Lost Creek Falls, etc.

Saturday, July 27 — Dog Cove Loop/Lost Creek State Natural Area, Sparta area. Long hike: Dog Cove Loop & Dry Creek Falls Trail to Lost Creek Falls & Cave, moderate, approximately 11 miles, <1,000 el. gain, will require a short shuttling of cars between the two trailheads. So many things to see on this hike! Two historic homesteads, Low Gap Arch, Meditation Rock, Dry Creek Falls (two rain-dependent falls), Rylander Cascades, Lost Creek Falls, and Lost Creek Cave (outside of cave only). Short Hike: Dog Cove Loop only, moderate, 6 miles, 695 ft. el. gain. This is a beautiful hike that highlights two historic homesteads and Low Gap Arch. We will begin both the long and short hike at the grass parking lot located at 6747 Lost Creek Road, Sparta. 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 repellent; gather up hiking poles, sunscreen (parts of this trail are open skies with lots of sun), and a rain jacket as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 7:30 am ET at the Durham Street parking lot (ball fields) https://bit.ly/3Qjdc0S, off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy. Register with the hike leader (necessary to receive cancellation notices, etc.): Jennifer Davis, (615) 617-2505 or jdavis327@gmail.com. Carpool cost: $6.00.