Backpacking

MLK Weekend Backpacking -Savage Gulf State Natural Area. Total mileage over three days is approximately 29 miles and rated strenuous due to elevation change and hike distance. Joint trip with the Highland Rim chapter. Hike starts Saturday at 9:00 am CST at the Savage Gulf Ranger Station for a 7-mile hike that will take us through the Savage Day Loop, Savage Falls and South Rim trails to the Stagecoach Road backcountry campsite. Set up camp and take a 1.5-mile round trip day hike to waterfalls at the top of Stagecoach Road to explore the historic area and building of the Stagecoach Road. Sunday we will day hike a 13-mile loop starting down Stagecoach Road into Savage Gulf to Sawmill Camp to the Collins Gulf Trail. Hike along the river and Schwoon Spring and Fall Creek Sink along the way to Horsepound Falls. We’ll explore the area and continue up the trail to Suter Falls following switch backs and some rock hopping that follows the bluff along the Gulf. We will then hike just below Collins West to an area called the boulder field for a few miles to the boulder crossing over the Collins River. We will cross a cable bridge and up the bluff to Collins East and take the Collins Rim trail about 6 miles back to our campsite. Monday, we will pack up camp and start our 7-mile hike back down South Rim to the Savage Gulf Ranger Station. This backpack trip will be weather dependent and if freezing temps are expected, hike route could be modified to avoid icy areas. There is a limit of 12 backpackers for the campsites reserved, so sign up early. For more information or to sign up, contact Michael Glennon at 931-588-0302, kb4jhu@gmail.com or Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610, sarabpollard@gmail.com