Lookout Mountain

12.30.10  4.9 miles  Nancy Jo and Earl.  It was rather cool and blustery when we started out from the parking lot at Craven's House.  Since we haven't been on these trails we asked a local Ranger for some information on which trail was which.  We started in a Southerly direction on the Mtn. Beauty Trail and connected to the Bluff Train and finally returned to the parking lot on the Craven's House Trail.  After returning to the Craven's House we walked down the drive to the Hardy Trail and walked it for about a mile.  We didn't get any rain, but we did get some sleet, but not enough to dampen our spirits.  I would rate the trails as moderate except for the Hardy Trail which is easy.  For pictures click on the Lookout Mountain Tab. 

Stringers Ridge

12.23.10  2.5 miles  Nance Jo, Caroline & Earl explored more of Stringer's Ridge.  It was a cold beautiful day for this hike.  Stringer's Ridge has many many interconnecting trails so we decided to explore some of them.  After wandering around for a couple of hours we had pretty well explored the SW corner of the Ridge.  We found the foundations and remains of two old homes, one of which was made mostly out of logs. Next time we will explore further into the Ridge.  After hiking we went to Tubby's and had a good lunch.  Caroline and Nance Jo went on to explore the Blue Blazes train at Moccasin Bend.  For pictures click on the Stringer's Ridge tab above.

Enterprize South

12.21.10  Caroline W.  Nance Jo O.  Earl H.  It was a dark and rainy day when we set forth on our first visit to Enterprize South and their new trail system.  It is going to be interesting to see if they can achieve there goal of keeping walkers, runners and cyclists separate from each other and from cars.  If they catch a runner on the road, they pick him up and bring him back to the trailhead!  The trails are very good and wide.  They are designed for two across walking.  Although damp and rainy we had a good time on the trail.  Following the hike we had the opportunity to discuss the trails with Lee Greenwood, manager of the Visitor Center.  Of course we offered our suggestions.  The trails we took went 4.3 miles and I would rate as easy.  Two view pictures click of the tab above or here.

Retro Hughes

12.15.10  Nance Joe, George & Earl hiked toward the fiberglass bridge off of Retro Hughes Rd.  The temp was about 25F and overcast.  Due to a slight mixup, George hiked in first to the bridge.  Nance Joe and Earl later met him as he was coming back.  At this point we had lunch and started back.  It was a good hike that I would rate as moderate.  Distance was 5miles.  Mary, if you happen to read this, it's too bad you didn't make this hike as it would have given you a good workout. 

Cloudland Canyon Post

12.11.10  Nance Joe, Mary and Earl had a very nice hike at Cloudland Canyon.  We followed the west loop which was clearly marked in yellow.  It would be very difficult to get lost on this trail as it seemed that every other tree was marked in yellow.  The weather was cool and overcast, but not hazy.  This allowed for some great views from the overlooks.  We did not see any deer until we were driving out of the park when a lone deer was seen quite close to the road.  The distance was approximately four miles and I would rate this trail as easy.