Fort Mountain S.P. 11.20.2024

 Fall was showing off, & it was a feast for our eyes! Everywhere we looked, we saw leaves of red, orange, yellow, and every shade in between. It was like walking through a fall wonderland!!

We weren’t expecting fall to be on full display this late in the season, but that’s exactly what we experienced at Fort Mountain SP! We also threw convention out the window by hiking on a Wednesday instead of a Tuesday. It was a super rainy day on Tuesday, so we figured one day later was sure better than no hike at all!

5 hikers started our day on the Cool Springs & Mill Creek Falls Loop Trail. The trail began on the well-known Gahuti section then turned onto another trail that led us beside Mill Creek as it flows down the mountain. It rained the day before, so water was falling everywhere! We stopped for lunch at the beautiful Mill Creek Falls. After lunch, we finished the hike with a long, challenging climb back up the mountain that taxed even seasoned hikers. When completed, the loop trail was 5.5 miles with right at 1,400 ft. of elevation gain.

Our day didn’t end there. Being an ambitious group of hikers, we decided to hike another mile to see some historical sites & an incredible overlook. The first notable site is an ancient rock wall believed to have been built between 400-500 AD! No one knows for sure who built it. Theories range from the Native Americans, a legendary Welsh explorer, and more mysteriously, the “moon-eyed people” from Cherokee mythology. Next, we made our way to the CCC fire tower constructed in the 1930’s. The group had fun searching for the heart-shaped stone that was built into the structure. Finally, we headed out to the overlook that offers views of the small town of Chatsworth, Georgia & beyond in the center with views of the mountains on both sides. One word… spectacular!

Hikers included: Jennifer Davis (hike leader), Tammy Hendrick, Tom McElhone, Betsy Darken, and Carl Westman. 

If you would like to see some really beautiful pictures taken during this hike, click here or on the photo shown above.  

My relationship with whiskey is on the rocks!

Fenton Forest 11.12.2024

 This Tuesday morning, 9 hikers met on Bauxite Ridge in Ooltewah, TN.  This trail system is maintained & part of the Southern Adventist University on the far east side of the campus. It was a great morning for a hike with mostly sunny skies and cool temperatures (as we arrived) in the mid 50’s.  After making the climb from the parking area to the main trailhead, the group started with a 1.9-mile trek on the Sabbath trail, enjoying various Bible scripture plaques (including the ten commandments) and a nice casual walk through the woods.  An open pasture was also enjoyed with several cows out in the distance.  This lollipop trail took us back to the main trailhead.  After a short rest, the team proceeded over to Forest Lane trail via the Oak Hole Lane trail (green trail). This loop trail was less than a mile but was slightly more challenging (rocky and some inclines) but nothing crazy.  I might mention that this part of the hike is in the woods behind McKee Foods (Little Debbie) plant. Everyone enjoyed the aroma of chocolate as we roamed the path.  This took us back to the green trail.  After another short break, the team proceeded even further down to the Big Forest Trail. This trail has some awesome views of the back side (east side) of Bauxite Ridge.  Nothing challenging other than making sure to follow the path with all the leaves.  There was some trail work being done at the south end of the trail which did make it easier to see the path – powdered dirt.   This took us to a short trek on Lookout Hill Trail and back to the main trailhead.  At this point, everyone looked tired and ready to call it a day.  Some pointed out that this was supposed to be an easy hike (for beginners).  I guess, in my mind, it was! 😊 All in all, everyone seemed to enjoy exploring this new trail. The total hike was about 5.3 miles with 400+’ elevation gain. Hikers included TTA Scenic City members: Tim Booth (hike leader), Bonnie Norton, Connie Lusk, Dave Graham, Will Latham, Susan Kroll, Sarah Sandefur (& puppy – Dewey Lee), Walter Harrison, and Chris Bresson.

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

Alaskan eye doctors are optical Aleutians.  

Snow Falls 11.2.2024

 Saturday’s hike at Snow Falls/Laurel Falls just outside of Dayton was a collaborative effort. Even before we parted from walking along Richland Creek, we (I) walked past the wooden TRAIL sign and arrow – too focused on my feet & not looking up. Another hiker called us back to the right turn away from the creek and up the rocky path. Next, crossed the bridge over Laurel creek and turned left to follow the Snow Falls trail. Winding through the forest, we reached the 150 foot-3 section bridge over Henderson Creek. Doing fine, switch backing up the mountain, until we lost the trail again. Maybe all the fallen leaves were misdirecting us. Shortly, back on the trail again, we climbed up the crack in the bluff. Ah, relief – flat land. We wandered to Dunn overlook then headed to Morgan creek. There was a bridge over the water! No more wondering if the water was too high or too cold to cross. No more water shoes needed! Soon the CTC will be officially opening a new trail, featuring the Morgan Creek bridge and a connection to another trail.

Snow Falls was modest, and we traipsed around, searching for the trail again. I had just gotten so excited seeing the new bridge, I hadn’t paid attention to the path. Once we found the old road to Buzzard Point Overlook, the trail was obvious. We lunched at the overlook, acknowledged the 2 resident buzzards and returned to the trailhead. We hiked 10.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1440 feet.

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

Be decisive....the road of life is paved with flat squirrels.  

Chattanooga National Cemetery 10.29.2024

 Nineteen Scenic City History lovers gathered at the Chattanooga National Cemetery for a history Walk to honor those veterans who served and to learn more of the complex role this area served in the Civil War.  We looked over the Chattanooga from the spot General Grant watched the Battle of Lookout Mountain. We visited grave sites of the first Medal of Honor winners who were involved in Andrews Raiders great locomotive chase as well as other heroic soldiers who died more recently.  

If you would like to see a couple more pictures taken this day, click here.  

John's Mountain 10.22.2024

Beautiful day, beautiful hikers!  Fourteen of us trekked up and around Johns Mountain in North Georgia.  No one turned back at the stone steps climbing u[ the side of the mountain, but there was a lot of huffing and puffing.  The snack at the top and the views made up for the effort.  Unfortunately, the hike on the northeast side of the mountain was quite the ascent too.  Finally, we arrived at the second observation deck and some of the hikers found out that they could have driven to this overlook!  Not a problem for these hardy hikers, as we picked our way through some boulders walking down the mountain.  Next stop, Keown Falls, which dripped into the nice rock house.  Another mile or so and we completed our double loop trail.  We hiked about 5.5 miles with 1000 foot elevation gain.  

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

What disease did cured ham actually have?