CT: Retro-Hughes to Leggett Road

Saturday, February 17 — Cumberland trail: Retro-Hughes Road to Leggett Road, with a shuttle. Longer option: 8-9 miles, moderate, about 1000’ el. gain. Shorter option: 5.4 miles, moderate. We all start at the Retro-Hughes trailhead of the CT, traverse through a lovely pine forest, climb up a wooden ladder, and descend rock stairs into the impressive Rock Creek gorge. After we cross an 80-foot bridge, we take the upper Rock Creek loop up the ridge to a T intersection. Here, hikers taking the shorter option turn left to hike a short distance to the Upper Leggett trailhead and their shuttle vehicle. Hikers taking the longer option turn right, take a spur trail to a fine lookout, then continue on the Rock Creek trail out to the lower Leggett trailhead. Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring water, snacks and/or lunch; gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, and sunscreen as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8.30 am ET at the Durham Street parking lot (ball fields) off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy. https://bit.ly/3Qjdc0S Please register with Tammy Hendrick at 315-949-8187. Carpool cost: $3.00.