Roughly 9 miles. Moderately strenuous to strenuous for terrain and length
We’ll combine the Henry Hollow Loop trail with the eastern loop of the Laurel Woods trail. These paths will take us across creeks and over a number of ridges. Bring a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Meet at the Creekside Trailhead. Register with Mark for details and updates.
This relatively level trail winds along the shores of Percy Priest Lake. Since this is essentially an out-and-back route, those who want a shorter hike may turn around when they choose. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and pack a lunch for the trail. Register with Mark for details and updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather: Sunday, November 19th.
We’ll step off at 8:30 am and head away from downtown on a quieter trek through Two Rivers park, across and along the Stones and Cumberland rivers, and by the Ravenwood property. Meet at the skate park parking area. Bring plenty of water and snacks and wear shoes appropriate for mostly paved greenway (we may take a short detour down the McGavock Spring House natural trail.) Register with Mark for updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather: Friday, October 13th.
Pickett State Park & Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area Jamestown, TN
10 miles. Moderately strenuous for terrain and length.
We’ll depart from Arch Lake in Pickett State Park and hike segments of its Ridge and Moccasin Rock trails on through Pickett State Forest. We’ll continue through Pogue Creek Canyon to the overlook and back, then onto the Mesa Top and Upper Canyon trails. We’ll see spectacularly varied geologic features that include rock houses, arches, and bluffs. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and pack a lunch for the trail. Register with Mark for details and updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather: Sunday, October 1st.
5-6 miles, moderately easy for length with little elevation change.
This unique park was developed in the ‘50s by 3 sisters who conspired to improve its barren and eroded land. We’ll hike a combination of segments from the park’s 17 miles of trails, wandering through loblolly pine forests and alongside small lakes and creeks.
We’ll enjoy lunch in a picnic area by Lake Van before heading back. Sun protection and insect repellent are recommended. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and lunch. Meet in the parking lot near shelter #1 for an 8:30 AM step-off. Register with Mark for details and updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather: Thursday, August 24.
Tuesday, August 22 — Durham Mine Trails to Fuggett Branch, around 5 miles, moderate, mostly a loop. We will take a gentle walk along Chalkeye Trail to get to E Fuggett Trail and down to the creek, passing rickety cliffs and investigating ruins from the mining era. Then we’ll get back to the top first via W Fuggett trail, checking out slag heaps disguised as wooded ridges, and then left up a steeper but well-kept trail. The latter gives us a good view of a very black slag heap that seems to be gradually sliding into a creek. At the top, we’ll turn left on Dinky Trail, then veer onto Plug Trail to get back on Chalkeye Trail and our cars. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 7:30 am ET at Food City in St. Elmo, in the corner of the parking lot straight ahead off TN Ave. https://bit.ly/3C3Um9L Please register with hike leader Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpool cost $2.00.