Collins Gulf 4.9.2022

 Our last winter (?) hike was Saturday in Collins Gulf, trading in DEET for hand warmers.  We briefly were pelted with graupel.  The gulf sheltered us from the cold wind, as we descended.  The trail took us to the huge rockhouse leading to Suter Falls.  Crossing the bridge, we navigated the boulders and then switchbacked down the side of the gulf.  Fields of wild flowers burst forth in a rainbow of colors – white trillium, blue phlox, bluebells and many more.  Our lunch reservation at Horsepound Falls provided us with rock seats to enjoy the crashing and tumbling water.  After lunch we hiked a bit farther, along cascades in the creek that disappeared in the rocks underground.  We retraced our steps, slogged up the bluff and took a rest stop at the lookout of the beautiful Tennessee plateau.  The hike was 7 plus miles with an elevation of 1112 feet. 

If you would like to see some beautiful photos taken during this hike, click here.  

Shakerag Hollow 4..7.2021

 The Shakerag Hollow hike scheduled for Tuesday was rescheduled on the following Thursday.  There were a few of us wildflower loving hikers who decided we could not miss the wildflowers at Shakerag Hollow, and it would be a whole year before we would have another opportunity.  Ten of us enjoyed the beautiful weather, a little cool, but great for hiking.  The trail was in good shape except for a few wet muddy areas from the previous day’s rain.  The hike was at a slow pace with many stops to take pictures and identify the variety of wildflowers in bloom.  The Phacelia were not covering the mountain side as they were last year, not disappointing as there were many others, Dutchmen Britches, Trilliums, Celadine Poppies, Larkspurs, and Wild Geraniums just to name a few.  After the hike, we headed to the Mountain Goat Market for lunch.  I think everyone would agree it was a great day. 

If you would like to see some nice photos of this hike, click here.  

Gahuti Trail 4.2.2022

 Saturday's Gahuti Backcountry Trail hike was another very pleasant spring-time hike.  The weather was perfect - mostly in the low 50 degree range by noontime.  Four of us fortunate hikers met up with two more hikers at Fort Mountain State Park in Georgia.  The ride up the mountain to the park and trailhead was just as enjoyable as the actual hike.  The view of the valley below, was spectacular.  As we departed on the hike, the temperature was in the upper 30 degree range.  There was enough up and down elevation gain and loss to allow us to start shedding layers of clothing in a rather short time.  The spring flowers were just starting to appear along the trail.  There were several creek crossings that were easily crossed without anyone getting any water above there ankles.  Several hours and halfway around the loop, we had our snacks at an overlook which offered us a great view of the valley.  After our respite, we continued our trek.  We completed our hike shortly before 4pm.  It was an  8.2 mile loop trail moderate hike.  

If you would like to see some very nice photos taken during this hike, click here.  

Sitton Gulch 3.29.2022

 There were seventeen of us on this very nice hike.  It was a steady up hill walk to the falls, but very gradual so I would rate it as easy.  The total out and back distance for this hike was about 4.4 miles and it took us about 3.5 hours.  Since the spring flowers were popping up everywhere, the group became pretty strung out.  No problem, since there was really only one trail.  Lots of stopping to look at flowers and it is amazing how some of the hikers new all of the names.  We finally met up at the base of the falls where the group picture was taken.  I missed a few hikers as some had already begun the trek back.  The temperature was just about perfect but there wasn't much sun.  Following the hike, many of the hikers had lunch at Thatcher's BBQ and Grill.  The meal was very good!

If you would like to see a whole bunch of photos taken during this hike, including map and altitude graph, click here.

Rock Creek 3.22.2022

 Twenty hikers hiked the Lower Rock Creek Connector trail to the overlook and back for a total of 5.5 miles.  The weather was great, starting out a little cool and ending with just right temps.  We saw lots of wildflowers beginning to bloom including may apples, trilliums, pussy toes, rue anemone, trout lilies and bloodroot.  We also got to see a luna moth alongside the trail.  It was definitely a great day for a hike.  

If you would like to see some great pictures taken during this hike, click here.