Savage Gulf 7.29.2023

 It was hot!

Saturday 6 “deranged” hikers attempted to hike from the Stone Door, at Savage Gulf north, to Sawmill campground. Full of energy, we quickly descended the rocky steps of the Door which is a 3-foot width of rock steps between the bluffs. Then we tackled the irregular boulders down to the junction of the Connector trail and Big Creek Gulf. It was nearly a mile descent from the Stone Door to the Connector trail. Tucked in the back of our minds was that we would have to ascend this difficult trail upon our return in the afternoon which would be the hottest part of the day.

We proceeded on the Connector trail. The path alternated from an easy, flat dirt trail, to boulders, a fallen tree we climbed through, 2 swinging bridges and no water in any of the creeks. At about 4.5 miles, we took the spur trail, to lunch and rest at the old Decatur Savage cabin. We were tired and decided the cabin was a good turn around point.

The going back wasn’t too bad; a few more rest stops and enjoyed the little and infrequent breeze. But when we started the relentless rocky ascent toward the Stone Door, it was strenuous, taxing our limits. Working together as a team, we made it out. Good job, Hikers!

9.09 miles with an elevation gain of 1676 feet.

Did I mention it was hot?!!!

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

Foster Falls 7.25.2023

 We met at one of our regular spots and then carpooled the 40 minutes to Foster Falls.  Our hike leader had it planned so that we would hike down to the beautiful falls and spend a few minutes enjoying the incredible scenery there.  The 13 hikers then began hiking along the lower trail this trail is kind of rugged but beautiful.  After a slow 1.5 miles we found a trail leading up to the upper segment of the hike.  This is where the hike definitely became moderate.  It wasn't a long section, but it taxed everyone as we had to climb upward over many rocks.  We then reached the upper segment and continued westward to a beautiful overlook where we rested and had our snack.  We then back tracked to where we had climbed up and continued on the upper segment back to the parking lot.  By then we were all tired and hot.  We had a lunch spot picked out in Tiftonia but unfortunately it was closed so we chose an unfamiliar restaurant across the street.  The food there was OK but certainly not spectacular.  All in all we had a great morning.  

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

Cocker Creek Falls & Turtle Town 7.22.2023

 The recent rains made Turtletown Falls and Coker Creek Falls thunderous, the destination for Saturday’s hike in the Cherokee National Forest. Approaching Turtletown Falls, we snaked our way on the rutted and rocky forest service road to the stream crossing the road just before the parking area. The water wasn’t very deep, just a little higher than our boots. Some rebar from the concrete planks submerged in the bed of the crossing were jutting up which prevented driving the car across the stream. Parking the car on the side of the road, we forded the stream thus beginning our hike to the falls. Taking a left turn at the lollypop trail, we switched back down to the upper, double falls. “This is better than Niagara Falls!” The amount of water and its power as it rushed over the rocks was tremendous! We continued to the lower falls, admiring the cascading beauty. Which way to go next? Sticks arranged in the form of arrows guided us.

Completing the Turtletown trail, we drove north to Coker Creek. Again, the multiple cascading falls were overflowing with water! We hiked a while, until multiple downed trees crossed the trail. It was a good turn around point.

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

Emory Creek Falls 7.15.2023

 I do not have a write up for this hike, but it was scheduled to be about 6 miles with lots of creek crossings.  From the photos it looks like it was a beautiful hike.  

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

Booker T. Washington S.P. 7.11.2023

 Who woulda thought...July in Chattanooga and a cool clear morning.  Actually it was just a bit chilly when we started!  Perfect day for a hike.  There were 18 of us hiking today including a young lady from Charleston S.C.  We wandered along the trail until we reached our usual snack spot where we briefly stopped.  Then we continued on until we had completed this easy 3.8 mile hike.  Total moving time was 01:51.  

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

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