  The group did get some views of the Tennessee River Valley to the East and South of Dayton.  I would rate this hike as moderately strenuous.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.