Collegedale, Red Ball Trail, 5.14.2024

 We started out on this hike under threatening skies.  The forecast was 50% chance of  rain.  We made the entire hike without so much as a single drop.  This 4 mile hike lasted 2 hrs and 37 minutes under very cloudy and humid skies.  There were 19 of us on this trip with two new, to our club, hikers dropping out about 1/2 way.  The woods were lush and beautiful.  As you can see by the altitude graph, we had a good workout on this hike.  Following this hike 11 of us flooded a little panini restaurant next to Tractor supply.  All in all a very good hike.    

If you would like to see a few pictures taken during this hike, including map and altitude graphs, click here. 

My dog can find anything, He's a Labragoogle!

Johnston Woods, 4.7.2024

 This Tuesday morning, 18 eager hikers met at this trail in McDonald, TN.  Upon arrival at the trailhead, the temperature was a humid 69 degrees, with partly cloudy skies and virtually no breeze.  Humidity had to be close to 100%.  As we gathered for hike instructions, we were welcomed with the soothing constant hum of our visitors, the 13 & 17 year cicadas.  It sounded like we were being invaded by UFOs.  This hike was very easy and consisted of two short trails.  To the left of the parking lot was a 3.2 mile loop trail (blue marker trail), which is where we started our hike and to the right was a shorter 1.3 mile lollipop trail (white marker trail).   Everyone seemed to enjoy the pleasant walk in the woods and just being outdoors.  A short break & snack was enjoyed once the longer trail was completed.  Other than seeing an occasional cicada sharing our trail, the hike was mostly uneventful.  Hikers included TTA Scenic City members: Tim Booth (hike leader), Mike and Lori Schiro (new members), Dave Graham, Earl Helmer, Tom McNally, Will Latham (back from Spain safe & sound), Ginny Kidd with one visitor Arsen Martyshchuk (recent graduate of UTC and originally from Ukraine), Mike Wolford, Linda Keown, Tom McElhone, Kathy Thelen, Tom Long, Julie Roberts, & Kathy Bowen. Two visitors: Craig Scott and Donnalea Day.    

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

Just a note;  Some people are wise and some people are otherwise.  

Chickamauga Battlefield 5.4.2024

 I don't have a report for this hike, but it appears to have been an overcast day for the three hikers with just about perfect temperatures.  Enjoy the photos.  

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

Today is the oldest you have been and the youngest you will ever be, so enjoy it while you can!

McGill Creek 4.28.2024

 This Saturday morning, 15 enthusiastic hikers met at the trail in Graysville, TN.  Upon arrival at the trailhead, the temperature was a cool 65 degrees, with overcast skies and a slight breeze from the west.  A great morning for a hike.  After instructions from Tim Booth, hike leader and group picture, the “troop” meandered the trail, crossed Brayton Mtn. Road, viewed the awesome Roaring Creek and then back into the woods.  The trail had many ups and downs and lots of awesome sights, especially the mountain views to the east.  At about the 2.2-mile marker, the much-anticipated McGill Creek was in the clearing to the south, with the rushing sounds of water gushing downstream.  What a beautiful sound! Shortly, everyone arrived at the bridge.  At this point, Betsy Darkin lead the team across the bridge & further southwest – across the “boulder fields” and down to the falls.  Here, lunch and snacks were enjoyed.  About half of the group then proceeded back to the bridge, while the other half continued slightly further on the trail enjoying further views of the creek.  Once the full group was back at the bridge, Tim Booth led the group back to the trailhead.  On the return trip, the sun decided to break through the clouds, and it started to warm up nicely but still very comfortable.  Everyone seemed to have a great time.  The only thing missing was the ice cream at the end of the hike. Enjoy the pictures.

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

I do all my own stunts, just never intentionally.  

Pickett State Park 4.20.2024

 A full day of adventure… that’s the best way to describe our hike of the Hidden Passage Trail! 5 Scenic City members joined by one Plateau chapter member made the long road trip up to Pickett State Park for an incredible hike with a ‘Wow’ around nearly every turn. Half of the group decided to hike the shorter route… but still got in 7.5 miles of hiking & saw the beautiful Crystal Falls, a “hidden passage” through the rocks, a small arch, huge rock shelters, amazing rock formations, & took in beautiful views from Thompson Overlook. The other hikers decided to tackle the whole trail plus two side spur trails… racking up their total miles for the day to 11.5! They saw all the same sights listed above but also saw an additional waterfall, Double Falls, and experienced a real adventure… walking through an unfinished, abandoned railroad tunnel. The tunnel is huge & required our hikers to wear a headlamp or use a flashlight to see their way through. Pickett State Park never disappoints, & the Hidden Passage Trail is a great example of that. It was a great day with a great group!!

Today’s hikers were:  Jennifer Davis (hike leader), Tom McElhone, Tim Booth, Rita Wilpers, Jason Knutson, & Celia DeLeon Suarez (Plateau Chapter)

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

Never trust a train, they have Loco Motives.