Big Soddy Gulf 7.11.17

July 11 was a beautiful, sunny day, though a bit warm. However, the threat of a little heat and humidity did not deter the 16 hearty souls who showed up for our Tuesday hike. We began at the Big Soddy Gulf Recreation area and easily made our way along the mile-long flat roadbed to Boardcamp Creek where it intersects Big Soddy Creek.

The trek began in earnest as we made our way up the old mining/logging road to the spot where the Cumberland Trail crosses the path. Since it was mid-July, the intersection looked very different than the last time some of our folks were up this way. Long story short, the first group missed the blaze on the tree and were well past the intersection before we retrieved them. Together again, we turned right, going north toward Highway 111. Our destination this day was the big rock bluff and the long staircase to the top of the bluff. Not to be deterred by any physical restraint, George led several of the more adventuresome up the steps and through the woods to the top of the falls where Boardcamp Creek tumbles down the mountain.

Once we retrieved the overachievers, we made our way back down the mountain for a total of about 6 miles. I would rate this hike as moderate because of several rocky sections north of the mining road.  This time, there is only one picture.  SHAME SHAME!

Cloudland Connector 7.8.17

The group found a trail that none of the members had been on before, The Cloudland Canyon connector trail starting at Cloudland Canyon State Park.  It was an easy walk down to the Ascalon Trailhead where we had a car parked.  The path was wide, well kept, and marked well.  It will be fun to go back and try some of the side trails.  It was very warm (maybe hot is a better word) and we wet our handkerchiefs at every opportunity.  It was a total of 5 miles and there were 6 of us that enjoyed the hike.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  Of course after the hike we rewarded ourselves with a delicious lunch in St. Elmo. If you would like to see some pictures of this hike, click here.

Lookout Mtn.

What an impossibly beautiful day. We had for our trek up Lookout Mountain starting at the historic Craven’s House. A cloudless sky with just a little nip in the air and low humidity, it felt more like April than almost July. We started with a steep climb up the Morning Glory Trail and were pleasantly surprised that the trail was in good shape with very little encroaching vegetation for late June. Approaching Point Park, some chose to accept the challenge of the long, steep steps to take in the sweeping view from the crest of the mountain. After a brief peek into history at the museum, we returned to just below the rock bluff down to the Bluff Trail and on out to Sunset Rock, passing a lone rock climber along the way.  A few hearty souls chose to follow the short side trail to take in the view of Lookout Valley from the top of Sunset Rock.

Rather than returning down the Gum Springs trail, which is very steep with rolling rocks, we chose to retrace our steps about a half mile back to the intersection of the Craven’s House Trail. From there it was just a little over a half mile back to our cars. Having worked up an appetite, we capped off the morning with lunch on the patio of Mojo Burrito gazing back up to the top of the mountain we had just traversed.  I would rate this hike as difficult.  If you would like to see some very nice pictures, click here. Please note that the first picture is actually a video.  

Leggett Road 6.20.17

We had quite a large group on today's hike.  There were 15 hikers and three dogs!  I will rate this hike as moderate even though it was mostly downhill.  The distance was four miles with a stop at the overlook.  It was great to see so many people on this hike.  The lucky dogs got to play in the water when the hikers reached the creek.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

Roaring Creek 6.17.17

Today's hike was a distance of 9.2 miles.  I would rate it as difficult.  The day was overcast and quite muggy.  There were only three hikers on today's hike, Joyce, Betsy and John.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.