Prentice Cooper 9.2.17

This was the first hike after taking the month of  August off.  There were only four hikers on the moderate seven mile hike.  The weather was almost perfect.  Thanks to Donna and John for the Pictures.  If you would like to see some nice pictures click here.

Riverwalk 7.25.17

The stroll on the new section of the Riverwalk at the St Elmo trailhead was a new visual experience of Chattanooga's golden manufacturing days and a walk down memory lane for others. The walk near the river revealed beautiful flowers and a glimpse into the city's manufacturing prime. The companies past and present include Wheland Foundry, U.S. Pipe and Foundry, Siskin Steel and Combustion Engineering that once employed a few of today's participants/family members along with several thousand Chattanooga residents. Before we drift back on those good old days, I have to mention that those same facilities helped Chattanooga gain the notoriety as the most air polluted city in the country. It was not unusual during the 1960's and early 1970's for the pollution to prevent the view of the surrounding mountains. It was not unusual for drivers to turn on their headlights at noon because the dust and smoke in the air was so thick. Thanks EPA.

The walk also allowed for a nice casual 2-3 mile walk or a longer 5-6 mile walk in the heat. This outing is a great event for the fall/winter but not late July/August (note to self, no Riverwalk during the summer). For a bunch of pictures, click here.

Signal Mtn. High School Loop Trail

A dozen dedicated hikers and one four legged hiker completed the short but sweet Signal Mountain High School Loop Trail. In spite of the mercifully shady trail and even a slight mountain breeze, there was not a dry shirt in site by the end of the hike.  Since it was still early, the hike leader offered to extend the hike to include the formidable Mushroom Rock and/or the Covered Bridge. Sadly, there was unanimous and wholehearted rejection of this offer. 

Other than one fairly short area of elevation, this three mile hike is mostly easy and a nice one for a hot Summer day. Several little streams with well maintained bridges add to the scenery on this trail. Beware, they are slippery if wet! There are also some muddy areas. We spotted a large owl box but no owl. The trail to Mushroom Rock is now marked with white arrows and is about a mile off the Blue Loop. Happy Trails!  To see a few pictures, click here.

Big Soddy Gulf 7.11.17

July 11 was a beautiful, sunny day, though a bit warm. However, the threat of a little heat and humidity did not deter the 16 hearty souls who showed up for our Tuesday hike. We began at the Big Soddy Gulf Recreation area and easily made our way along the mile-long flat roadbed to Boardcamp Creek where it intersects Big Soddy Creek.

The trek began in earnest as we made our way up the old mining/logging road to the spot where the Cumberland Trail crosses the path. Since it was mid-July, the intersection looked very different than the last time some of our folks were up this way. Long story short, the first group missed the blaze on the tree and were well past the intersection before we retrieved them. Together again, we turned right, going north toward Highway 111. Our destination this day was the big rock bluff and the long staircase to the top of the bluff. Not to be deterred by any physical restraint, George led several of the more adventuresome up the steps and through the woods to the top of the falls where Boardcamp Creek tumbles down the mountain.

Once we retrieved the overachievers, we made our way back down the mountain for a total of about 6 miles. I would rate this hike as moderate because of several rocky sections north of the mining road.  This time, there is only one picture.  SHAME SHAME!

Cloudland Connector 7.8.17

The group found a trail that none of the members had been on before, The Cloudland Canyon connector trail starting at Cloudland Canyon State Park.  It was an easy walk down to the Ascalon Trailhead where we had a car parked.  The path was wide, well kept, and marked well.  It will be fun to go back and try some of the side trails.  It was very warm (maybe hot is a better word) and we wet our handkerchiefs at every opportunity.  It was a total of 5 miles and there were 6 of us that enjoyed the hike.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  Of course after the hike we rewarded ourselves with a delicious lunch in St. Elmo. If you would like to see some pictures of this hike, click here.