We will hike the Radnor Full Lake and Ganier Ridge Trail – 5.1 Miles, Moderate Hike. This is a great hike through the woods and around the lake with lots of opportunities to see wildlife – Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons have been nesting recently.
Meet at I24 Exit 11 Park and Ride. Depart at 6am CT. Drive 49 Miles to the Trailhead. Please note – We are leaving early due to higher summer temperatures and to ensure parking at the trailhead, which can get busy.
We will visit Short Springs State Natural Area, to hike Machine Falls, Busby Falls and Laurel Bluff Loop. While this hike is wonderful, we want to make sure you are aware of a short but steep climb near Machine Falls, and the short extension to be closer to Machine Falls has around 75 yards of difficult path.
The Old Stone Fort was built during the Middle Woodland Period, 1,500-2,000 years ago. Native Americans used this area continuously for about 500 years, eventually leaving it abandoned. We will hike around the Fort area with overlooks to the river and waterfalls. This hike is relatively easy with nice waterfall views on the way around.
Meet at I24 Exit 11 Park and Ride. Depart at 7am CT. Drive 100 Miles to the Trailhead.
Really beautiful hike through the woods and along the lakefront. Plenty of bridges to cross. We will hike the Old Spann House Trail – 3.8 miles, moderate and the Marble Plains Loop Trail – 3.4 miles, easy including a paved path for the last mile.
Two great hikes with fantastic lake views, and several bridges to cross.
Meet at I24 Exit 11 Park and Ride. Depart at 7am CT. Drive 125 Miles to the Trailhead.
Saturday, July 27 — Dog Cove Loop/Lost Creek State Natural Area, Sparta area. Long hike: Dog Cove Loop & Dry Creek Falls Trail to Lost Creek Falls & Cave, moderate, approximately 11 miles, <1,000 el. gain, will require a short shuttling of cars between the two trailheads. So many things to see on this hike! Two historic homesteads, Low Gap Arch, Meditation Rock, Dry Creek Falls (two rain-dependent falls), Rylander Cascades, Lost Creek Falls, and Lost Creek Cave (outside of cave only). Short Hike: Dog Cove Loop only, moderate, 6 miles, 695 ft. el. gain. This is a beautiful hike that highlights two historic homesteads and Low Gap Arch. We will begin both the long and short hike at the grass parking lot located at 6747 Lost Creek Road, Sparta. Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can 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 (parts of this trail are open skies with lots of sun), and a rain jacket as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 7:30 am ET at the Durham Street parking lot (ball fields) https://bit.ly/3Qjdc0S, off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy. Register with the hike leader (necessary to receive cancellation notices, etc.): Jennifer Davis, (615) 617-2505 or jdavis327@gmail.com. Carpool cost: $6.00.
Saturday, July 20 — Virgin Falls Trail, about 9 miles out-and-back, 1200’ of elevation gain, strenuous because of a lonnggg uphill on the way back. Near Sparta TN. This is an amazing waterfall! In addition, there are more waterfalls on the creek we follow to get down into the Caney Fork River gorge. This is a really interesting and rugged hike, with these creeks and waterfalls demonstrating that Tennessee is hollow—water keeps disappearing into the ground! Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; and gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, sunscreen, and insect repellent as needed. For carpooling/ caravanning, meet at 7:30 am ET at the Durham Street parking lot (ball fields) off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy. https://bit.ly/3Qjdc0S Registration with the hike leader is necessary to receive cancellation notifications, etc.: Betsy Darken, 423-718-2060. Carpool cost: $9.00.
Saturday, July 13 — Cumberland Trail near Soddy Daisy TN. Option 1: North Chickamauga Creek to Stevenson’s Branch campsite, in & out, 8.2 miles with moderate elevation, strenuous. Option 2: Same trail with turnaround at Rogers Creek Overlook, 4.6 miles, moderate. This trail is really special! There are fanciful waterfalls, fascinating cliffs, fantastic views, flimsy steps (just kidding), and fleeting floral displays. 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 water shoes, snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent in season; gather up hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed. Meet at Walmart at 7:30 am ET at 9334 Dayton Pike, in the north corner of the parking lot near Dayton Pike and Dollar Tree. https://bit.ly/3zT3Im0 Registration with hike leader is necessary to receive cancellation notices, etc.: Tammy Hendrick, (315) 949-8187. Carpool cost: $1.00.