Lookout Mtn. & Nature Center 2.20.17

I'll give you the exciting stuff first.  I would rate this hike as moderate only because the first 15 minutes was up hill.  After that the hike would be an easy one.  The distance was 3.5 miles and lasted  about two hours and forty minutes.  The day started out overcast and icky, that's a technical term, for crummy.  About thirty minutes into the hike, the sun came out, and the temperature rose to about 70F.  Very warm for this time of year.  The trail was not well marked and had it not been for the experience of Trish, our hike leader, we would have wandered all over the side of the mountain.  We started on the Kiddie Trail, which strangely was the toughest part of the hike and then joined the Skyuka Trail.   Finally we joined the Lights Mill Trail which took us down to the nature center and then back to the parking lot.  As we approached the nature trail we began hearing frogs.  They made an incredible amount of noise.  If you look at the pictures you will see a pond which is where the frogs were.  I counted 10,359,211 ±3. . I would have been more accurate except that Bob interrupted my counting.  Following the hike, and considerable discussion, we decided to eat at Mojo Burrito, in St. Elmo.  I think that everyone had a great time.  If you would like to see a bunch of pictures, click here..  Note map and altitude shots.

Signal Mtn. H.S. to Signal Point

An Executive decision was made to start the hike at the High School rather than Signal Point due to the challenging entry at Signal Point even on a dry day. The goal was to hike to Rainbow Lake and back (about 6 miles). Due to a hazardous water crossing, the hike was shortened to about 5.5 miles. The first two miles are like a stroll in the woods. It becomes more difficult near the bluffs with water crossings, rocks and some elevation. I would rate it moderate/strenuous.

With three good men for inspiration, this reluctant hike leader put on her big girl boots to lead the Saturday, February 17, hike in spite of the rainy weather forecast and potential fog on Signal Mountain. I must confess, I called “you know who” on Friday in hopes of a heads up on canceling but all I got was an enthusiastic “I’LL BE THERE”. As it turned out, the trail was not nearly as muddy or slippery as anticipated and the only drama to report was the dramatic scenery about two miles into the hike. The rocky bluffs with caves and numerous water features (plus several crossings) make it an interesting and scenic trail. The final water crossing forced us to turn around about .5 miles from our destination. It was too risky plus the rain had moved in. We headed back and stopped under one of the bluffs where there is a huge flat rock shaped like a table….the perfect shelter for a snack. It only rained for a short distance, fortunately.

Look at pics to see Soddy Daisy hikers “working” the trail.

If you do this hike, park at the High School track and follow the Orange Trail. The trail is marked with orange blazes and fairly easy to follow. At some points the blaze will be yellow/orange and blue as well but no worries as long as you stay with the Orange. There is a point where the trails intersect….go downhill and slightly left. Happy Trails.

T see some pictures, click here.