Full Day Hike

Saturday, February 22 — Savage Gulf Stone Door Trailhead, with two options. Both hikes start on the Stone Door Trail and Big Creek Rim Trail (BCR). Shorter option: At the end of BCR, take Laurel Trail back to the parking lot, 7 miles, very little elevation gain, moderate due to length; led by Tom McElhone. Longer option: At the end of BCR, take Big Creek Gulf Trail, including an optional spur to Ranger Falls (depending on creek height), 9.1miles plus 0.8 miles for round trip to Ranger Falls, 1620’ el. gain, moderate/strenuous. Beautiful waterfalls, impressive cliffs, lively creek and impressive views; led by Betsy Darken.

Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent, hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed.

For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8.30 am ET at the Durham Street parking lot (ball fields) off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy. https://bit.ly/3Qjdc0S  Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Betsy Darken, 423-718-2060. Carpool: $6.00.

Saturday, January 18 — Jacks River Falls via Beech Bottom Trail, 9.1 miles, 974’ el. gain, out-and-back, moderate. Reviews warn about downed trees, bears, and a long drive on a rough road, but Jacks River Falls is worth the hassle. Beech Bottom Trail is a wide trail through the Cohutta Wilderness that takes us to the Jacks River. Turning right, we’ll walk along the river for 0.8 mile to arrive at the very impressive falls as it plows its way through several drops. Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent, hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET at Wendy’s, 6727 Ringgold Rd., left (east) off I-75 Exit 1. Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpooling: $ 6.00.

Saturday, January 4 — Devil’s Breakfast Table Section of the Cumberland Trail (Take 2), near Crab Orchard TN, 7.6 miles, point-to-point, 1900’ el. gain, moderate due to rocky terrain and climbs. Relatively short shuttle. We will start our hike at the northern trailhead at Devil’s Breakfast Table on Daddy’s Creek and continue to Peavine Road and our parked shuttle cars. Choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent, hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8.30 am ET at the Durham Street parking lot (ball fields) off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy. https://bit.ly/3Qjdc0S Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Tom McElhone, 805-208-4654 or sarmitta@yahoo.com. Carpool cost: $8.00.

Saturday, December 28 — Enterprise South Nature Park, 6.3 miles, easy/moderate. We’ll make a wriggly lollypop by starting on Poe Run, which does a reasonably good job of resembling the stick of the lollipop. Then we make a loop by following Hawkins Ridge Trail through all its wriggles and then crossing a road  to Dogwood Ridge Trail (not quite as wriggly). This trail ends close to the start of Hawkins Ridge Trail, from whence we return to our vehicles via Poe Run. This park used to be a munitions plant and we’ll pass by many of the bunkers that were used to store its product. Be assured, all are empty. Nature has done a fine job of covering the area with a pleasant woods.

Check the weather forecast shortly before the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent, hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed.

Meet at 8:30 am ET at the parking area almost immediately to the left after entering Enterprise South Nature Park, 190 Still Hollow Loop Rd., Chattanooga TN 37416. Please register with hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes):  Will Latham, (704) 365-8889.