7 miles. Moderately difficult for terrain and length.
Our loop will include segments of the Chestnut Mountain Ranch and Polly Branch Falls trails. We’ll enjoy unique winter views of waterfalls and cascades and other natural features. Bring plenty of snacks, water, and a lunch for the trail. We’ could encounter muddy sections and creek crossings so plan accordingly. Register with Mark for details updates.
The hike is about 6 miles, mostly through the woods, with rolling hills, one or two are steep but not very long. The hike is rated as moderate difficulty. You can view the map of the hike area by going to www.outdoorknoxville.com, select Urban Wilderness at the top of the page and then in the South Loop Route select the printable map for Ijams Nature Center/Ijams Quarries. The hike will be on the trails around Ross Marble Quarry and Mead’s Quarry. The hike will include Imery’s, Turnbuckle, Burnett Ridge, Ross Marble and Tharp Trace trails.
We will meet at the Meads Quarry parking lot on Island Home Avenue, on the right not far past the entrance to Ijams Nature Center (see the map referred to above) and leave at 9:30 am. We recommend hiking poles, shoes to wear to and from the hike plus sturdy hiking shoes, other weather appropriate clothing, a snack, a drink and a camera.
After the hike plan on stopping on the way back for a meal and refreshments, perhaps at Calhoun’s or somewhere in South Knoxville. For specific information about the hike please call Tom at 865-588-5622, leave a message or send an email to cressler@retiree.utk.edu before January 20th.
Located off of Cherokee Orchard Road in Gatlinburg. 5 miles, moderate. We will meet at 10:00 at Mynatt Park, 634 Asbury Lane, up past the Glenstone Lodge. We will hike uphill to Bud Ogle’s Cabin, take the Nature Trail around the back, and then hike back downhill, stopping at the Twin Creeks Resource Center where we will then visit the Fairy House and then return back to Mynatt Park. Afterwards, we plan to visit the Log Cabin Pancake Restaurant. Bring a snack, water, and wear appropriate shoes and clothing. If the weather is bad, we will cancel! Register with Karen Towle (865-254-2044) or delicadeze@aol.com
Sunday, December 31 – Clarksville New Nears Eve Hike – 4.5 miles, moderate. We will hike through downtown Clarksville and return. The entire hike is paved. Start walking at 2 P.M. CDT from McGregor Park Cumberland Riverwalk Pavilion. This is where the flags are. Hike Leader – Philip Anderson – 931-561-0925.
Roughly 9 miles. 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. Don’t forget sun and insect protection. We’ll meet at the Creekside Trailhead parking lot for an 8:30 AM step-off. Plan for roughly 5-6 hours trail time. Plan for roughly 5-1/2 hours trail time.
Thursday, March 21, 2024: Collins Gulf Loop: Gruetli-Laager, TN. Savage Gulf State Park. About 12 miles. Not a beginner hike. Rated difficult due to rocky terrain, possible stream crossing challenges, and elevation changes. Route: Suter Falls, Horsepound Falls, Sawmill Camping Area, Stagecoach Rd, then walk along the bluff and back over the Collins River to the finish. Bring water, snacks and lunch, sturdy hiking boots, and clothing appropriate for the weather. Trekking poles, and water shoes (for possible creek crossings) are recommended. Contact Doug Burroughs at (615) 587-0085 (text or leave a voice message) to register: Then I will give the start time and trailhead details, and I’ll know who to notify in case of possible updates.