South Rim, Salvage Gulf 1.13.2024

 We were greeted on our hike with a balmy 25 degree temperature.  Our fearless hiking leader was under the weather so the hike was led by Jim from the Highland Rim Chapter.  It was a mixed group – some from Highland Rim, some from Murfreesboro and three from Scenic City.  I was an absolutely beautiful day to hike (once it warmed up a little) – great views, great waterfalls, great company.

If you would like to see some great pictures from this hike, click here. 

If you get locked out, just slowly work out the problem.  Patience is the key!

Stinging Fork Falls 1.6.2024

Saturday, 6 hikers trusted the weather report by driving thru the rain to Spring City. As we approached the trailhead at Stinging Fork Falls, the rain stopped. We walked thru a mist for a short time. Instead of going to the falls, we turned left at the sign for the new thru trail, 16 miles to the Head of the Sequatchie. Our goal was 4.25 miles, lunch, then turn around.

The rain had stopped, but the first 0.2 miles of the trail was thick, slippery mud. After that we descended on a beautiful rock stairway to the bridge crossing Stinging Fork Creek. A gradual ascent thru the quiet, soft pine forest brought us to another hike down along Little Soak Creek which we easily crossed, multiple times, on rocks. One more steep climb out of the gorge, then rest and lunch. The one incident was when a hiker sat down on our lunch log and broke it. No more cookies for him! We hiked about 8.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1000+ feet.

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

White Oak Mountain Trails 1.2.2024

 White Oak Mountain Trails

01/02/2024

10 anxious hikers started their new year out right with a glorious sunny morning and readiness to hit the trail.  The temperature at the trail head upon arrival was a frosty 30 degrees.   Everyone gathered at the map as Tim Booth reviewed the hiking path for the day.  The group hiked out and started on the relatively flat & wide Dogwood trail.  After crossing over several foot bridges and enjoying the small streams trickling in the brook adjacent to trail, they arrived at the Six Shooter intersection.   After a short break, they proceeded up the various minor & short inclines of the Krebs Cycle and onto the Tower trail with a considerable descent back to the Dogwood Trail.  The next excursion was a return trip back to the Six Shooter intersection with a short break and group picture.  The team then returned back to the main trail and proceeded up the winding curves & sharp inclines of the Big Red trail, crossing over the Christmas Top trail a few times.  After enjoying snack time, conversation, and the views, they proceeded back to the main trailhead via the intense decline of the Christmas Top tail.    The total encounter was almost 4 miles and took about 2 hours and 15 minutes.  Several folks and never hiked on White Oak Mountain but wanted to return.  I consider it a hidden gem.  Everyone appeared to have enjoyed the morning and were grateful to get out, get some exercise and visit with friends.  Enjoy the pictures.

If you would like to see a few pictures taken during this hike, click here.

Home is where dog hair sticks to everything but the dog.

Summit Knob 12.26.2023

 Trying to recover from the excesses of Christmas feasting six of us braved the fog, mist, and dare we say it, light sprinkles to get a little cardio in.  Hikers shared tales of Christmas and it was quickly apparent who was judged naughty and nice (Tammy and Julie on the nice lists, and David, Randy, Tom and Will on the,er, list that gets you coal in your stocking).  A nice stroll through the forest.  

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

I shot a man with a paintball gun just to watch him dye!

Enterprise South 12.19.2023

 It was a cold, crisp December morning with lots of sunshine to warm the heart.  As we gathered at the Poe Run Path trailhead, the temperature was a wintry 26 degrees with a slight breeze at times.  Twelve courageous hikers huddled up to keep warm and listened to Tim Booth provide information about today’s hike.  Not wasting a lot of time, in order to get the blood flowing, the group nimbly marched along the 1-mile path to the connector road.  One stop was made to check out one of the bunkers, but it was not open to the public.  The group then proceeded over the road to the incline of the Poe Run Overlook and on to the Deer Hollow Trail. At this point, it seemed like it was warming up a bit but probably it was just from the workout.  A quick stop was made at one of the foot bridges, and the team witnessed a rather large buck and doe meandering through the woods.  It almost seemed to be a “staged event”.  The next trek took us around the bend of the Hidden Lake Trail.  Everyone stopped to enjoy their morning snack by the lake.  Some talked by the picnic tables (or listen to Will talk), while others enjoyed the view of the lake from the swings or watch the hawk in the tree.  The group then made the final journey back to the Poe Run Path and Upper Poe Run.  Total encounter was exactly 4 miles and took about 2 hours and 15 minutes.  Everyone appeared to have enjoyed the morning (although I know some were hesitant to get out since it was so cold).  Enjoy the pictures.

 If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike including altitude graphs and maps, click here.  

My friend DAVID had his ID stolen, now he is just DAV.