Cloudland Canyon, Lollipop Loop, 5.10.2022

 When we arrived at Cloudland Canyon, there was a little mix-up of the meeting place, but we quickly straightened this out.  This was another joint hike with the Highland Rim Chapter.  When we all finally got together, there were 19 total hikers.  We set out around the canyon to the West Rim which was a nice hike to the Lollipop Trail.  This trail is kind of shaped like a lollipop with a loop followed by an out and back section.  The total distance was just short of 6 miles with lots of ups and downs, roots and rocks.  The weather was absolutely beautiful and the overlooks were spectacular.  Joan led the hike and as usual kept us all together which can be a daunting task.  Everyone survived and had a very good time.  

If you would like to see a bunch of photographs of this hike, including an altitude graph, click here.  

Piney River 5.7.2022

 

Saturday the club hiked the Duskin Branch/Piney River trail from Newby trailhead to the Piney River trailhead on Shut In Gap road.  The journey was 9.7 miles with an elevation gain of 860 ft with a perfect day in the forest with cool temps in the 50s to 60s.  The trail was exceptionally well maintained, except for 1 downed tree that we climbed through, over and around.  We stopped at White Pine cascades to take some pics. We then hiked the spur down to Spider Den Bluff; didn’t see any spiders but nearly walked on the Lady Slippers growing on the path.  After lunch next to the river, we continued our trek up the bluffs, and then down to cross the many bridges over the river, a few places of tumbled boulders as the path, required careful walking.  The Mountain Laurel is blooming as the trilliums are fading.  Check the pictures if you would like to see a beautiful picture of a Tennessee Newt, a type of Salamander. 

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