February 3 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Joint hike with Memphis chapter. See their description for hike details. Contact Terry Warren 731-535-0625 for details about carpooling.
Promoting the development and enjoyment of Tennessee trails.
Joint hike with Memphis chapter. See their description for hike details. Contact Terry Warren 731-535-0625 for details about carpooling.
By Betsy Darken
South Cumberland State Park: Big Creek Loop. 9.9 miles, strenuous due to descent into and ascent out of Big Creek Gulf, 1,620’ elevation gain. We will make a loop using Greeter Trail, Big Creek Gulf Trail, connector trail, and Big Creek Rim trail. Cliffs, creeks, waterfalls, vistas! Check the forecast and choose appropriate layers, wear hiking shoes or boots, bring snacks and lunch, sunscreen, and more water than you think you need. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at the Durham Street parking lot (ball fields) off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy at 8.30 am ET. https://bit.ly/3Qjdc0S Please register with hike leader Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpool cost: 7 dollars.
423 718 2060
By Betsy Darken
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.
423 718 2060
By Betsy Darken
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.
(315) 949-8187
By Betsy Darken
Saturday, February 3 — Prentice Cooper: Indian Rockhouse to Lawson Rock, 6.4 miles in & out, moderate. 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 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 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.
(704) 365-8889
Joint hike with Upper Cumberland Chapter. SHORT HIKE: 5 easy to moderate miles total in/out. LONG HIKE: 8 moderate miles total in/out. Very little elevation changes with great views of the gorge. Depart 8:00 am CT from the SW parking lot of Central Baptist Church, Main St, Crossville, TN. Carpool cost is $7. Bring (electrolytes) water, snacks and lunch. Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information contact the hike leader, Melissa Love 763-742-2934.