As the sprinkles & light showers scattered the area, 10 courageous hikers eager to get out on an unseasonably warm morning, gathered around the trail head for instructions. The temperature was well into the mid 50’s with some moderate breeze off & on. The group then hiked out in a clockwise fashion on the loop trail. About a mile into the hike, the clouds were breaking up, rain had stopped, and the sun even broke through for a bit. Everyone seemed to be glad they made the decision to hike in spite of a little rain. After a short break, we continued to meander around the bay. Once we reached about the 2-mile marker, one hiker noticed 2 dear lying by the trees without a care in the world. Upon further observation and as they started to get up, we noticed there were actually about 5 dears. Dear in Harrison Bay are used to seeing people and are not skittish. After a few minutes, we continued on. At the 2.5 mile, we broke for a snack break & pictures, enjoying conversation & views of the bay. Our final 2 miles were uneventful, other than the breeze continued to get stronger but was appreciated by most. Everyone seemed to have a good time on the trail and most of the group then enjoyed lunch at Fresh Burger Grill. Enjoy the pictures.
Weekly Trials and Tribulations of the Scenic City Chapter of the TTA
Harrison Bay 2.27.2024
Greenway Farms 2.20.2024
Fourteen people gathered at Greenway Farms for a delightful country walk surrounded by the city. We started by taking the short jaunt behind Bethel Bible Village before doubling back and following the dirt path hugging the North Chickamauga Creek. Luckily, most of the mud from recent rains had dried. Back on the gravel/paved path, we enjoyed views of the creek, the lovely homes across the way, and of the old quarry from which limestone to build Chickamauga Dam was quarried during the 1930's. A couple of hills helped get our heart rate up. After the hike, several hikers adjourned to Mike's Tavern for well-earned refreshments.
If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, click here.
Just sold my homing pigeon on ebay for the 22nd time!
Rock Creek 2.17.2024
Saturday, eight hikers braved the cold, first shuttling cars here and there - Upper Leggett trailhead, Lower Leggett trailhead and finally transporting all the hikers to the Retro Hughes trailhead, the starting point for the hike through Rock Creek gorge. Occasionally a spit of snow floated through the air, while a small dusting settled on the leaves alongside the path.
We began hiking fast on the pine needled trail to warm up. Descending into the gorge, an old wooden ladder was discarded in the brush, no longer needed due to the fine rock steps. We crossed the surging Rock Creek on an 80 foot metal bridge, then lunched at a nearby campground. Only one tree obstructed our path. We rock-hopped numerous small streams (the wooden bridges were gone), admired waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Some hikers exited at the Upper Leggett trailhead, while others continued to the Lower Leggett trailhead to complete 8.25 miles with an elevation gain of 1083 feet. Good job hikers!
If you would like to see some very nice pictures taken during this hike, click here.
I don't watch football so I don't know who Taylor Swift is, but he sounds fast.
Goforth Creek 2.13.2024
Nine fortunate hikers got to enjoy two great hikes in the Ocoee on Tuesday. On the Goforth Creek Trail, we began our hike by going up a short distance on the eastern side of the creek (perhaps 100 yards). We then reversed our trek and proceeded up the western side of the creek for approximately 1.5 miles. Most of this part of the hike was on an access road like trail. The creek was roaring quite nicely due to the recent rains. It was great to experience this trail and the almost continuous cascades and waterfalls that we most certainly wouldn't get to see any other time of year. At the 1.5 mile point we began our exit trek and it was like experiencing 2 different trails. On the first half of the hike, the sky was overcast and cool. On the exit, the sun came out and lit up the cascading creek.
We then proceeded to the Scenic Spur Trail. This trail is also part of the Rainbow Falls Trail. We hiked on the trail for approximately 1 mile, before being stopped by what appeared to be too much fast flowing water in the creek. We opted to not venture across the creek. We will save the falls for another hike.
On the drive back, we pulled off at the ranger station and drove up the road connecting to Benton Falls. We were treated to a spectacular view from several of the overlooks presenting a marvelous view of the Ocoee.
Both trails yielded a combined distance of approximately 5 miles and 800' of elevation.
If you would like to see some fantastic pictures taken during this hike, click here.
Roses are red, that much is true. But violets are purple, not freakin' blue.
Foster Falls 2.6.2024
I do not have a trip report for this hike, but from the pictures it looks like they had a beautiful day for a great hike.
If you would like to see another picture taken during this hike, click here.
I think I would be a great mirror inspector. I could see myself doing that.