It was a cloudy and slightly cool day for this easy just under 6 mile hike.  There were no roots or rocks for a change.  At about the 3 mile point we stoped for a snack before we turned around.  There was lots of chatter as the 9 hikers spread out along this trail.  Acturally the temperature was just right as most kept their light jackets on.  All in all a very nice enjoyable stroll in the woods.

If you would like to view some photos taken during this hike including maps, 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.

This weeks humor..."I don't get it, the trail looked so flat on the map!"

Prater Place & Hemlock Falls 5.8.2021

 Four hikers enjoyed the Saturday hike on the Prater Place and Hemlock Falls Trail in Spencer Tennessee.  The weather was perfect and the 7.9 mile hike very enjoyable.  Though I had hiked this trail several times prior to Saturday, it was the first time I ventured off on the spur part of the trail that took us to the cave.  The hike to the cave was a little tricky.  The trail was overgrown, steep and slippery.  After the visit to the cave we continued our trek to Hemlock Falls.  We crossed several creeks that were surprisingly dry, which made for easy crossings.  We arrived at the falls at noon and had our snacks.  As we ate, we put back on the jackets which we mostly had shed on the 1300+ foot ascent.  The hike back out was a bit faster because the trail is mostly a dowward descent.   As usual, there were plenty of wild flowers to enjoy seeing this time of year.  Even though it was mostly overcast, the newly arrival of green throughout the area was another plus.  

If you would like to see some photos taken during this hike including a map, please 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

This weeks joke.

How do crazy hikers get out of the hills? ..... They take the psychopath!

Fiery Gizzard Trail 5.7.2021

 Another great day for a hike.  There were ten hikers in a combination hike of the Soddy Daisy and Highland Rim chapters.  The sky was blue and the temperature just about perfect for this 2.7 mile hike which took us 2 hours and 23 minutes.  Most of the hike was along the Big Fiery Gizzard Creek.  The water was flowing nicely allowing for many small waterfalls.  The only negatives were roots and rocks which we encountered most of the way.  Of course the bridge was still down so we were unable to cross the creek.  There has been a lot of work put into this trail along the way with informative stations explaning what the CCC had accomplished.  One aspect of this trail that was really surprising to me was the absolute lack of trash along the entire route and also there was no graffiti anywhere to be found at the Indian Rock House.  Joan of the Highland Rim Chapter led the hike at a very gentle pace assuring that it was less likely anyone would trip and fall.  One unusual aspect of this hike was that there was a great abundance of Lady Slippers in large groupings along the trail.  The hikers then continued to the Grundy Lakes trail for another short hike.  Unfortunately I was unable to remain and do this hike.  

If you would like to see some photos taken during this hike including maps and altitude graph, 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.

Turtletown Falls 4.27.21

 After a long drive to Ducktown and a short drive on a dirt road we arrived at the trail head.  This hike can be  described as a lollipop.  After a bit of a hike, the trail splits and makes a circle before returning to the split.  There were 11 of us on the easy-moderate 4.5 mile hike.  There were two water falls to be viewed on this hike and we saw both of them.  Since we have been having rain, both falls were flowing with great gusto which made the viewing that much better.  The climb back out from the lower falls was the only moderate part of the hike and that was not bad as it was quite short.  We also saw some varieties of wildflowers that we usually don't see.  Among them were Little Brown Jug, Lady Slipper, Jack-In-The-Pulpit, Dwarf Iris, Solomon Seal and Dog Hobble.  Unfortunately some dummy left his GPS at home, so there aren't any maps or altitude graphs.  

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

Benton MacKaye Trail 4.20.2

 Here we go again.  After a seven mile drive down a dirt road we found a very nice campground at the trail head.  I say very nice except for one thing, the restrooms.  After once opening the door, no one wanted to be within 100 yards of the place.  The smell was incredible, and not in a good way!  After a short walk up the dirt road to the beginning of the trail head our group of 13 hikers began a very nice 5.4 mile hike, at least for me.  One of the hikers, who shall remain nameless had scheduled an important phone call and needed to return in time to make the call.  I accompanied this hiker, who is one of my best friends, back to the campground where we began looking for a signal.  The rest of the group went a bit longer along the trail which was next to Big Lost Creek.  This creek was flowing with absolutely crystal clear water which was a nice departure from the somewhat turgid water of most of the streams we explore.  The trail was easy and very enjoyable with great views of the creek all along the way.  Everyone had a good time even though we did get a little strung out. We crossed Little Lost Creek with ease and shortely thereafter turned around.  

If you would like to see some pictures, map and altitude graph 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.