Mushroom Rock 9.10.19

Ho Humm, another hike to Mushroom Rock.  Been there done that, right?  Well, today, even though I had been there numerous times, the hike was great.  We got there before it got too hot and it was a beautiful clear day up on the mountain.  I would rate this 4.5 mile hike as easy even though there is a climb back to the parking lot.  The hike took 2 hrs and 40 minutes with a moving average of 2.2 mph.  The group of 13 hikers went down to the "Rock" and then along the Cumberland trail until we reached  another big rock.  At this point we decided it was beginning to get warm, so we turned around and retreated back the way we came.  Following the hike a small group of us went to McAllister"s for lunch.  All in all a very satisfying hike.  One more thing, we did see Mr. Turtle as you can see from the picture.  He gave us a very good example of how an Eastern Box Turtle can close up his shell just like a box.  If you would like to see some pictures from the hike, maps and an altitude graph, click here.  If you are viewing the pictures from the TTA website, and having trouble, please go directly to the Blog at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 

Prentice Cooper 9.7.19

Four hikers met at the Cumberland trailhead in Prentice Cooper State Forest to walk 6.5 miles to Lawson’s Rock lookout via the Indian Rockhouse. We gradually descended 0.7 miles to reach the stone door rock staircase opening up into the Indian Rockhouse. The path led us along the edge of the rock bluff then dipped down on the side of the ridge with rock formations rising on our left. We crossed Sulphur Branch creek on a wooden bridge though the creek was nearly dry. Ascending again to the edge of the rocky ridge and after climbing over a blowdown, we reached Lawson’s Rock. There was a spectacular view of Suck Creek gorge with the Tennessee River in the distance. After a trail lunch on the Rock, we retraced our path back to the Trailhead on Tower Road.
If you would like to see some nice pictures taken during this hike, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  The preferred browser is Google Chrome.

Stinging Fork 9.3.19

Eight hardy hikers ventured about 3.8 miles into the Sting Fork Falls state natural area.  We descended into the stinging fork gorge about 1.1 miles, down three wooden staircases, over a jumble of rocks, through a tree or two to see the falls.  Because of the recent dry spell there was not much water flowing over the falls.  I have added a picture showing the falls in action from one of our previous hikes to the area.  After a snack and rest, we hiked out of the gorge to Indian Head Point, a 0.1mile spur.  With the leaves on the trees, the lookout wasn't great.  Backtracking on the trail, we turned right and picked up the developing Hinch Mtn. trail.  We walked about 3/4 of a mile on this trail until we reached Little Soak Creek.  It was a very nice trail with packed dirt and level rock walkways.  how far does it go?  We left that for another day to explore.  I would rate this hike as moderate due to the climb out from the falls.
If you would like to see some pictures from this hike, including trail maps and an altitude graph,  click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.
This weeks joke...I'm going to hang a map of TN in my house.  Then I'm gonna put pins into all the locations I've hiked at, but first I'm gonna have to hike at the top two corners of the map, so it won't fall down!

Roaring Creek 8.31.19

Today we hiked the Roaring Creek Trail to Gilbreath Branch and return. The hike was 9.8 miles and included about a 900 foot elevation change (up) on the way in. The hike felt like it should be rated strenuous. Five hikers enjoyed the trip today.

The weather was clear and warm (mid- 80's) and the views were very clear up to about 15 miles. You could also make out the silhouettes of the mountains adjacent to the Hiwassee River trout fishing areas about 40 miles away.

Upon reaching Gilbreath Branch and after crawling over three  large downed trees, lo and behold, we found a brand spanking new aluminum bridge crossing the branch. We lunched at the branch, walked back and forth across the bridge a couple more times, and began our trek back to the trailhead.

If you would like to see some nice pictures from this hike, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  The preferred browser is Google Chrome.  

Immodium Falls 8.24.19

Six hikers traveled to the Retro Hughes Road Trailhead for an in-and-out hike to Immodium Falls on Little Possum Creek. The hike was a little over 9 miles and was moderately strenuous.

The weather was good with temperatures in the upper 80's and the skies were partly cloudy.

Upon arriving at Immodium Falls and looking the area over, we decided to lunch on the boulders below the falls. The falls were running at just a trickle.

After our lunch, we hiked back to our trailhead by early afternoon. 

If you would like to see some nice pictures of this hike, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com