Norris Watershed

Hike the well-marked and maintained trails in the Norris Watershed. Fairly easy, about 5-6 miles. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the historic Rice Gristmill, located off U.S. 441 and about 300 yards onto Lower Clear Creek Road, just after passing Lenoir Museum. From there, we’ll drive about a mile to the parking lot behind the City of Norris’s small water treatment plant. Trails to be hiked, in order: Clear Creek Trail, Lower White Pine Trail to its intersection with Raccoon Run Trail, turn right onto short uphill stretch of Raccoon Run Trail and then right onto Red Hill Trail. We’ll stop briefly to take a look at Red Hill Cemetery before proceeding to Joe’s Trail, which ascends and intersects Eli Nine Trail. Then, it’s on to Hi Point trail until we reach High Point, highest elevation in the Watershed. It’s downhill from there, with several options. The quickest and most direct route back to the vehicles is via Hi Point Trail. Options include turning left onto Upper White Pine Trail and turning right onto Raccoon Run Trail, which intersects Hi Point Trail, or going straight onto Lower White Pine Trail. Watershed maps can be found online. For more information, contact Bob at 865-315-2266 or rbfowler65@gmail.com.