Full Day Hike

Saturday, February 24 — SHORTER HIKE: Turtletown Falls Trail, 5.2 miles, 730’ el. gain, lollypop, moderate. LONGER HIKE: After the Turtletown Falls hike, drive to Coker Creek Falls Trail for an out-and-back hike, for a total of 9.9 miles, 1320’ el. gain, moderate/strenuous. Turtletown Falls Trail is well maintained, winds through a beautiful forest, and takes us to not one but two waterfalls. What more can you ask for? Coker Creek Trail is somewhat rougher but provides lots of entertainment along this whitewater creek, including fine cascades and waterfalls. Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring water, snacks and/or lunch; gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, and sunscreen as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET in the parking area near the gas station at Food City, 6043 Relocation Way, Ooltewah, right (east) off I-75 exit 11. https://bit.ly/3dwmbxn  Please register with hike leader Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpool cost: $6.00.

Saturday, February 17 — Cumberland trail: Retro-Hughes Road to Leggett Road, with a shuttle. Longer option: 8-9 miles, moderate, about 1000’ el. gain. Shorter option: 5.4 miles, moderate. We all start at the Retro-Hughes trailhead of the CT, traverse through a lovely pine forest, climb up a wooden ladder, and descend rock stairs into the impressive Rock Creek gorge. After we cross an 80-foot bridge, we take the upper Rock Creek loop up the ridge to a T intersection. Here, hikers taking the shorter option turn left to hike a short distance to the Upper Leggett trailhead and their shuttle vehicle. Hikers taking the longer option turn right, take a spur trail to a fine lookout, then continue on the Rock Creek trail out to the lower Leggett trailhead. Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring water, snacks and/or lunch; gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, and sunscreen 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 Please register with Tammy Hendrick at 315-949-8187. Carpool cost: $3.00.