Snoopers Rock to Natural Bridge

Saturday, December 7 – Natural Bridge via Snoopers Rock, Prentice Cooper State Forest, 6.2 miles out-and-back, with an optional spur of 1.4 miles down and back to Blowing Wind Falls on the Ritchie Hollow Trail, moderate with ups and downs. We will start at Snoopers Rock, a large, wide-open outcrop overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Tennessee River as it cuts a 1,000-foot-deep swath through the Cumberland Plateau. (How did it do that?) Then we will hike a section of the Pot Point Loop clockwise to the Natural Bridge, with more views of the Tennessee River. A spur on the left leads to an outcrop where we will see the opening of an impressive natural bridge, which we will walk across. If you choose, you can hike down steeply to its base. On our way back we can take the Ritchie Hollow Trail to visit Blowing Wind Falls. Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent, hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET at Food City on Signal Mountain Road, in the near back corner of the parking lot. https://bit.ly/3pk0suY. Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Tammy Hendrick, (315) 949-8187. Carpool cost: $2.00.