Full Day Hike

Saturday, May 10 – Clemmer Trail to Benton Falls, in the Cherokee NF near Benton TN; 9 miles, out & back, el. gain 1200’ (?), moderate. The Clemmer Trail is a former road (for logging?) that gradually goes uphill. Then we get down to and up from Benton Falls via a series of rocky steps. Returning is all downhill! Since there are a few wet weather water crossings, you may want to bring water shoes.

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. Remember that you may need water shoes.

For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET in the parking area near the gas station at Food City in Ooltewah, right (east) off I-75 exit 11. https://bit.ly/3dwmbxn  REQUIRED: Register with hike leader Tammy Hendrick, (315) 949-8187. Carpool: $3.00.

10.8 miles, difficult, 2320’ el. gain. This is the highest mountain in the area, with some good views. We’ll first enjoy a drive past beautiful Parksville Lake (aka Ocoee Lake) and then admire the rafts and kayaks and other whitewater craft working their way down the wild Ocoee River. We’ll drive into the woods on Forest Road 45 by Thunder Creek. Three miles later, we turn right onto FR 221 and find the trailhead in half a mile. Both forest roads are in good shape. So is the Big Frog Trail, which has a mostly steady grade up the mountain, through a thick forest and very impressive rhododendron tunnels. Pat yourself on the back when you finish this one.

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 from Chattanooga, meet in the parking area near the gas station at Food City in Ooltewah, right off I-75 exit 11, at 8:30 am ET. https://bit.ly/3dwmbxn Please register with hike leader Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpool: $6.00.

Saturday, April 19 — South Cumberland State Park: Fiery Gizzard Trail to Raven’s Point; about 10 miles, 1,290’ el. gain, strenuous, lollipop. We will start at the northern trailhead for Fiery Gizzard Trail in the Grundy State Forest, near Tracy City. When the trail gets down to Big Fiery Gizzard Creek, it develops an unfortunate habit of wandering across boulder fields. Yet the payoff is well worth it: flowers, waterfalls, chimney stacks! Then the trail charges up the side of the gorge to take us to Raven’s Point, with its gorgeous overlook. We will return via Dog Hole trail, which is much more considerate to hikers than Fiery Gizzard. Thank goodness!

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 parking lot just after LaQuinta Inn, right (north) off I-24 Exit 175. https://bit.ly/3QITAD4  Limited free parking is available at the trailhead, while overflow parking on the road costs $10.00. Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Tammy Hendrick, (315) 949-8187. Carpool: $4.00.

Saturday, April 12 – The Walls of Jericho, trailhead in AL, on the state line south of Winchester, around 7 miles, 1350’ el. gain, out-and -back, moderate/strenuous due to a long uphill on the way back. The Walls of Jericho are an awesome combination of rocks, cascades, cliffs, water spurting out of cliffs, water disappearing into a hole, and an impressive waterfall. However you may feel about long uphills, reaching this unique spot is worth every step!

Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Bring water shoes to cross the creek. 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. BRING WATER SHOES.

For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET at the parking lot just after LaQuinta Inn, right (north) off I-24 Exit 175. https://bit.ly/3QITAD4  Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpool: $7.00.