Saturday, September 16 — Sewanee Perimeter Trail, 6.2 miles in and out, moderate, 800-1000’ el. gain. We’ll start at the Lake Cheston trailhead and hike to Elliott’s Point, passing Otey Point on the way. The temperatures should be a little cooler on the plateau, with shade and views. The trail is rocky in places with ups and downs, but there are no long steep inclines. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at the parking lot just after LaQuinta Inn, right (north) off I-24 Exit 175 at 8:30 am ET. https://bit.ly/3QITAD4 Please register with hike leader Tom McElhone, 805-208-4654 or sarmitta@yahoo.com.
Saturday, September 30 — Polly Branch Falls Trail near Sparta. Moderate, 9.4 miles, 1100’ el. gain, loop. This hike includes two waterfalls, a cascade, and the headwaters of the Caney Fork River. The trail may be overgrown in places, but it is an interesting hike! Bring lunch and the other summer essentials. 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 $8.00.
Saturday, September 2 — Chickamauga Western Loop, 6.4 miles, easy/moderate, 440’ el. gain, loop. This gentle trail through the woods and fields of the Chickamauga Battlefield includes an optional ascent of Snodgrass Hill, where General George Thomas, the “Rock of Chickamauga,” held off the Confederate attack long enough for the Union army to retrench in Chattanooga. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at Food City in St. Elmo, in the area of the parking lot straight ahead off TN Ave at 8:30 am ET. https://bit.ly/3C3Um9L Please register with hike leader Tom McElhone, 805-208-4654 or sarmitta@yahoo.com. Carpool cost $1.00.
Friday, September 22 Marietta Poteet will lead a trip on the Potter/Lost Cove Trail in Sewanee. It is a 7.5 miles trail which requires a shuttle. We will drop down into Lost Cove and walk along the creek until the maintained trail ends. Then we will continue past a buffalo farm and ascend up the ridge to our parking place. It’s a fun trail which requires some off trail bushwalking. There are several creek crossings so bring water shoes, snacks, and lots of water as it is a very steep descent and ascent. Call Marietta Poteet at 931-924-7666 or email at nannietta@benlomand.net to register or ask questions.
August 26, 2023
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7:30 am
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4:00 pm America/New York
Saturday, August 26 — Lookout Mountain: Bluff Trail and Upper Truck Trail, 8.7 miles, 1300’ el. gain, moderate, loop. Shorter alternatives are to veer off Bluff Trail to Sunset Rock or go on to Point Park for either a 3-mile or a 4-mile hike; cars can be left at these locations. All of these hikes have great views, cool cliffs, and shade. We will all start at Ochs Gateway and take the Bluff Trail most of the way to the tip of Lookout Mountain. For the longest hike, we’ll head back to Ochs Gateway via Gum Springs Trail and Upper Truck Trail. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 7:30 am ET at Food City in St. Elmo, in the corner of the parking lot straight ahead off TN Ave. https://bit.ly/3C3Um9L Please register with hike leader Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpool cost $1.00.