Elsie Holmes Nature Trails

Tuesday, November 5 — Elsie Holmes Nature Trails near Ringgold GA, around 3.5 to 4 miles, double loop, a few hundred feet of elevation gain, easy. Our goal on this hike is to walk on almost every trail in this quiet park, starting with a loop and then a loop within a loop. This will be a test of everyone’s ability to follow signs—or follow the hike leader, which is an especially good idea on this hike. It would be good to read a map of this place before you read the hike description. First we will start out on the White Trail, eventually going straight (or possibly a little right) onto the Green Trail, from whence we will turn left onto the Blue Trail (instead of ending up back at the parking lot), which we will follow a relatively short distance before we make a left onto a different section of the White Trail, from which, in another short distance, we’ll turn right onto the Red Trail. Ignoring two shortcuts, we’ll follow the Red Trail until it crosses the White Trail (which observant hikers may recognize). However, instead of following the Red as it crosses the White, we will turn left onto the Yellow Trail. The Yellow ends up going straight (or possibly a slight left) into the White for a short bit, from which we take the first left onto the Red Trail. From the Red we take the first right, which seems to be colorless (or possibly Purple). This dead-ends at the Blue Trail (this should look familiar), where we turn left and end up at the parking lot. 

Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and /or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellant, gather up hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket, as needed.

For carpooling/ caravanning, meet in parking area near the gas station at Food City in Ooltewah, east (right) off I-75 exit 11, at 8:30 am ET. https://bit.ly/3dwmbxn  Register with hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Tim Booth, 423-400-2011. Carpool cost: $1.00.