Sharps Ridge Veterans Memorial Park, Knoxville, TN. Come join us on this moderate 3.6 mile hike. Sharps Ridge offers one of the best views of our city from its overlook. There is limited parking at the trailhead, so we will meet at Shoney’s on Broadway parking area at 9:00 am ET and carpool a short distance to the trailhead. Pre-registration is advised. Please call Rosie at 865.985.9144 or rosemary_L@hotmail.com.
You are welcome to join our E.T. Chapter on this exciting hike to Max Patch Bald (it’s a hilltop without trees). Actually, it was cleared for grazing in the 19th century and remains “Bald” to this day. Max Patch has been called “the crown jewel of the Appalachian Trail”. The famous Appalachian Trail crosses at the top of Max Patch Bald. In addition to hiking the 1.5 moderately easy mile on the Max Patch Bald Loop, we will also take an excursion and hike approximately 1.8 moderately easy mile on the Appalachian Trail before completing the Max Patch Loop. Total mileage for this hike is 3.5 miles + or – . We will possibly encounter hikers who are in the process of trying to complete the AT. So be sure to bring water and snacks and plan to sit with us on the Bald where we can look to the East and see Mt. Mitchell and look to the west and see our own Great Smoky Mountain. We will meet at the Cracker Barrell parking lot located off the Strawberry Plains Exit of I-40 East at 8:00 am ET. We can carpool approximately 80 miles to the exit to Max Patch. At that exit, we will go 8 miles on very rough road. A vehicle with high clearance is advised. Don’t forget to bring $$$’s for carpooling. Pre-registration is required. Please pre-register with Rosie at 865.985.9144 or rosemary_L@hotmail.com.
Montgomery Bell State Park Burns, TN 7 miles Moderately strenuous for length.
We’ll hike a combination of the Montgomery Bell, Ore Pit, and Creech Hollow trails, enjoying forest scenery, water features, and history. Then we’ll cool off at the swim beach on Lake Acorn. Bring snacks, water, and a lunch for the trail. Don’t forget sun and bug protection and your swim gear. Register with Mark for updates
6 miles. Moderately strenuous for elevation change.
This charming park in College Grove just opened in March of this year. Situated on the Tennessee Valley Divide, it features 6 interconnected trails and several dramatic overlooks. We’ll spend as much time on open prairie as we spend under the tree canopy, hiking gravel, dirt, farm road, and mowed grass trails. Bring sun protection, bug spray, and plenty of water and snacks. Meet in the visitor center parking lot for an 8:30 AM step-off.
Alternate date for inclement weather: Tuesday, July 16th.
Saturday, August 31 — Prentice Cooper State Forest: Indian Rockhouse to Lawson Rock, 6.4 miles in & out, moderate. Near Chattanooga. Stone steps lead down to the Rockhouse, then wind around rocky bluffs to a spectacular view of Suck Creek gorge and the Tennessee River. Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts often change dramatically. Wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent; gather up hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 7:30 am ET at Food City on Signal Mountain Road, in the near back corner of the parking lot. https://bit.ly/3pk0suY Please register with hike leader Will Latham, (704) 365-8889. Carpool cost: $2.00.
Saturday, August 17 — Harrison Bay State Park, near Chattanooga, 6.0 miles, easy. We will hike Bay Point Loop, Starwalk Trail, and Lakeshore Loop, checking out beautiful views of Chickamauga Lake and strolling through pleasant woods. Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts often change dramatically. Wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent; gather up hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed. Meet at 7:30 am at the Park Office/Marina off Highway 58 and Harrison Bay Road. Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Tom McElhone, 805-208-4654 or sarmitta@yahoo.com.