Saturday-Sunday, February 8-9 – Cumberland Trail – Stinging Fork to Head of Sequatchie Backpack. This backpack will be considered strenuous with lots of elevation changes. It is 16.28 miles with an overnight at 8 miles at Soak Creek. There are many waterfalls and views on this segment of the Cumberland trail. This is not a beginner’s backpack. There will be a shuttle involved. For more information or to sign up Contact Craig McBride 615-394-6121 or rutherfordvfd@gmail.com.
Wednesday-Thursday, November 6-7 – Beginner Overnight Backpacking Trip – Savage Gulf State Park. Savage Falls Group Campsite. Joint event with the Murfreesboro Chapter. From the Savage Gulf East Parking Lot, the group campsite is 1.5 miles via the Savage Day Loop and South Rim Trails. After setting up camp, we will hike the 5.8 mile South Rim Trail. This is a beginner backpacking outing, but we welcome experienced backpackers. Water is available from Savage Falls. To register contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com. Trail head address: 3157 TN-399, Palmer, TN.
Monday-Tuesday, March 18-19 – Cumberland Trail Backpacking – Mullens Cove Loop. Prentice Cooper State Forest. Joint event with the Highland Rim chapter. A total of 9.8 miles rated moderately strenuous. We will hike 5.6 miles and set up camp at the Hemlock Branch campsite. After setting up camp, we’ll take a short hike to the Ransom Hollow Overlook. The next morning the hike is 4.2 miles out to complete the loop. There is a water source at Hemlock Branch. This section includes spectacular views of the Tennessee River Gorge, an Indian rockhouse and stone door. Bring snacks and food for Monday lunch, dinner and Tuesday morning breakfast. Hiking poles are recommended. For carpool information from Murfreesboro or to register, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com.
Monday-Tuesday – March 18-19. Cumberland Trail Backpacking – Mullens Cove Loop. Prentice Cooper State Forest. Joint event with the Murfreesboro Chapter. Total of 9.8 miles rated moderately strenuous. We will hike 5.6 miles and set up camp at the Hemlock Branch campsite. After setting up camp, we’ll take a short hike to the Ransom Hollow Overlook. The next morning the hike is 4.2 miles out to complete the loop. There is a water source at Hemlock Branch. This section includes spectacular views of the Tennessee River Gorge, an Indian rockhouse and stone door. Bring snacks and food for Monday lunch, dinner and Tuesday morning breakfast. Hiking poles are recommended. For more information or to register, contact Jim Barritt at 931-492-3212 or jsbarritt@gmail,com.
Saturday, February 10-Sunday, February 11 – Beginner Backpacking. South Cumberland State Park. Sequatchie. Small Wild Area group campsite. Joint event with the Highland Rim chapter. The campground is a 2.5-mile hike from the Foster Falls parking lot. Water is available next to the campsite and an outhouse is nearby. All levels of experience are welcome. After setting up camp we will hike along the bluff and take the Climbers Loop to the bottom of Foster Falls. There’s the option of hiking to Raven Point Sunday and stayinguntil Monday. Hiking poles are recommended. For more information or to sign up, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com
