Benton Falls 10.8.19

There were 15 of  us on this easy 3.5 mile hike to Benton Falls and then a loop back to the parking lot.  The hike lasted about 2 hours and 20 minutes with a moving average of 2.4 mph.  The weather really cooperated during this hike.  Finally it has cooled off.  Today we hiked in the mid 70's which is much better than the mid 90's of our last few hikes.  It was overcast during much of the hike, but it seems that it is often overcast when we hike here.  The hike took us to the falls, which due to the draught was just a trickle, but still quite beautiful.  Here we stopped for a brief snack.  On the way we ran into a dog with her GPS collar on.  She stayed with us a ways until her owner finally got her back.  We were to later find out that she belonged to a group of bear hunters. The hike was delightful and there was considerable chatter along the way. After the hike 12 of us went to Puleo's Restaurant, which is one of my favorites as they have great fish tacos.  Please note: for those hikers with foot issues I have included a picture that has suggestions for how to lace your shoes if you have various foot conditions.  
Tammy's views;

Tuesday was a wonderful fall day to hike to Benton Falls. The trailhead began at the Chilhowee campground in Cherokee National Forest. The morning started cool with a hint of fog but we warmed up hiking the sandy flat path. After walking about 1.5 miles, we descended a rocky stairway to the base of the 65-foot falls as Rock Creek spilled over the cliff. The rhododendrons framed the entire area. We returned by way of the Redleaf and Arbutus trails, traversing about 3.5 miles total. We were also accompanied by a friendly 4-legged hiker. She was supposed to be hunting bear but instead was hunting snacks. 

If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike as well as trail maps and an altitude graph, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  The preferred browser is Google Chrome.
This weeks joke....The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.

Spicewood Trail 10.5.19

We finally got some decent hiking weather for this hike.  We departed the Soddy Daisy parking lot at 8:30 and arrived at Frozen Head at 10:10.  The temperature was in the high 60's to low 70's with the humidity at a bearable level.  5 hikers departed the trailhead at 10:30 and began the 4 mile ascent to the tower on Chimney Top Mountain.  This part of the hike was a steady elevation ascent of 2,000 feet with little level and no downward direction.  We arrived at the tower around one o'clock and had our lunch.  We finally got a welcoming breeze at the top of the tower.  After lunch, we began the 3+ mile descent on the Old Mac Mountain Trail portion of the loop, and finished the hike around 3:30.  The temperature by this time had risen into the mid 80's but the humidity remained at a bearable level.  While I was listed at the leader of the hike, I spent most of my time being the sweep – I admit, “I am the weakest link”.  The trail was well maintained with little overgrowth.  This hike is rated moderate, and I would agree because of the length 7+ miles and elevation change – 2,000 feet.

If you would like to see a selection of pictures from this hike, including a map, click here.  I you are trying to view the photos through the TTA website and having problems, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 

Ruby Falls to Glenn Falls 10.1.19

I had not been on this trail for many years and had completely forgotten about it.  There were only eight of us on this 5.75 mile hike that took nearly four hours.  The actual walking time was 2 hrs and 33 minutes.  I would rate this hike as moderate as it is a shallow, but steady climb to the falls.  Unfortunately, there was no water at the falls.  This is a result of the high temperatures and severe drought that Chattanooga has been experiencing.  The trail was easy in that it was quite smooth with a little overgrowth.   The final mile of the trail was really tough as it was directly in the 95 F. sun on a slight upgrade.  We were all thoroughly worn out at the end.  You can always tell that everyone is getting tired as the chatter completes disappears.   Following the hike we all had many cool drinks as well as lunch inside of the Purple Daisy Cafe. 
If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike as will as maps and an altitude graph, click here.  If you have trouble viewing the pictures through the TTA website, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 
This weeks joke.....What is the difference between a cat and a coma?  A cat has claws at the end of paws.  A coma is a pause at the end of a clause. 

Rhododendron and Old Copper Road Trails 9.28.19

The planned hike was to be a moderate rated 9.7 mile hike, the Ocoee Loop Trail. As it turned out, it ended up being an easy 6 mile hike on the Ocoee Loop Trail. The Ocoee Loop trail is made up of the Rhododendron, Old Copper Road and Rock Creek trail. When I planned the hike earlier in the year, I didn't plan on the weather being 10 to 15 degrees higher than normal. Alas, you can't rely on the Old Farmer's Almanac when planning hikes. 4 hikers enjoyed the hike anyway. We departed the trailhead at Thunder Rock camp ground and hiked to the White Water Center where I picked up some maps and trail descriptions for future hikes I would like to take in the area. From there we proceeded on the Old Copper Road trail until we reached 3 miles on the outward bound portion of the hike. At that point we reversed our direction and headed back to the White Water Center where we had our snacks. We then continued back on the Rhododendron Trail to our starting point. The hike was great even with the elevated humidity. Not much was happening on the river around the White Water Center save for a few swimmers. TVA wasn't releasing any water upstream. The action on the river, rafting and kayaking, was all taking place below the power station at Thunder Rock, where they were releasing water.

If you would like to see some pictures of this hike, including maps, click here.  If you are trying to view pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 
Joke of the week...Why did Beethoven get rid of his chickens?  All they ever said was "Bach, Bach, Bach".

Covenant College, Bluff Trail & John Smartt Trail

We had 11 hikers on this really nice hike.  Several hikers commented that they really enjoyed this hike as it was a good length, not too difficult but still good for cardio.  The distance of this hike was 3.67 miles and took 2hrs, 14 minutes with a moving time of 1hr, 45 minutes.  I would rate this hike as easy, with the caveat there were gentle long climbs.  The weather couldn't have been better with absolutely clear skies.  We hiked on both the Bluff Trail and the John Smartt (Smart or Smith as it was different on various maps) trails.   There were some beautiful views as can be seen from the pictures.  Following the hike everyone ate at the "Cafe on the Corner" on top of Lookout Mountain.  If you would like to see some pictures, including map and altitude graph, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  The preferred browser is Google Chrome.
This weeks joke...I went to my girlfriends on Sunday.  I had made up some notes on three pieces of paper.  The notes read "Will", "You", "Me".  I left them in various places in her apartment.  I figured that would keep her busy while I watched the football game!