So what happened with the 15% chance of rain in the late afternoon?! The hike started at Signal Point Park traversing down the side of the rocky bluff on the challenging "mousetrap" trail of rock steps and Wooden stairs. The first lookout revealed Edwards Point and a roaring Julia Falls in the distance across the gorge. The rugged rocky trail descended and ascended through the gorge, across the Middle Creek bridge. And then the rain began off and on for the rest of the hike. What?! Rain jackets and ponchos came out, a quick lunch at Edwards Point, and a great view of the Tennessee River gorge with clouds and fog covering parts of the bluffs. The trail from Edwards Point to Mushroom Rock was along the rim and easy with multiple small rock-hopping creek crossings. Mushroom Rock signaled the last mile of the hike which concluded at Shackleford Park. Still raining but a splendid day for a hike!.. 7.9 miles with elevation gain of 1463 feet.
Second Report! There were 18 hikers the AM and they proceeded to Signal point. There were five vehicles staged at the hike end as this was a trail along the ridge of Signal Mountain. It started to be a perfect crisp and cool morning with overcast projected and ideal conditions for a great hike. We braved through what is considered the most dilapidated part of the trail during the good conditions. 1 to 2 miles into the trail the clouds started sprinkling. We weren't concerned at this point as the forecast was for 15% rain on most forecast until later that afternoon. As the rain started a steady downpour, the trail got muddy and slick. We had many creek crossings but the views of the waterfalls made amends to our struggles. The temperature dropped and all felt cold. Later I heard someone mention they were mad at their favorite TV meteorologist and was changing stations for the mistake on the forecast. Everyone was congenial and patient during this process trying to make the best out of the situation. We rushed the hike to get out of the rain and cold as quickly as possible. We won't say it was the perfect hike after all, but we needed some trail relief from being inside during the holidays and previous weather.
If you would like to see a bunch of great pictures, click here.