Signal Point to Rainbow Lake

2.21.12 Nance Jo, Pat, Renee and Earl  With the cloud cover as it was, the picture opportunity from the main viewing spot at Signal Point was exceptional.  The sun was shining through the clouds over Chattanooga making it a beautiful sight.  Shortly after beginning the hike we saw a red fox cross in front of us.  He looked in very good shape, but was moving to fast for a picture.  There was a lot of water flowing over the dam at Rainbow Lake and that is where we had our snack.  We found an off trail spot leading down to Middle Creek which we explored and Rainbow Falls was flowing beautifully even though we didn't take the difficult trip to the base.  The hike was about 4 miles and I would rate it as easy.  For a couple of pictures, click here or on the Rainbow tab up above. 

Flipper Bend

2.18.12  Nance Jo, Linda, Mattie, McBob, John, Carl, Earl.  Nice day for a hike.  Not too hot or too cold.  We had two newcomers, Linda and Mattie who decided to come after reading about a hike in the paper.  We were glad to have them even if they weren't quite prepared.  They hiked in with us a little over a mile and decided to turn back.  Since Flipper Bend can be quite confusing we made sure they had good instructions and phone numbers to call if they became confused on the trail.  They made it just fine and we hope to see them again.  The rest of us continued onward until we reached a point to have our snack.  At this point Nance Jo and Earl decided to return and the rest continued onward to do one of the loops.  Nance Jo and Earl covered about 7.25 miles while McBob and his crew covered a little over 9 miles.  Everyone had a good time I think.  I would rate the hike as easy and if you would like to see a couple of pictures, click on the Flipper Bend tab up above or here.

Blue Blazes Trail

2.14.12  Nance Jo, Renee, George and Earl.  Happy Valentines Day!  Today's hike was a short one.  Blue Blazes is a short trail only 1.5 miles long in the form of a loop.  Therefore, to make some distance, we hiked it one way, then turned around and hiked it the other direction.  The weather was OK with a very slight amount of misting.  Parts of the trail were a little muddy and we all got our shoes dirty.  After the hike we went to Firehouse subs and regained the calories we had burned.  The length of the hike was three miles and I would rate it as easy.  For a few pictures, click here or on the Blue Blazes tab above.

Prentice Cooper

2.11.12  Pat, Nance Jo, George, McBob, Earl    Pictures contributed by Earl, George and McBob.  Cold!  When we started the hike it was 23F and snowing.  When the hike was over it had warmed all the way up to 24F.  George, McBob and Pat decided to do the approximately 10 mile loop while Nance Jo and Earl would take a shorter route out and back.  Believe it or not, there were other people out hiking and even some trail runners!  Everyone started at the Cumberland Trail parking lot.  Nance Jo and Earl went to the Indian Rockhouse and then onto Snooper's Rock.  Their total distance was 6.9 miles.  Once we got going everybody warmed up the hike went fine.  The only really cold time was the snack break at Snooper's Rock.  I would rate the hike as moderate.  For a few pictures, click here or on the Prentice Cooper tab above.

Heiss Mountain to Amphitheater

2.7.12  Renee, Pat, Nance Jo, George, McBob and Earl.  Pictures contributed by Earl, George and McBob.  Perfect day for a hike.  Cloudless blue sky and sweatshirt temperatures and in Feb!  Started off with Earl forgetting his drink.  Luckily there was a store near by and all was now well.  Initially we started off with the idea of only going about 1.5 miles to the bridge at Big Possum Creek, but good old George decided that maybe it would be a good idea to go to the Amphitheater.  This was agreed to by all.  Nance Jo and Earl followed the old road while the rest took the high trail to the theater and then down to the road where we all met.  From there we returned.  A stop at Micky Dee's provided much needed sustenance for all.  The total distance was approximately 5 miles and I would rate the route as moderate.  For some pictures, click here, or on the Heiss Mountain tab above.