Short Springs State Natural Area 6.11.2024

 This was an absolutely perfect day for a hike.  It was cool, especially in the morning and remained cool for the duration of this hike.  It was a rather long drive for us, about one hour, but it was worth it.  There were 11 of us on this hike.  This hike was about 4.3 miles and lasted about 3 hours and 40 minutes.  There were several waterfalls, Machine, Adams, and Busby. with Machine being by far the best.  It was just beautiful with lots of water flowing.  After this hike we drove a short distance to Rutledge Falls which was also spectacular.  This was just a short walk from the a parking area.  Following all of this everyone went to eat at The Celtic Cup Coffee House which was a delightful experience.  Good food, but rather erratic service.  This might have been because of the size of our group.  All in all a great day.  

If you would like to see some photos and map of this hike, click here click here.  

I got my wife a new fridge.  Her face lit up when she opened it!

Rock Creek 6.8.2024

 

This Saturday morning, 12 hikers met at this trail in Sale Creek, TN.  It was an awesome morning for hiking.   The temperature upon arrival was a cool 64 degrees, with low humidity and lots of sunshine.  This hike included a little bit of everything – lots of ups and downs, some rocky terrain, the views and sounds of flowing water in rock creek, leisure walking along the plateau with natures cushion (pine needles lining the trail), a few switchbacks and even a little mud.  This is one of my favorite trails as it challenges you a bit but not too much.    A break & snack was enjoyed at the Leggett Point Overlook. Total hike was over 6 miles (AllTrails says 5.5 but the consensus among the hikers tracking their mileage, it is more like 6 to 6 ½ miles) with elevation of more than 1100’.  Hikers included TTA Scenic City members: Tim Booth (hike leader), Mike and Lori Schiro, Dave Graham, Randy Medley, Tom McNally, Tammy Hendrick, Suzanne Thigpen, Mike Wolford, Tom McElhone, Betsy Darken, and TTA Plateau member: Mary Carlisle. 

If you would like to see some photos taken during this hike, click here

Talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.

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Benton MacKaye Trail 6.4.2024

 The weather forecast for this hike was iffy at best. Scattered rain and thunderstorms were predicted for the area. However, just prior to cancelling the hike, the weather forecast changed to indicate the foul weather wouldn't take place until noon at the earliest. I calculated that we could finish the 4+ mile hike just short of noon, barring any unforeseen mishaps. As we left Food City in Ooltewah, the clouds were just forming over Chattanooga. We raced over to Reliance TN and staged our vehicles at Reliance and headed for the Lost Creek Campground. The trail distance was listed at 4.1 miles.

However the road from the Reliance campground to the Lost Creek camp ground was listed as 25 to 30 minutes over a gravel road. We made it to the trailhead and departed on the hike somewhere between 9:30 and 9:45. The sun was shining, the temperature was probably in the 70's, the humidity was bearable, and a slight breeze was blowing – perfect hiking weather for the 1^st part of June. We followed the creek for about 3 miles, then proceeded inland and up a steep incline and the rapid descent to almost a tenth of a mile to the end of the trail. As we made our final creek crossing, the rain shower began. Not particularly heavy but enough to dampen our clothes. Part of our group waited about an hour at the local camp ground store, while the rest made the one hour round-trip to get the staged vehicles at the Lost Creek Campground. All in all it was a great hike to welcome in the summer hiking season.

If you would like to see some excellent photos taken during this hike, click here click here.  

A minute varies depending on which side of the bathroom door you are on.