Grundy State Forest 11.27.18

When we left Red Bank it was 30 degrees. The closer we got to Tracy City, the colder it got. When we reached the Trailhead it was 24 degrees. There were 11 of us that tried to convince ourselves that it was better than  being in 94 degree weather.  We were suppose to do the half the Grundy day loop, go to Sycamore Falls and return by the 2nd half of the day loop. However the fearless hike leader felt there were some dangerous spots on the 2nd portion of the day loop, so we came back the same way we went and then we did some of the day loop that we missed so that we could see the falls. There wasn’t much water at the falls, but the hike is really beautiful. You do have to go over lots of tree roots and rocks. But the scenery is well worth it. Seven of us then went out for a nice lunch, even though we were disappointed that the Mountain Goat Market was closed.  We ended up hiking about 4 miles. I would rate it as moderate.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

N. Chick. Creek to Stevenson Branch Campsite

 Tom and John were the only hikers to show up for Saturday's hike.  The threat of rain was probably the main reason for this.  As it turned out, no rain materialized on the hike.
We departed the trail-head at approximately 9am on our 9 mile 8 hour hike.  The temperature was in the low 40's.  The ascent on the Upper Loop trail was uneventful though strenuous.  The trail was challenging.  The trail was wet from recent rains and covered with leaves.  This made the ascent slow and we continued on the upper part of the loop to the stairs going up to the upper rim part of the trail.  On the hike to the stairs we crossed several creeks and passed several nicely flowing waterfalls.  The overlook didn't offer much of a view on the inward part of the hike.  We also traversed along a bluff where the trail was rocky and in some sections only 6 to 12 inches wide.  We overshot the stairs going up because the blaze which would have alerted us to the direction change, was missing.  This was the 2nd time I missed the stairs, which indicates I am at least consistent on the trail.   The upper rim part of the trail was the easiest part of our journey.  The upper rim of the trail continues to descent portion of the trail down to a creek crossing and waterfalls.  It was here we finally found out why the trail was closed part of last year.  They built a set of stairs down to the falls and crossing.  Maybe they will build a set going up the other side at some future time.  We ascended the other side of the crossing and we continued to the campsite.  We arrived at the campsite around 1:30, had a snack and began our return trek.  The hike back was not completed much faster.  Usually the exit moves faster but not this time.  We exited the trail around 5pm.  I would definitely rate this hike as strenuous.  The weather made the trip a great hike however.  If you would like to see a few pictures, click here

Lookout Mtn. Bluff Trail 11.20.18

It started out kind of cool and cloudy....and it remained that way through out the hike.  The trail was heavily littered with leaves which meant that everyone had to be cautious where they put their feet.  You couldn't tell what was under the leaves that might surprise you and cause a tumble.  Of course the leaves were wet which further required caution.  Their were 16 hikers on this hike.  I would rate the first 0.8 miles as strenuous.  As you can see from the graph (see pictures) it pretty much went UP!  After that initial climb the trail became moderate.  There were lots of chances to take in the views from the overlooks.  The details of the hike were elapsed time of 1:57 with an average moving speed of 1.77 mph which is pretty slow.  We ascended 533ft.  If you would like to see some pictures of the hike including map and graph, click here. 

Immodium Falls 11.17.18

This hike was from the the Retro Hughes Trailhead to Immodium Falls and return. The hike distance was about 8 miles and I would rate the hike as strenuous.   

Today we had 5 hikers. The day started out with a nice frost and ended up with the afternoon temperatures in the 50's and  sunny weather.  We hiked to the falls and had our lunch there. As you can see from some of the photos the falls were running really well.

I you would like to see some nice pictures from John P. click here. 

Rainbow Lake to Edward's Point 11.10.18

I would rate this hike Moderate. The first .7 mile is easy. The 1.3 miles after the swinging bridge is rocky in areas and requires some climbing. It takes longer because of the terrain. There are many features that make trail popular year round, but it is extra special in the Fall. 

Saturday morning could be described as "CRISP" ,with temperatures in the 40's and a cool mountain breeze at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead on Signal. At 9:00, a total of six hikers, including one new hiker, began the 4 mile round trip hike to scenic Edward's Point.

By the time we hiked to Rainbow Lake (an easy downhill .7 miles), we were warmed up and glad we made the effort to get out on a beautiful Fall day. After the previous day's rain, the water features at the lake were extra dramatic and beautiful. A lot of leaves were down, but there was still plenty of color. 

We crossed the swinging bridge and started the climb which is mostly rocky steps toward the bluffs....the trail is marked with a white blaze and is part of the Cumberland Trail. I will have to say they could be a little more generous with the blazes. Fallen leaves and other seasonal changes made it easy to get off trail, but no big problem. There is a marker at the bottom of the bluff that is helpful. This is the most challenging part of the hike but short. Once on the ridge, it is easy. We did have several minor water crossings (did I mention the mud?) and one major crossing due to all the rain. On the way back, one hiker slipped on the rocks at this crossing. Fortunately, there were no injuries. 

The views of the TN River gorge were stunning. We were surprised to find a camp set up on the rock that overlooks the gorge. See pic. We hiked on to Edwards Point where we enjoyed the panoramic view and a snack. Then headed back the way we came. 

We got back to the parking area about noon and decided to meet for pizza. It was especially nice to have Audrey with us the hike. She is new to the area, and we want to welcome her back any time.

I you would like to see some very nice pictures, click here.