Full Day Hike

Saturday, April 6 — Big Frog Mountain Trail, 10.8 miles, 2319’ el. gain, strenuous, out-and-back. This trail near the Ocoee River climbs to the top of Big Frog Mountain, sometimes more steeply and sometimes less so. Forested the entire way, including at the top, the trail has few views, but travels through a lovely forest. We will also hike through a couple of very cool rhododendron tunnels and along the top of a narrow ridge. The trail is usually well-maintained and there are rumors of wildflowers. We’ll have a great time—or at least we can brag about our accomplishments. 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 8:30 am ET in parking area near the gas station at Food City in Ooltewah, right (east) off I-75 exit 11. https://bit.ly/3dwmbxn  Please register with hike leader Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060.

Saturday, May 25 — Clemmer trail, Benton Falls, Clear Creek loop 10.1 miles, 1765 elevation gain, moderately strenuous. A beautiful hike on Chilhowee Mountain in the Cherokee National Forest, small creek crossings (may need water shoes), some fine views of Ocoee Lake, and an impressive waterfall. 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 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  Please register with Tammy Hendrick at 315-949-8187. Carpool cost: $4.00.

Saturday, May 18 — Virgin Falls Trail, about 9 miles out-and-back, strenuous with about 1400’ of elevation gain, with 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 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 hike leader Betsy Darken, text or call 423-718-2060. Carpool: $8.00.

Saturday, March 30 –Grundy Forest loop to the Fiery Gizzard and Raven’s Point, with return on the Dog Hole trail. 10 miles, nearly 1300’ el. gain, strenuous. Waterfalls, rock formations, boulder fields, panoramic overlooks! Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and lunch along with more water than you think you need; gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, sunscreen, and insect repellent 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  Please register with Tammy Hendrick at 315-949-8187. Carpool cost: $4.00.

Saturday, March 23 — Rock Island State Park: Collins River Nature Trail, Eagle Trail (with Blue Hole Trail), & Bluff Trail (with optional Downstream Trail), approximately 6.5 to 8 miles, about 680’ el. gain, easy to moderate. This park is located at the confluence of the Collins and Caney Fork Rivers. We will spend the day exploring several short hikes and enjoying the various picturesque views including an impressive limestone gorge and several waterfalls and overlooks. Most notably, we will see the Great Falls, Twin Falls and Blue Hole, all from streams flowing out of the cliffs. You don’t want to miss this one! Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring food and water; and 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 Tim Booth, 423-400-2011 or tceebooth@epbfi.com. Carpool cost: $6.00.

Saturday, March 16 — Laurel Snow SNA. Joint hike with the Chattanooga Hiking Club (CHC), two options. LONGER: Laurel Falls and a natural bridge, about 9 miles and 1200’ el. gain, out-and-back, moderate/strenuous. SHORTER: Laurel Falls, 4.7 miles, 708’ el. gain, out-and-back, moderate. We will all start out on the mostly flat trail along Richland Creek, which should be quite frisky this time of year, and we’ll pass many signs of the old coal-mining operation along this creek. The trail up to Laurel Falls is via switchbacks. If we’re lucky, this 80-foot falls will be at full blast—quite a sight! Hikers doing the shorter hike will head back at this point, while long hikers will head uphill and then through a steep and narrow passage to the top of the plateau. We’ll cross Laurel Creek before it’s even thinking about jumping off the cliff, but it will probably not be shallow, so bring water shoes. Next, we stroll to Laurel Point for a fine view, then take the old road leading out from this point, find a secret trail, and end up at an impressive natural bridge. Wow! Steve Boone of CHC and Betsy Darken of SC and CHC will be our co-leaders. Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; bring water shoes for crossing Laurel Creek, especially since the water will very likely be high at this time of year; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and lunch along with more water than you think you need; and gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, sunscreen, and insect repellent as needed. Do not forget your water shoes. 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 Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpool cost: $2.00.