Pot Point Nature Trail 8.21.2020

Five hikers enjoyed a morning walk on the Pot Point NatureTrail. The trailhead and parking is located just off River Canyon Road, across from the Pot Point cabin. It is an easy to moderate loop trail, mostly a packed dirt path - no rocks, rare root. The first half of the trail climbed through the forest just east of Prentice Cooper State Forest. In the hollow below, we looked for old moonshine still remains but didn’t see any. Occasionally a tumbled-down rock wall bore witness to the hard working farmers of previous generations. After a couple of miles, we crossed River Canyon Road and walked near and along the Tennessee River. The trail here was rather weedy with a few downed trees to climb over. A short road walk led to a meadow with flowers, virgin’s bower, blue mist flower, ironweed and Southern sneezeweed, to feed the butterflies.

If you would like to see some photos taken during this hike, including a map, click here.  If you are trying to view the photos through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the blog at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  

Big Soddy Gulf 8.15.2020

Saturday's hike was a pretty good hike.  The humidity was nasty, but the temperature was temperate enough.  We departed the Big Soddy Trailhead shortly before 9am.  A little over a mile into the hike, we reached the bridge that crosses the creek heading to the Cumberland Trail.  I should say the bridge that was suppose to cross the creek--it had been washed out sometime during the spring rains.  We had to cross the creek at the old crossing point.  There was water in the creek, but large boulders were placed in the creek so we could cross.  En-route to the CT, we missed the turn onto the CT and ended up on a trail up to the top of the mountain.  We followed it until we ran into another hiker who also missed the CT turn-off.  She said the trail ended in a short distance.  We reversed our direction and picked up the CT where we were suppose to and continued on to the bridge.  We arrived at the bridge around noon and had our snack.  We began our exit around 12:30.  We didn't meet many hikers on the way in, but by the time we exited the trail, just about every swimmable spot along the creek was occupied with small groups of weekenders, trying to escape the heat.  Not many hikers and frolickers wore masks, but everyone seemed to be trying to maintain their social distancing.  Our 5.5 mile hike turned out to be an 8+ mile hike, but still was enjoyable.  

FYI, I did see a study done by Duke University regarding masks.  They seemed to suggest we not use neck gators as masks against Covid-19.  Many of the gators are made of spandex material that breaks up the larger droplets we breath out and creates a fine aerosol vapor mist that hangs in the air longer.  

Tom M.

 If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, 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.

Little Soddy 8.8.2020

This Saturday, three hikers hiked a counter clockwise loop from the Little Soddy Trailhead to the Deep Creek Bridge (where we lunched.).  From there we ascended to the Rock Climbers Parking Lot and returned to our vehicles parked at the Little Soddy Trailhead.  Our hike was a little over six miles and rated strenuous due to the climb out of the Deep Creek area toward the starting area trailhead. 

If you would like to see a few pictures, click here.  If you are trying to view the photos through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.

Raccoon Mtn. 8.4.2020

There were three of us on this Raccoon Mtn. hike.  We hiked about four miles to the Raccoon Mtn. Storage Facility river overlook and return.  The hike was moderately strenuous with an altitude gain of over 1000 ft.  The weather was pleasant and the hike was let by Tammy.  If you would like to see a couple pictures taken during this hike, 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.

Brady Mountain 7.18.2020

Three of us returned to Brady Mountain Trail to complete our traverse of this part of the Cumberland
Trail. Last week we did half of the trail starting at the route 68 trailhead to the peak, and this week we
did the section from the Jewett Road trailhead to the peak. This hike was not as pleasant as last week's hike. Last week we had temperatures in the 70's and low 80's with low humidity and cool breezes.
This week was just the opposite with temperatures reaching the upper 80's with high humidity and just a slight breeze at the summit.
We departed the trailhead around 10:30 am. The first half mile was a challenge because the trail is
poorly marked or traveled. We went off-trail about thee times. We completed the 3.4 mile 900 ft
elevation gain trek in about 4 hours. We completed our return to the trailhead in about 2 ½ hours.
Again we went off-trail 3 more times.
I would say this was a very good strenuous 9+ mile hike because of the ability to hike with a few
friends during the time of Covid-19. I recommend this hike as a fall or spring hike. The access road
(Jewett Rd) is not recommended for low clearance vehicles. Not much of a photo-op hike – no water
falls or overlooks on this section of the trail.
If you would like to see the trail map, click here.

Brady Mountain 7.11.2020

Four of us traveled separately from our meetup location (Soddy Daisy ballfields) to the Cumberland Trail Trailhead, where the trail crosses TN Hwy 68 a few miles southeast of Crossvile.  Our hike was 10.3 miles (to Brady Mountain Peak & return), with an elevation gain of 1745 feet.  The hike is rated as strenuous, mainly due to length.  Fortunately the weather was very pleasant, with temperatures in the 70's and a nice breeze most of the day.  We lunched at the hike turn around poit, Brady Mountain Peak.  If you would like to see some very nice pictures taken during this hike, click here.  If you are trying to view the photos through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  

Hughes Road to Leggett Road Overlook 7.4.2020

Four hikers celebrated the Independence Day trekking the Rock Creek Trail, beginning at Retro Hughes trailhead.  The trail was well blazed and easy to follow.  It began with a level path of pine needles but soon descended on dirt-packed switchbacks and rock steps to the bottom of the gorge.  We crossed Rock Creek on an amazingly well built bridge, surrounded by white blooming rhododendrons.  Passed a nice campsite along the creek,then gradually ascended along side the bluffs.  The two remaining bridges were in a  bit of disrepair.  After lunch we hiked 0.1 mile further to the Rock Creek overlook.  Other than being a quite hot and humid day, a long walk back and ascent on the the 2.5 miles, the return to Retro Hughes wasn't too bad.  I missed trail turns only twice, watching the path instead of the Blazes, bet we encountered our Copperhead friend on one of my missteps.  The trail was 10.8 miles with elevation gain of 1850 feet.
If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, click here.  If you are having trouble viewing the pictures through the TTA website, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.

Sutton's Gulch 6.27.2020

Saturday's hike was a pretty good hike considering the high humidity and threat of rain. Fortunately the skies remained overcast and the rain at the park was limited to sprinkles only. We caravanned to the trailhead from Brown's Ferry exit on I-24 and arrived at the trailhead shortly after 9am. Originally we planned to do the hike from the upper trailhead to the low point of the trail but switched plans and hiked from the lower trailhead and hiked up and back. This turned out to be a better plan. However, because of the change in direction, and our rapid ascent, we ended up with an 8+ mile hike instead of the 5 miles I originally planned. We arrived at Hemlock Falls around 11am and would have returned to the trailhead, but a vote was taken to continue to Cherokee Falls and the top of the canyon. I would have voted not to go to the top if it were not for the fact the temperature was held down because of the overcast conditions. Hiking during Covid-19 cautions continues to present challenges to maintain social distancing and mask wearing. The park was pretty much filled and I would estimate 90% of the hikers on the trail did not wear masks when in close proximity with other hikers. Our party did wear our masks when approaching others on the trail. Cloudland Canyon is always a good hike because of the natural beauty of the park and the well maintained trails.
If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, click here. If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the website at www.sdctta.blogspot.com. 

North Chickamauga Creek 6.20.2020

John Politte, Tammy Hendrick, and Betsy Darken (trip organizer) made an out and back trip on the Cumberland trail starting at Montlake Road.  We had a fine time checking out old coal mines, climbing a very impressive set of stairs that got us almost all the way to the top, then climbing down another set of stairs, almost new, toward North Chickamauga Creek.  The views were spectacular, the weather was beautiful, and the company was great.  We also overcame several glitches, including a locked gate, a flat tire, and a wrong turn  The latter gave two of us an opportunity to go bushwacking in search of the actual trail.  It was a relief when we all managed to find each other again. 
If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, 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.

Soddy Gorge 6.13.2020

This Saturday three members of the Soddy Daisy hiking club hiked a counter clockwise loop from the Little Soddy Trailhead (on the Cumberland Trail) to the Deep Creek Bridge (where we lunched).  From there we hiked to the Big Soddy Creek Bridge.  After looking this bridge over, we returned to the Deep Creek Bridge, and then to the Little Soddy Trailhead by taking the shortcut through the Rock Climbers Parking Lot.  The hike totaled about 9.5 miles and was rated strenuous (especially for one of our hikers who was carrying about 20 pounds of ballast the last third of the hike).
Elevation gain for the hike was over 1500 feet.
If you would like to see some pictures, 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.

Ritchie Hollow 6.6.2020

This was an 8 mile moderately strenuous hike on the Ritchie Trail (led by Tammy) to Snoopers Rock and return.  The rock overlooks the Tennessee River Gorge within view of the southwest edge of Chattanooga.  Four hikers participated in the hike.  If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, 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

Beech Falls 5.30.2020

Very nice hike with the falls really roaring.  If you would like to see one additional picture, click here.  If you are trying to view the photo through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.

Little Soddy Trailhead to Soddy Gulf 3.14.2020

This weekend four hikers met at the Soddy Ballfields parking area for a Cumberland Trails hike. 
Our approximately 9 mile hike began at the Little Sody Trailhead of the Cumberland Trail.  We hiked toward the northeast a couple of miles before turning to the west to reach Deep Creek and Big Soddy Creek area.  We stopped at Deep Creek on our way to enjoy our catered lunch and some interesting talk.  After lunch we headed for the Big Soddy Creek bridge (a bridge that several people in our club helped the Cumberland Trails Conference construct a few years ago).
After looking the bridge over we continued on toward the Soddy Daisy Trailhead at the mouth of Big Soddy Creek.  We had left a car at this location.
It was a very enjoyable hike with beautiful scenery and weather.  Elevation gain for the hike was abou 1000' and the hike is considered moderately strenuous. 
If you would like to seem some really nice pictures including a short video, click here.  If you are viewing the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 

Flipper Bend 3.7.2020

We hiked at Flipper Bend this weekend on a very pleasant hike of about 9.6miles.  The weather was excellent as were the views overlooking the Tennessee river Valley, Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, and the Soddy Daisy area below us.  Five hikers participated in this hike. 
The elevation changes we encountered during the hike were moderate (about 1200 feet).  Our hike rate for this hike was slightly less than 2 mph, which was a comfortable pace for this terrain.  I'd rate this hike moderately strenuous. 
Portions of this hike also overlook the North Chickamauga Creek gorge and gave us good looks at the gorge and Soddy Daisy bluff homes on the north side of the gorge. 
If you would like to see some pictures of this hike as well as a map, click here.  If you are viewing the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG as www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 

Prater Place Trail to Hemlock Falls

Our leap year hike to Hemlock Falls was what I would call a “Goldilocks” hike - not too long or short, not too hot or cold and not too hard or easy, but just right.  Six hikers departed for Fall Creek Falls State Park and the Prater Place Trail at around 8:30 am.  We arrived at the trailhead around 10:15 am.  It was 32 degrees there, with clear skies.  We passed through snow covered areas en route to the trail, but the trail was snow free.  We expected windy conditions because we experienced them driving to the hike, but like the snow, we had little if any winds on the trail.  The trail was in relatively good condition.  There were a few spots where it got a little soupy.  The trail is well blazed and appeared to be well traveled – though we encountered no hikers on this hike.  The trail parallels the Camps Gulf Branch for about 1.2 miles and then the gentle ascent becomes a very rocky and steep climb.  Once we reached the top of the bluff, the trail is a fairly level hike for the next mile and a half where we had a small descent to the falls.  We had a pleasant lunch at the falls and around noon began the exit portion of our hike.  We exited the trail around 2:30 and headed back to Soddy Daisy.  I would rate the hike as moderate because of the distance – 6.5 miles and elevation gain of 686 feet.  It was the first time for most of us on this particular trail and we all agreed it was a great hike.
If you would like to see some pictures from this hike, including map, click here.  If you are trying to view the blog through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 

Chickamauga Battlefield 2.25.2020

The day started out really really foggy, but by the time the hike was to commence it had cleared considerably.  Shortly into the hike the sun began peaking out and this was the beginning of a great 3.25 mile hike.  Some of the hikers took a little shortcut to Dalton Ford which gave them an extra 1/4 mile.  Jim Ogden, the lead historian at the battlefield, led this hike and as always he had incredible knowledge about what actually took place during this battle and how the personalities of the various leaders on both sides played a significant role.  Because of the frequent stops, this like lasted 3.0 hours.  Following the hike, we, of course, had lunch at the Park Place Restaurant where everyone had a great meal.  If you would like to see some pictures including maps and altitude graph, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures on the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 

Bird Mtn. Trail at Frozen Head 2.22.2020

Our hike this saturday was an 8 mile loop with about a 2000 foot elevation gain. I would rate this hike as strenuous. We could tell that our legs got a pretty good workout
This was one of the hikes on Bird Mountain at Frozen Head State Park, probably the prettiest park in this part of Tennessee.  We had six hikers (five from around the Chattanooga area and one from the Knoxville area) who gathered at the trailhead.  We luckily gained a little extra hiking distance as the parking lot for the trailhead was filled by the time we arrived. 

We had beautiful weather for the hike – a bright sunny day with temperatures reaching 50 degrees by hikes end.  After lunching about half-way through the hike, we continued our traverse across the hilltop before beginning our descent and return to the trailhead.  It was a very good hike with a nice group of hikers.  

I you would like to see some pictures including a trail map, 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.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.

Enterprise South 2.18.2020

It was a dark and rainy day!  When I first arrived at the Enterprise South parking lot there was no one there!  Not a single car.  I figured that I must have gone to the wrong location, but while I was conjuring up and excuse for going to the wrong location, the hike leader pulled up.  I was saved the embarrassment.   Now we both wondered if anyone else would come, but shortly a few others arrived for a total of eight hikers.  This hike lasted 2.5 hours and covered 5.9 relatively easy miles.  By the time we started the hike the rain had stopped and didn't restart until we had finished the hike!  We hiked mostly on the Hawk's Ridge Trail.  Our max. hiking speed was 4.3mph, which is really high for us, with a moving average of 2.6mph which is again fast for us.  I think this is indicative of a flat trail.  I think everyone enjoyed the hike and the hike leader never once got lost.  After the hike, some of us went to the City Cafe for lunch where we met some other of the not so adventurous club members.  If you would like to see a few pictures of this hike, including trail maps, 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.  Google Chrome is the preferred provider. 
Jokes...
Why can't you hear a pterodactyl go to the bathroom? 
Because the "P" is silent.
What did the buffalo say when his son left for college?  "Bison"

Savage Gulf, Big Creek, 2.15.2020

This hike was at Savage Gulf on a very beautiful saturday.  We did a loop hike of 10.7 miles down into the Collins River Gorge and back out.  The elevation change for this hike was a rugged 1900 feet (especially rugged was the going down part).  I would rate this hike as strenuous (see attached graph provided by Tammy).
The weather was great, the river was a deep green, full of boulders, and was flowing very well.  We had six hikers today.  We lunched on the banks of the Collins River, took a few photos, and began our uphill stroll back to our starting point (the Stone Door Ranger Station).  It was a very nice hike with a good group of hikers. 
If you would like to see some great pictures including a map and altitude graph, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures on the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.
Just a quick note since we have been having so much rain lately....If you might need an ark.  I Noah a guy!

Collegedale 2.8.2020

What a beautiful day to venture into the wilds of Fenton Forest on the Bauxite Ridge, which is the eastern edge of Southern Adventist University in Collegedale.  As the day started at 32 degrees with snow flurries and 2-3 inches of accumulation, the Subaru Crosstrek faithfully trudged op the hill to the trailhead.  Four hikers disembarked from the car, bundled up and hiked and slid down Lookout Hill trail.  The path was easy with a very few rocks or roots, with some up and down.  Signs at the trail intersections guided us and we only lost the trail once from a downed tree.  We stopped for a snack and couldn’t resist building a snowman.  On our return, we hiked bike trails, Rolling Ridge and Oak Hole Lane.  Didn’t encounter any bikers but did meet a hiker with his dog and a trail runner.  By the end of the hike the snow stopped and was melting off the trees at a balmy 35 degrees.  We hiked six miles, total elevation of nearly 700 feet.  The winter hike near Chattanooga was thoroughly enjoyed. 

If you would like to see some snowy pictures of this hike, 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.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.

Roaring Creek 2.1.2020

This hike was a pretty good hike considering the weather – overcast, rainy, and cool at the beginning, and ending partially cloudy with sporadic sprinkles but still nice and cool.  Seven hardy hikers, one of which was visiting from Scotland, departed the trailhead at around 9:30 am to begin our ascent to Cranmore Cove Overlook.  On our way, we hiked along Roaring Creek, which was roaring after the recent rains.  About a half a mile in we began the climb to Hells Kitchen turnoff and continued up reaching the pine forest area along the bluff.  We crossed the top of Wild Cat Hollow Falls at mile 2 and continued along the bluff to Cranmore Cove Overlook at approximately 3 miles.  Not much to see there because of the overcast – we were above the cloud cover.  We continued on to Gilbreath Creek at 4.9 miles.  2 hikers, because of previous commitments, departed the group at 4 miles and returned to the trailhead.  The rest of us continued to the creek and arrived at around 12:30 pm.  We had our snacks and enjoyed the falls and new bridge that spanned the creek.  We began our return around 12:50 pm.  We took a 10 minute break at the overlook on the way back and were rewarded with a clear view of the valley below which we were denied on the ascent.  We arrived back at the trailhead around 3:30 refreshed and ready to do it again – not.  It was a 9.8 mile moderate in and out hike with around 1040 ft altitude gain.

If you would like to see some photos taken during this hike, including a trail map, click here.  If your are trying to view the photos through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.  

      If anyone is interested in taking a hiking tour in Scotland, contact Trish.  The visiting hiker with us was a hiking tour agent for Scotland and I believe Trish has her contact information.

Reflection Riding 2.28.2020

This was a really great hike.  I have to admonish the hike leader as she described the hike as 4.5 miles but it turned out to be 6.5 miles.  It was really not her fault and she did a great job of keeping this group of 20.5 hikers together.  The 0.5 hiker was a child that required carrying and I don't know how dad did it?  It was a perfect day for a hike with clear blue skies and no wind.  We stopped at Skyuka Springs for a brief snack and then completed this 3hr 36 minute hike.  Our moving average was 2.4 mph which is a little higher than average.  The initial climb of this hike was 0.7 miles and it was a steady uphill walk.  This pretty much tired everyone, but the balance of this hike was easy.  If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike,, including maps and 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.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 
This weeks joke....You know what ladies like on a date?  Courtesy.  Once I got into a world of trouble on a date when I didn't open the car door for her.  Instead, I just swam for the surface. 

Benton Falls 1.25.20

Four hikers traveled to Cherokee NF to hike the Clemmer trail from Rt 30 to Benton Falls and back. The temperature was in the low 40s but going uphill gradually for 2+ miles kept us warm.  The trail is mostly packed dirt, well worn and easy to follow as it is a popular bike path.  We rock hopped about 5 small streams.  Arriving at the junction of the Benton Falls trail, we descended the rock steps to the falls.  In spite of the cool day, there were quite a few people enjoying the falls, even a few dogs and a bear..a dog named Bear.  After lunch we returned on the Clemmer trail, taking a 0.3mile detour on the Rim Rock Spur loop.  The hike was 9.7 mile trek with an elevation of 1352 feet and walking time of 4 1/2 hours.  
If you would like to see some really nice photos taken during this hike, click here.  If you are trying to view the photos through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.
Tip for new hikers.  If you are hiking and get lost, it is alway good to know which way is North.  I have found that the easiest way to find North is.......Face South and then turn around!

Lookout Mtn. Bluff Trail 1.21.20

Let's see, where should I start?  Well, it was COLD!!  Maybe the coldest hike the club has been on.  There were only seven of us on this hike and I am kind of surprised that even that many showed up.  The hike was 4.9 miles and except for the temperature it would be rated as easy.  The hike lasted 3hrs and 17min with a moving average of 2.1mph.  The starting temperature was in the low 20s and when we finished, I would guess it was just about freezing.  Luckily, the wind that was blowing was coming from the other side of the mountain and we were shadowed or we would have had a really tough time.  If you look at the pictures, you will see that the ice formations were beautiful.  We did notice that the camel back water system was subject to freezing which we had definitely not seen before.  When frozen, you can't get a drink from the tube.   We did have some problems, however.  Seems that a Prius is not designed for seven passengers.  Who would have thunk.  As you can see from the pictures, it was a tight squeeze, but we all made it.  Following the hike, we had a delightful, if expensive, meal at the Cafe on the Corner restaurant on Lookout Mtn.  If you would like to see some really nice pictures provided by Betsy, including maps and 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.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 

Enterprise Sout 1.7.20

"FLASH"  THIS IS A SPECIAL REPORT DIRECT FROM THE CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS, BACKWOODS EDITION!!  The Soddy Daisy Chapter of the TTA was asked by park rangers to leave the trail and follow Poe Road back to the parking lot.  At first it was suspected that a clandestine photo session had taken place at the Boulder Field.  Thankfully that suspicion was in error and the suspected perp was cleared of any wrongdoing.  It turned out that there was a report of someone on one of the trails carrying a gun.  Of course the 10 hikers present eagerly offered to hunt down and capture the evil doer, but this offer was politely turned down by the rangers.  Therefore we decided, with a little urging from the ranger, to return to the parking lot via the paved road.
We had 13 hikers on the 4.2 mile hike on a cool but beautiful day.  Enterprise South always offers easy hiking.  After this adventurous hike a few of the hikers had lunch at the City Café.  If you would like to see a few pictures of the hike, including an altitude graph and map, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures from the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.

New Years ….
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway.
The good fortune to run into the ones that I do,
And the eyesight to tell the difference.
Happy Gnu Year!

Heiss Mountain 1.4.20

This Saturday we were able to do our hike in between a couple of rainy days and just as a cold front arrived in our area. Five hikers participated in this strenuous hike. By the end of our 10.4 mile in-and-out hike on the Cumberland Trail from the Heiss Mountain Trailhead to Immodium Falls we had made 4 ascensions totaling a little over 2600 feet. As we finished our hike it was spitting sleet.

The trail we hiked is in a beautiful place. The hike gradually descends from the Heiss Mountain trailhead into the Possum Creek Gorge. A nice bridge is in place to cross the creek. From the bridge the trail climbs to the top of Hughes Ridge which overlooks the Little Possum Creek Gorge ( and also views of the Tennessee River to the east). The descent into the creek gorge is pretty steep and leads you to another nice bridge ( which our club helped to build about 10 years ago).

After a brief stop we made another ascension (and descent) to arrive at Imodium Falls ( a kayaker nickname for the Little Possum Creek falls). As you can see from some of our photos the creeks and waterfalls were really rolling due to all the rain from the previous couple of days. We lunched at the falls area and after looking around the area, we began our hike back to the trailhead.

If you would like to see a few pictures taken during this hike, including a map, please 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.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.