Joint hike with the Highland Rim chapter. These parks are uniquely located right in the city of Huntsville and feature a combination of interesting geographic features and great views. We’ll plan our route based on where the blooms are. The trails are moderately strenuous for terrain and elevation change; we are likely to encounter muddy segments. Be at the hiker’s trailhead by 9:00 AM. Pack snacks, a lunch, bug spray, and sunscreen. Register with Mark for details and updates.
Hike River Bluff Trail – Norris Dam, We will park at the trailhead on Dabney Road and hike the lower section of the trail along Norris River, less than two miles each way. The walk along the river is relatively flat. Where we will turn around the trail goes up the bluff to make a loop. Some may want to walk the loop. The total distance, about 3 miles, is about the same either way. The hike difficulty is rated as easy to moderate . We recommend shoes to wear to and from the hike plus sturdy hiking shoes, other appropriate clothing, a snack, something to drink and a camera.
We will meet at Ingles Market, 215 Cedar Lane in North Knoxville, leaving at 9:15 am. You may meet us at the southeast end of the Wal-Mart parking lot at the I-75 / State 61 intersection near Norris, leaving there at 9:45 am, arriving at the trailhead parking about 10 am. Round trip distance from Ingles, 44 miles and from Wal-Mart, 8 miles.
If you want to meet us at the trailhead take I-75N to exit 122; turn right on TN-61; about 1.4 miles turn left on to US 441 and proceed across the dam; turn left on to Dabney Road, the first road on the left after the second hair-pin turn, staying left, going downhill, to the parking area. After the hike plan on stopping on the way back for a meal and refreshments. 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
Hike Fort Loudon State Historic Park, Ft. Loudon State Park is located on Tellico Lake. Ft. Loudon was built in 1756, one of the earliest settlements by the British to secure the South during the French and Indian War in the middle 1700’s. We will start our hike on the Ridge Top trail for half a mile then take the Meadow Loop trail and then back on the Ridge Top trail to the starting point of our hike. The total length of the hike is about 5 miles and the hike is rated as easy. We recommend hiking poles, sturdy hiking shoes, other weather appropriate clothing, a snack, a drink and a camera.
After hiking the two trails mentioned above, we can walk over to the Fort, close to the visitor center where we met. The fort was rebuilt in 1915 from the old structure built during the French and Indian War and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. The State has made many improvements over the years and holds re-enactments during the year. It is very interesting to walk through this area of the park. You can find information and a map of the park at https://tnstateparks.com/parks/fort-loudoun
After the hike and visit to the fort we may have a meal and refreshments at a local establishment. To register for the hike, contact Carolyn Reeves at crhiker04@gmail.com or 865-399-2972. We will leave from the Ft. Loudon visitor center at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. There is plenty of parking there.
FRCG&B Trail – 3.4 miles Easy; Murfree Spring Wetlands Nature Trail – ~1 mile Easy Boardwalk; Stones River National Battlefield – 3.3 miles Easy
The FRCG&B hike goes through an expansive cedar glade featuring springs, a sinking stream, and numerous wildflowers in season. The MSWNT features paved walking trails and raised boardwalks that wind through the wetlands where various waterfowl and other creatures can be seen. SRNB is the site of a major battle during the Civil War.
Meet at I-24 Exit 11 Park and Ride for an 8am CDT departure and drive 88 miles to the Trailhead. Contact Hike Leader: Cinde Jones (870) 215-8993
This is a well marked and maintained trail in Percy Warner Park where it is hard to believe that you are hiking in Nashville. There are some short, but occasionally challenging inclines on this hike.
Meet at I-24, Exit 11 Park and Ride for an 8am CDT departure. Drive 51 miles to the Trailhead, Contact Hike Leader: Steve Turner (931) 220-0927.