South Cumberland State Park 4.19.2025

 Six hikers transversed 10 miles, 1200 feet elevation gain, 100s of flowers-trillium, foam flowers, spurred violets, a phlox that wanted to be a trillium, wild geranium, ragwort, and more, ten thousand boulders or so it seemed. The hike started at the Grundy Forest trailhead to Fiery Gizzard and lunch at Raven’s Point. Tired and satiated hikers, wishing for a nap, pushed forward for the return trip on the Dog Hole trail to the trailhead at Grundy Forest. We started with 6 hikers and returned with 3. Fifty percent attrition. Oh, that’s not good, is it? Yet everyone texted when they reached the trailhead.

If you would like to see some great pictures taken during this hike, click here or on the picture to the right.

I asked the librarian if they had any books on paranoia.  She said "they are right behind you"! 

Reflection Riding 4.25.2025

 12 Energetic SC members signed up to create a new reroute off of a flood zone at the Arboretum. We have dedicated to help RR to maintain and improve the 3 mile Profile Woodland trail that loops through it’s 325 acre property. Reflection Riding is celebrating it’s 100 year since conception and what a great way to support those who enjoy it’s mission of nature preservation.

 

We completed a 600 foot trail section and as we finished we witnessed two hikers taking advantage of the new trail.

If you ask those who volunteered they may say the best part was riding in the back of the dump truck to the worksite.

Our next Volunteer Event will be at Reflection Riding on

National Trails Day—June 7, 2025 / 8:30a to 2:30P

If you would like to see some pictures, click here.  

Walls of Jericho 4.12.2025

 I don't  have a write-up from this hike, but by looking at the photos, the weather was just about perfect and the wildflowers were out in force.  

If you would like to see a bunch of beautiful photos taken during this hike, click here or on the photo to the right.  

My great great grand father got his tongue shot off in the war.  He never talked about it though.  

Old Stone Fort State Park 4.8.2025

 This was quite a hike.  There were 25 hikers from four TTA Chapters.  The trails were great, the weather was great and the waterfalls along the Duck and Little Duck Rivers were awesome.  

If you would like to see a couple more photos taken during this hike, click here.  

Lula Lake 4.1.2025

 Today, 25 hikers enjoyed an absolutely wonderful day at Lula Lake Land Trust. Our journey began with a short presentation from Daniel Roberts, a Community Engagement Coordinator for the trust. Daniel explained the various properties owned by the trust and unique topics of interest for each. He also reviewed how the trust maintains the properties and the plight of the Hemlock trees. Currently, a beetle has been introduced to the Hemlocks that devours the invasive insect that is killing the trees. After our presentation, we divided into two groups for the beautiful four mile hike. When we reached the waterfall, it was ROARING from all the recent rain. At the bottom of the waterfall we enjoyed a small rainbow through all the mist.  Many hikers chose to return to the top of the falls via the steep path of steps, a great cardio workout. We then started our climb on Bluff Trail to a breathtaking overlook for snack time. Both hiking groups mingled until we started our descent on Middle Trail to the parking area. Thank you Betsy for coordinating this fantastic day.

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

You are not stuck in traffic, you are traffic!