Benton Falls 9.11.18

Another fabulous hike presented by Trish.  We had a rather long drive up to the trail head.  It was quite foggy on the way up the last 7 miles but once we broke through the fog layer there were only high clouds blocking the sun.  This was fine as it made for a much cooler hike than normal.  The only problem was that the fog obscured the overlooks on the way up.  However, on the way back down the fog had lifted and we had some really beautiful views.  The the problem was condensation on the camera lens which ruined some of the pictures.  The total distance of this 2.5 hour hike was 3.5 miles and I would rate it as mostly easy with a couple of moderate areas.  The falls were absolutely beautiful as you can see by the pictures.  At the falls most of the hikers had snacks and lunch.  On the way back, we took a slightly different route which made the hike a loop and more interesting.  Everyone of the 14 hikers had a great time I think.  If you would like to see a bunch of pictures including a map and altitude chart, click here. 

Raccoon Mtn. Small Intestine 9.4.18

On this hike we had one of our largest groups.  There were a total of 18 hikers and I personally think it was because they knew what a great hike leader they would have.  I can't say enough good things about today's leader.  He had everything under control, made frequent stops and even had 18 hikers when the hike was over!  What a guy!  Anyway, this rated easy hike lasted about 2 hours and 12 minutes and covered 3.8 miles.  The trail meandered around the woods and it was almost all in the shade with a little breeze, which was good since it was quite warm.  Judging from all the chatter, everyone had quite a good time.  Following the hike most of the hikers went to La Altena for a very nice lunch.  If you would like to see a few pictures, click here.  Just a reminder, you can see the pictures by clicking on the title of the blog, on the picture on the blog or clicking "here". 

Leggett Road to Rock Creek Bridge 9.1.18

The description of this hike is rather short.  Probably because the writer was too exhausted to say anymore!  Today, there were five hikers on this moderately strenuous 5 1/2 mile hike which lasted about 4 hours. We lunched at the Rock Creek bridge.  The hike was from the Upper Leggett Road trailhead to the Rock Creek bridge and return.

Luckily for us, the temperature and the grade increased together for the last mile or so of the hike. This helped us to really appreciate the cold drinks we purchased at the first "stop n' go" we encountered on the way home. I believe everyone enjoyed the hike.

If you would like to see a nice selection of pictures, click here.

Rainbow Lake Loop 8.28.18

This was another well organized hike by Trish.  I don't know how she does it and where we would be without her.  It is easy to get confused around Rainbow Lake as there are many intersecting trails.  It was definitely a warm humid day for hiking.  Luckily the trail kept us under the forest canopy where it was definitely cooler.  I would rate this hike as easy and we too our time making the loop which is fine by me as it allows me to take more pictures.  There were 13 of us on today's hike which took about 2.5 hours.  No wildlife was seen and not much water was flowing, but the forest was beautiful.  Now the contentious part.  At the end of the hike, I showed just over 2 miles as the distance.  Everyone disagreed and said "Surely it was much longer." Someone looked at the kiosk map and concluded the hike was closer to 2.8-3.0 miles.  After CONSIDERABLE research on the infallible internet, I concluded the distance was actually 2.2 miles according to various websites.  Therefore, I WAS RIGHT!  My little GPS is never wrong except when it is.  So there all you naysayers!  Following the hike we had a delightful lunch at the Southern Star on the mountain.  If you would like to see a whole bunch of photos, click here.   

Mowbray Pike 8.25.18

Five of us covered the 5 miles between the Mowbray Pike and the Sluder Lane trailheads. The trail was in good condition and there was an abundance of rocky formations and bluffs to look at. There was also a large rock bluff at an electric power line right of way that afforded a good view of the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant cooling towers steaming away.

We finished the hike a little before noon and returned to the Soddy Daisy carpool area.

I'd rate the hike as moderately physical and the scenery along the trail as very good.

I you would like to see some pictures from this hike, click here.