White Oak Mtn.

There were ten hikers on this relatively easy hike of about four miles.  The group started at the bottom of the mountain and then hiked up to the ridge and followed the ridge line as far as it went.  The group saw several turtles (Eastern Box Turtle) and a quick to disappear snake (unidentified).  It was a little disappointing that there weren't many flowers.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day for a relatively easy hike.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

Pickett S.P. 4.11.17

 

On April11, The Soddy Daisy Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association packed up and headed for a three day adventure in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. We had excellent accommodations in the 3 bedroom deluxe cabins at Pickett State Park located approximately 2 miles from the western park entrance and very near the trails that traverse one of the most diverse geological areas in the eastern U.S.

The first afternoon we began by exploring Hazard Cave, an Indian rock house, the swinging bridge over a beautiful little lake and the natural bridge, all at Picket State Park.  The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we headed for the Twin Arches and Charit Creek Loop trails. It soon became clear that this was no ordinary hike.  From the first view of two of the largest natural arches west of the Mississippi River to the cavernous rock houses that seem to appear around every turn in the trail, we were all captivated. We soon found ourselves in a beautiful valley literally walking among wild flowers and beside a babbling brook.  We lunched at the picnic tables at the Charit Creek hostel where we relaxed while enjoying picturesque views.  Afterwards we were faced with a long steep slog up the other side of the loop back to the arches with some challenging stairs, up to the top of the arches and the end of the loop.

Following a refreshing shower and lots of spaghetti, we relaxed around the campfire and prepared for our hike on the Middle Creek Trail on our last morning. Again, we were not disappointed, lots more beautiful rock houses, and a forest of Hemlocks, Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. Would love to return in a month when they are in full bloom.

This area is surely a keeper.  To see some pictures of this hike, click here.

Sluder Lane > New Bridge

There were only three hikers on this hike to the new bridge at Big Soddy.  The group returned to Sluder Lane via the Rock Climbers parking lot.  It was a really beautiful day for a hike.  The hikers were Don, Bootie and John.  They lunched at the Big Soddy bridge with a group of seven or eight hikers who arrived at about the same time.  I would rate this hike as strenuous.  If you would like to see a few pictures, click here.

Shakerag Hollow 4.4.17

This was an absolutely beautiful day for a hike.  All told there were 11 hikers on this approximately 4.5 mile hike.  Dolores led this hike and that was fortunate as she new some of the history of this area.  This hike was scheduled as a hike to see some of the local wildflowers and it did not disappoint.  The group didn't really know the names of the flowers, but they enjoyed them nevertheless.  The overlook was especially beautiful so the group spent a little time there.  This hike is rated as moderate.  The hike was dedicated to George and we are waiting for him to get better and rejoin us.  If you would like to see some really nice pictures, click here.

Wow, what a group.  This is one of the largest hiking groups we have had with a total of 21 hikers.  Nine of the hikers were actually members. It was an absolutely perfect day with a temperature of about 65 F. and sunny skies.  The only thing missing was that there were no wild flowers blooming yet.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.