Signal Point 1.7.2023

 So what happened with the 15% chance of rain in the late afternoon?!  The hike started at Signal Point Park traversing down the side of the rocky bluff on the challenging "mousetrap" trail of rock steps and Wooden stairs.  The first lookout revealed Edwards Point and a roaring Julia Falls in the distance across the gorge.  The rugged rocky trail descended and ascended through the gorge, across the Middle Creek bridge.  And then the rain began off and on for the rest of the hike.  What?! Rain jackets and ponchos came out, a quick lunch at Edwards Point, and a great view of the Tennessee River gorge with clouds and fog covering parts of the bluffs.  The trail from Edwards Point to Mushroom Rock was along the rim and easy with multiple small rock-hopping creek crossings.  Mushroom Rock signaled the last mile of the hike which concluded at Shackleford Park.  Still raining but a splendid day for a hike!.. 7.9 miles with elevation gain of 1463 feet.  

Second Report!  There were 18 hikers the AM and they proceeded to Signal point.  There were five vehicles staged at the hike end as this was a trail along the ridge of Signal Mountain.  It started to be a perfect crisp and cool morning with overcast projected and ideal conditions for a great hike.  We braved through what is considered the most dilapidated part of the trail during the good conditions.  1 to 2 miles into the trail the clouds started sprinkling.  We weren't concerned at this point as the forecast was for 15% rain on most forecast until later that afternoon.  As the rain started a steady downpour, the trail got muddy and slick.  We had many creek crossings but the views of the waterfalls made amends to our struggles.  The temperature dropped and all felt cold.  Later I heard someone mention they were mad at their favorite TV meteorologist and was changing stations for the mistake on the forecast.  Everyone was congenial and patient during this process trying to make the best out of the situation.  We rushed the hike to get out of the rain and cold as quickly as possible.  We won't say it was the perfect hike after all, but we needed some trail relief from being inside during the holidays and previous weather.

If you would like to see a bunch of great pictures, click here.  

Glenn Falls 12.20.2022

 There were 13 of us on this hike.  Most of the hikers had not been on these trails before.  The trails were a combination of Whiteside, St. Elmo, Glenn Falls and Shingle and maybe even another trail.  The weather cooperated.  It was overcast, but the temperature was warmer than expected, hovering in the mid 40's.  I would rate this hike as moderate for our club.  The distance was only about 4.4 miles, but took us over three hours.  Of course we did stop at Glenn Falls and took a snack bread near the end of the hike.  Glenn falls was flowing very nicely and I think everyone had a nice time.  

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

Prentice Cooper 12.17.2022

 We started this hike with seven humans and one canine and lost three hikers along the way.  Let me explain the scenario.  We parked at Snoopers Rock parking lot, crossed Tower Road to begin our hiike on Mullens Cove trail as a group. We walked along a creek and crossed it three times because the hike leader couldn't find where the trail was located on the other side.  Good practice though, for we had many creek crossings to come - did someone say 27?!  The Group hiked to Mullens Cove overlook to admire the Tennessee River valley. Then we split - hardy hikers decided to trek the 10.5 mile Mullens Cove loop.  Four of us and Max, the dog, took the leisurely sight-seeing trip of 5.1 miles to vbiew the Tennessee gorg at Ransom Hollow overlook off the Pot Point trail.  The cold wind prevented us from lunching at the overlook, but the few downed trees gave us suitable seating and protection from the wind.  The sightseers retraced their steps, and the loopers, well, looped around.  

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

Lost Creek 12.13.2022

 There were eleven hikers on this approximately 5.25 mile hike.  There was a water crossing that everyone successfully managed to cross as can be seen in the pictures.  Everyone had a great time as the weather cooperated.  No lunch this time as it was getting late and the drive back was quite long.  

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

Ritchie Hollow to Snoopers Rock 12.10.2022

 Finally, a day without rain! Ten hikers gathered at the Ritchie Hollow trailhead in Prentice Cooper, eager to travel over the rocks, in the fog to Snoopers Rock.  The Previous deluge of rain filled the creeks, cascades and Blowing Wind waterfall.  After enjoying the waterfall, we continued our trek uphill to the junction with Pot Point trail.  Turning right, we trudged towards Snoopers Rock, ascending and descending the valleys and ridges.  Lunch was eaten on Snoopers Rock with the awesome backdrop of the Tennessee River cutting through the gorge.  On the return trip, a beautiful spider (orb?) shared the trail.  It is obviously a TN vols fan!

If you would like to see some really nice pictures taken by the hikers during this hike, click here.