We’ll hike the western loop, entering and exiting by the longer, more challenging southern half of the eastern loop. We’ll maintain a steady pace as we cross creeks and travel over a number of ridges. Pack a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. We’ll meet at the Highland Trailhead parking lot. Plan for 9-10 hours trail time. This hike is for TTA members and guests. You must register in advance with Mark for details and updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather: Friday, May 19th.
Moderately strenuous for terrain and elevation change. 5-6 miles.
We’ll hike from the Collins Gulf trailhead past Suter Falls and down to Horsepound Falls. We’ll travel at a pace that allows us to appreciate the natural beauty around us. Bring plenty of water and snacks and pack a lunch. RSVP for details and updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather Wednesday, April 26.
Final itinerary and length to be determined. This unique natural area offers a huge variety of spring ephemeral wildflowers and even the roadsides along the way offer their own displays. The out and back trail follows a stream bed to a lovely waterfall. We may also visit nearby private land featuring more wildflowers and waterfalls. Finally, we’ll stop at The Boils Wildlife Management Area to check out its unique geologic feature. The strenuous segment is short and optional. We’ll travel at a pace that allows us to appreciate the natural beauty around us. Depending on water levels the trails can involve numerous shallow crossings, so you’re encouraged to bring water shoes. Bring plenty of water and snacks and pack a lunch.
This hike is a TTA members-only trip. You must register with Mark to attend.
Alternate date for inclement weather Sunday, April 23rd.
The first part of the day will be at Stillhouse Falls State Natural Area (SNA). Hike starts in the parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Trail is in & out for 1.3 miles, rated easy and leads to the base of a 75 ft waterfall. After the SNA hike, we drive 22 minutes to Merriwether Lewis National Monument Park for a 4.8 mile loop hike, rated moderate on the Little Swan Creek Trail. Following the hike, we will eat at the Junkyard Dog Restaurant in nearby Hohenwald. If you are interested in carpooling from Jackson, meet at Panera Bread at 7:00 a.m. Please register with Melinda Pearson by Friday, April 14 at hurstme@bellsouth.net or 731-225-4293.
Saturday, March 11 — Dunlap Coke Oven Park trails, 6-7 miles, moderate. Shorter option: 4 miles, easy, possibly followed by a visit to the mining museum. Volunteers from the town of Dunlap have turned the site of a major coal mining operation into a park with many trails passing through woods full of many, many coke ovens and other giant mining paraphernalia. If we’re lucky, we’ll tour the museum that chronicles the history of the mining era in this part of the Sequatchie Valley. Check the weather forecast and put on appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; and gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, sunscreen, and insect repellent as needed. For carpooling/ caravanning, meet at the Durham Street parking lot (ball fields) just off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy at 8.30 am ET. https://bit.ly/3Qjdc0S Please register with hike leader Tom McElhone (805) 208-4654 or sarmitta@yahoo.com. Carpool gas cost: $2.
This is a hiker-friendly biking trail that features cedar glades and barrens along with other types of terrain. Bring plenty of water and snacks. We’ll meet at the Jones Mill trailhead for an 8:30 AM step-off. Please register for details and updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather: Friday, February 17th.
