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!