Bay Point Loop Trail 3.4.2025

 The hike on the Bay Point Loop Trail at Harrison Bay State Park was a delightful walk through the park. The weather was pleasant and the trail was in good condition. Aside from a few stumbles on the numerous roots on the trail, we suffered no injuries and everyone was accounted for at the end of the hike. We were able to enjoy the views provided by Lake Chickamauga and the wooded section of the park. We were also able to enjoy witnessing the turf-battle between a bald eagle and a seagull – it was of course won by the eagle that easily drove the seagull from the disputed territory. We also were able to have a new hike leader in training lead the hike for her first outing. Susan did such a good job, that I’m sure Will is crating up a cat to presented to her for a job well done. This was an easy 4.3 mile hike.

If you would like to see some nice pictures taken during this hike click here or on the picture to the right.

Beer cures what ales you.  

Weed Wrangle 3.1.2025

 National Weed Wrangler Day March 1, 2025

 The National Park Service and Reflection Riding sponsored local weed wrangling at the Kiddie Trail on Lookout Mountain Tennessee.

17 folks showed up to support clearing invasive privet and honeysuckle along the trail.

 Acres of clearing impacted near the trailhead at the base of the mountain and offers easier access and visibility for hikers and trail runners climbing  up and down popular Lookout Mountain.

90% of a relationship is deciding where to eat.  

Bauxite Murky Marsh 2.25.2025

 This Tuesday morning, 23 hikers (a record-breaking attendance for me!) met at this trail in Apison, TN.  It was a great morning for a hike! As we arrived, the temperature was in the low 30’s but quickly jumped into the 50’s by the time we finished. After hiking in about 1.5 miles, it was decided we would break into two groups (racers – faster hikers & pacers – slower hikers).  Both groups trekked about 2.6 miles to the top of the bluff and enjoyed a short break before returning along Rolling Ridge Trail and back to the Murky Marsh Trail to begin our decent to the main trailhead.  All in all, everyone seemed to enjoy getting out on this very pleasant morning and exploring this newer trail. The total hike was about 4.5 miles with 300+’ elevation gain.

 Several folks asked about the history behind Bauxite Ridge.  This is what I found:

The site was a large mining operation back in the 1930’s and 1940’s.  Bauxite was discovered back as early as 1906.  Bauxite is a sedimentary rock with relatively high aluminum content and is the main source for aluminum.  It appears the land was later gifted to Southern Adventist University around 2015 and they created about 12 miles for hiking/biking and also now maintain these trails.

If you would like to see some very nice pictures click here or on the picture to the right.  

Don't die a virgin. Terrorists are up there waiting for you!

Laurel Snow 3.1.2025

 I don't have a hike report from this hike, but if I get one, I will add it to the post.

If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, click here or on the picture to the right.  

Soddy Gorge North 2.2.2025

 Saturday was forecasted with a low possibility of rain. You know how it is – if 1 hiker says let’s go, the others fall in line and like 3 little ducklings, we did. We waddled our way up the north Soddy gorge trail and turned right at the big rock that is covered abundantly in purple phacelia in the spring. (There is also a sign for those who think 1 rock looks like another.) About 2 miles in, we flew over some big boulders as water crashed down the bluff. Unfortunately these ducks landed in an angry briar patch off the trail. With fierce determination and bushwhacking, we regained our trail.

Next on the path was a magnificent rock house. We stopped to access our briar patch wounds; a few ruffled feathers amongst the blood. Continuing on, the bluff sprinkled water on us – what duck doesn’t love the water! Up and up we trod until there was no more trail. Where did it go? About 20 feet below us, we could see the path. Well, ducks certainly don’t like to backtrack, so of course, we slid down the side of the bluff using our orange webbed feet as rudders and brakes.

Our next adventure was a waterfall bursting from the top of the bluff directly on the trail. We could walk behind the falls or through it. Well, 1 duckling said let’s go through and as you know, ducklings line up and follow the lead duck. We went through, quacking, water rolling off our backs, then ascended the rickety wooden stairs on the other side.

The rest of the hike was a nice waddle through the pine forest, a few streams to fly over, and enjoying the cascading Board Camp creek. And it never rained.

We put in 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1148 webbed feet.

If you would like to see some really nice pictures taken during this hike, click here or on the picture to the right.  

Nihilism, there's nothing like it!

Chickamauga Battlefield 2.4.2025

 Twenty one hikers gathered at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitors Center in Georgia to tackle the East Loop Bramble Trail.  We started out on a cloudy unseasonably warm morning to follow a relatively flat winding figure eight trail covering 4.8 miles.  We passed many monuments honoring the 34,000 casualties of Union and Confederate forces that occurred over the two and a half day Civil War battle in September 1863.  The trail was somewhat muddy in spots, but otherwise and enjoyable occasion on these solemn grounds,   Afterwards, eight of us enjoyed fellowship and dining for lunch at the popular Park Place restaurant in Ft. Oglethorpe.  Dave Graham, Hike leader. 

If you would like to see some very good photos taken during this hike, click here or the photo to the right.  

My neighbors listen to awesome music, whether or not they like it! 

Prentice Cooper 2.1.2025

 I don't have a write-up for this hike, but if you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, click here or on the picture to the right.  

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you!

Big Red Loop Trail, White Oak Mtn. 1.28.2025

Today, 21 hikers enjoyed a beautiful morning of hiking the Big Red Loop Trail on White Oak Mountain. We huffed and puffed uphill for the first mile or so and then began to smell the sweet aromas emanating from the Little Debbie factory. Along the way, we also encountered pretty Beech trees and frozen fungi. The trail gave us a good work out, with approximately 5 miles of switchbacks and ups and downs. The morning was sunny and the company was good. We even got to taste homemade toffee offered by a fellow hiker at the end of our hike. It was delicious! 

 If you would like to see some really nice pictures taken during this hike click here or on the picture above.

The first five days after the weekend are the hardest.  

Jacks River Falls 1.18.2025

 

Despite the possibility of rain on a day with temperatures in the low 40’s, Tom, Cynthia, and hike leader Betsy made our way down Beech Bottom Creek Trail to the Jacks River and then along the river to the spectacular Jacks River Falls. The first trail descends gradually down and around several ridges, so it wasn’t bad going up on the return trip. Although there were indeed a fair number of downed trees, as reported in AllTrails, all except two were easy to step over or under or around. The one big exception was a douzy! A big tree had fallen across a whitewater creek at exactly the spot where there had been stepping stones. Further upstream, all three of us were able to prance across rocks to the other side, but unfortunately the latter was a steep wooded hillside with a steeper rockface along the side of the creek. Since it seemed probable that anyone taking the latter route would slip into the creek on this cold day, we all tried to detour by going uphill. After several aborted attempts up slick slopes and/or through gobs of thorny greenbrier, we finally made it over to the continuation of the trail. There we discovered that the creek just below the downed tree could probably be crossed with only one wet step. This proved to be the case on our way back, thank goodness. All agreed that the multilayered falls was well worth the 9.1-mile round trip hike, even with the bushwhacking detour (which we were glad we did not have to do twice). Our drive into and out of the Cohutta Wilderness for this hike was not bad at all, especially since the highest dirt road had just been graded.

 

Savage Gulf 1.14.2025

 

Hike leader Betsy and Tammy, Tom, and Tim (the three T’s) ventured out to Savage Gulf State Park after a week of snow, then ice, then more ice, having determined that the roads on the plateau had more or less recovered from the wintry weather. The weather was good, somewhat on the cold side but manageable. What was not manageable, however, was the trail to Collins Gulf once it became steep. Ice was plentiful and slick! This was at least partly due to hikers who had gone down the trail earlier in the week and turned the snow into ice. Fortunately Tammy was familiar with the relatively flat Savage loop Trail at the nearby east entrance to the park, so we headed there and had a fine time! We even checked out Savage Falls without much trouble. We racked up 5 to 6 miles and felt virtuous. Another glorious day in the great outdoors!

Mobray Pike 1.4.2025

 We started our hike by staging a car on Hot Water Road and proceeded to Mobray Pike Trailhead.  We started our hike with the temperature in the upper 20's and with semi-clear skies. Perfect weather  to keep hikers moving at a brisk pace in order to stay warm. We made our way on the trail which runs  just below the Cumberland plateau. The skies cleared and the breeze that was blowing as we started  the hike, went away. We arrived at our first view point where we could see the twin towers at  Sequoyah Power Station. We continued on the trail enroute to Posey Point. Along the way we were  presented with great views of rocky bluffs, deep creek gorges and water falls. The creek and falls had a good amount of water flowing in then. We crossed Hot Water Road and continued climbing up to  Posey Point. We then back-tracked on the trail to Hot Water Road where 3 weary hikers ended the  hike. It was a moderately strenuous 8 mile hike with between 800' and 1000' elevation gain.

If you would like to see some photos taken during this hike, click here or on the picture above.  

Sometimes I want to drop my kids off in 1985 just to see how long they would make it.  

Summit Knobs Trail 12.31.2024

 This Tuesday morning, 9 hikers met at the Summit Knobs Equestrian Trail in Chattanooga. It was a great morning for a hike! As we arrived, the temperature was almost 60 with mostly sunny skies, and light variable winds.  The winds did pick up during the last half of the hike to around 20 to 30 mph as the forecast predicted, but the breeze felt great to most. The group trekked about 2.5 miles to Harrison Brank creek without incident and then enjoyed a short break before returning to the main trailhead.  Of course, the trail was muddy in spots and other areas to avoid (on typical equestrian trails).   There was also one downed tree that had to be maneuvered around (see linked photos).  All in all, everyone seemed to enjoy getting out on this very pleasant morning and exploring this trail. It was nice getting a jump on our New Year’s resolution to do more hiking in 2025!!!

 The total hike was about 5 miles with 500+’ elevation gain. Hikers included TTA Scenic City members: Tim Booth (hike leader), Dave Graham, Julie Roberts, Marti & Roy Owensby, Suzanne Thigpen, Larry Lunsford & Tom McElhone.  One visitor: Darla Lobb

If you would like to see a few pictures taken during this hike, click here or on the picture above.  

Unless you sell Thin Mints, "NO SOLICITING"