Sluder Lane 8.11.18

Three hikers from the Soddy Daisy club completed the Sluder Lane hike of about 5 miles. The weather was pretty nice warming up, but still  nice by the time we finished. The three hikers were George, Tom, and John. We ran into three other hikers  who were hiking from the same trailhead but going to the Soddy Gulf ( probably about 9 + miles).

I would rate our hike as moderate. We had planned to go to Deep Creek (which would have added about a mile and one-half), but decided not too due to a drinking water shortage.

If you would like to see a few pictures of this hike, click here.

Pocket Wilderness 8.7.18

There were nine of us intrepid hikers on this easy 3.6 mile hike which lasted about 2 hours and 45 minutes.  We had expected it to be hot, but since we were under a canopy of trees and down in a canyon, it was surprisingly cool and delightful.  We walked along Henderson Creek for some distance and then abruptly turned and climbed to a higher spot on the edge of the gorge.  We then hiked until we came to where they are building a new bridge over Laurel Creek.  This was as far as we went.  We were kind of disappointed that we did not see Laurel Falls itself, but since the bridge is due to be finished in about four weeks, I am sure we will have another chance.  The hike back was uneventful, but good conversation was had by all.  Following the hike, about six of us tried a new place for lunch, the Rustic Pail Lunch Cafe and Ice Cream Shop.  While not looking like much it was a delightful surprise.  Everyone's lunch was superb.  Following lunch someone suggested ice cream and it looked so good that everyone tried some and wow was it good.  Without hesitation I can say everyone had a great time.  If you would like to see some pictures, including maps, click here.  I also want to thank John for contributing to the pictures. 

McGill Creek 8.4.18

On this hike there were only two hikers ( George and John). 

We decided to hike the McGill Creek trail section between the Roaring Creek Trailhead and the new bridge recently completed over McGill Creek. The hike distance was about 5 miles and would be rated as moderately strenuous.  The new bridge is aluminum, looks good, and feels very sturdy.

Today's weather was very nice, but as the uphill climb out of the McGill Creek area showed,  it was pretty humid.

If you would like to see a few pictures of this hike, click here.

Savage Gulf Loop 7.31.18

Seven hardy souls braved the threat of rain and hiked the Savage Day Loop on Tuesday, July 31st. We left Durham Street under low hanging clouds and arrived at the trailhead under beautiful blue skies. However, about 2/3 of the way through the loop, the sunshine disappeared and we pulled out our ponchos to protect against two fairly brief showers. The falls did nor reward us with much water but John showed us a picture he had from the last time he was there and it was running full.

The hike was followed by an excellent lunch at the Dunlap Café.

If you would like to see a few pictures, click here.

Greeter Falls 7.24.18

What a great day for a hike and what a great hike.  Several of the hikers had never been to this location before.  The temperature was cooler than normal and overcast which made for a great hiking day.  We had 12 hikers on this 3.5 mile hike.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  Mostly the hike was easy, but there were a couple of challenging places.  Both of the falls in this area were flowing, and this made for some beautiful scenery.  The hike lasted about two hours and forty five minutes, plus travel time.  Following the hike, we had lunch at the Cagle Mtn. Cafe where the prices were very reasonable. Our hike coordinator, Trish, is doing a very good job of finding us new hikes.  If you would like to see some photos of the hike and falls, click here.