Benton Falls 10.8.19

There were 15 of  us on this easy 3.5 mile hike to Benton Falls and then a loop back to the parking lot.  The hike lasted about 2 hours and 20 minutes with a moving average of 2.4 mph.  The weather really cooperated during this hike.  Finally it has cooled off.  Today we hiked in the mid 70's which is much better than the mid 90's of our last few hikes.  It was overcast during much of the hike, but it seems that it is often overcast when we hike here.  The hike took us to the falls, which due to the draught was just a trickle, but still quite beautiful.  Here we stopped for a brief snack.  On the way we ran into a dog with her GPS collar on.  She stayed with us a ways until her owner finally got her back.  We were to later find out that she belonged to a group of bear hunters. The hike was delightful and there was considerable chatter along the way. After the hike 12 of us went to Puleo's Restaurant, which is one of my favorites as they have great fish tacos.  Please note: for those hikers with foot issues I have included a picture that has suggestions for how to lace your shoes if you have various foot conditions.  
Tammy's views;

Tuesday was a wonderful fall day to hike to Benton Falls. The trailhead began at the Chilhowee campground in Cherokee National Forest. The morning started cool with a hint of fog but we warmed up hiking the sandy flat path. After walking about 1.5 miles, we descended a rocky stairway to the base of the 65-foot falls as Rock Creek spilled over the cliff. The rhododendrons framed the entire area. We returned by way of the Redleaf and Arbutus trails, traversing about 3.5 miles total. We were also accompanied by a friendly 4-legged hiker. She was supposed to be hunting bear but instead was hunting snacks. 

If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike as well as trail maps and an altitude graph, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  The preferred browser is Google Chrome.
This weeks joke....The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.

Spicewood Trail 10.5.19

We finally got some decent hiking weather for this hike.  We departed the Soddy Daisy parking lot at 8:30 and arrived at Frozen Head at 10:10.  The temperature was in the high 60's to low 70's with the humidity at a bearable level.  5 hikers departed the trailhead at 10:30 and began the 4 mile ascent to the tower on Chimney Top Mountain.  This part of the hike was a steady elevation ascent of 2,000 feet with little level and no downward direction.  We arrived at the tower around one o'clock and had our lunch.  We finally got a welcoming breeze at the top of the tower.  After lunch, we began the 3+ mile descent on the Old Mac Mountain Trail portion of the loop, and finished the hike around 3:30.  The temperature by this time had risen into the mid 80's but the humidity remained at a bearable level.  While I was listed at the leader of the hike, I spent most of my time being the sweep – I admit, “I am the weakest link”.  The trail was well maintained with little overgrowth.  This hike is rated moderate, and I would agree because of the length 7+ miles and elevation change – 2,000 feet.

If you would like to see a selection of pictures from this hike, including a map, click here.  I you are trying to view the photos through the TTA website and having problems, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.