Elsie Holmes Nature Center

8.27.13  Today we had 13 hikers on a very short hike.  I only went 1.9 miles but the rest of the group added another 1 mile.  The weather was perfect and South Chickamauga Creek was really full.  After the hike we had a little picnic at the parking lot for a really good time.  I would rate the hike as easy except for one short moderate section.  For a few pictures click on the Elsie Holmes tab above.

Shuckstack Fire Tower 8.21.13

8.21.13  This was a special hike by John and George.  It took place at Fontana Dam on what looks to be an overcast day.  They hiked from the dam to the fire tower with an elevation change of 2200 to 4000 feet.  It was along the Appalachian Trail.  No bears were seen.  I know I would never have made it, so I will rate this hike as difficult.  For some pictures, click on the Shuckstack Fire Tower tab above.

To Mowbry Pike

8..24.13    Today there were 6 hikers.  The hike was led by McBob and with such a great leader, there couldn't possibly be any problems, and there were none.  The distance of the hike was 6 miles.  The weather was perfect for hiking.  I would rate the hike as moderate.  For a few pictures, click on the Mowbry Pike tab above.

Laurel Falls

8.20.13   Today we had 12 hikers.  The weather was excellent for hiking.  It was cool and overcast, but not too good for taking pictures.  Three of us slow hikers only went as far as the cutoff for Laurel Falls.  This distance was only 3.0 miles round trip.  The rest of the group continued on to the falls which would be a total distance of about 6 miles.  It was a beautiful hike with lots of water roaring down Richland Creek.  I would rate the short hike as easy and the longer hike as moderate.  To see a few pictures of the short portion of the hike click on the Laurel Falls tab above.  Additional photos from Larry.  Bootie led Larry and Gary up to behind the falls and then up above the falls to Bryan Overlook.  They went a total of about 9 miles.  I would rate this portion of the hike as severe.

Nick A Jack 8.17.13

8.17.13  Today we had eight hikers.  It was a great day for a hike.  It was overcast and cool.  The trail was good and the group eventually went in three directions.  Some went looking for a fire tower, some hiked out to the highway, and some turned around and went back.  Therefore the mileage varied.  The shortest was 4 miles and the longest 6+miles.  I would rate the trail as mostly easy except near the end where it becomes difficult because of the uphill climb.  For a few pictures click on the Nick A Jack tab above.