CT: Little Soddy to Big Soddy

Saturday, January 21 — — Cumberland Trail: Little Soddy Trailhead to Soddy Gulf Trailhead, moderate, about 7 miles. Think of this hike as a calorie-burning romp after the holidays. We’ll take a tour of the remnants of coal mining operations from long ago, maybe even spotting the ghosts of miners and their 24 hard-working mining mules. Then we’ll swing up and around to the Deep Creek gorge, where rock climbers have replaced the ghosts of miners, and take a bridge across an impressive min-gorge filled with giant boulders. Next, we’ll hike to Big Soddy Creek gorge, where we’ll cross a truly impressive bridge. That some of our members helped to build. It is so high that it will probably survive for a long time…we hope. After once again ascending toward the top of the plateau, we’ll roll down into the valley and cross Board Camp Creek. Bring your water shoes!! Remember to check the forecast, wear appropriate layers and wear hiking shoes or boots, bring snacks and lunch, sunscreen, water shoes (!) and more water than you think you need. It’s never a mistake to bring a rain jacket and hiking poles. For carpooling/ caravanning, meet at the Durham Street parking lot by the ball fields, just off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy at 8.30 am ET. https://bit.ly/3Qjdc0S Please register with hike leader Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpool gas cost: 1 dollar.