Tuesday, August 8 — Little Cedar Mountain loop, 3.2 miles, easy. Located next to Nickajack Lake, we will hike up a mild elevation to a scenic overlook of the lake. Then descend to the shore. Interesting rocks to navigate over and around. An early start at 7:30 am ET to beat the heat, meeting at parking lot just past LaQuinta Inn on Brown’s Ferry Road, exit 175 off I-24. Please register with Tammy Hendrick at 315-949-8187. Carpool cost $2.00.
Tuesday, August 1 — Reflection Riding, about 4 miles, easy. To try and beat the August heat, we will explore the grounds at Reflection Riding, which is an arboretum and nature center at the foot of Lookout Mountain. Expect to walk/hike 4 or so miles mostly under shade with some sun (if it’s out) here and there. Make sure to bring plenty of water, a snack, bug spray, and sunscreen. Gates open at 8 am ET so we will start at Reflection Riding at 8 am ET. Please register with Roy & Marti Owensby at (423) 309-0579.
The Green Loop Trail is compromised of the McGinnis, Good Samaritan and Canyon Trails in the Fairfield Glade community for 4.2 moderate miles. We’ll start from the North Trail parking lot (on Google Map) on Catoosa Rd. Bring (electrolytes) water and a snack. Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Depart 7:30 am CDST from outer parking between Zurich Homes and Dollar Tree, 4937 Peavine Rd, Crossville, TN. Carpool cost is $1. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb, email plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
Tuesday, July 25 — Foster Falls, 3.2 miles, elevation gain,175 ft, easy/moderate, out-and-back. We will begin our hike at the Foster Falls Base Trail, a rocky and steep trail that leads down to the plunge pool and base of Foster Falls. While short (0.6 mile), this trail has many rock steps to the bottom. There is a beautiful suspension bridge crossing over the river that leads to a viewing area. Upon arriving back at the top, we will visit the main Falls overlook and hike along the rim via a portion of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, along which we will be able to view Foster Falls and the canyon from several overlooks. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at the parking lot just after LaQuinta Inn, right (north) off I-24 Exit 175 at 7:30 am ET. Register with hike leaders Marti & Roy Owensby at 423-309-0579 (voice or text).
Tuesday, July 11 – Booker T. Washington State Park: Outer Loop Trail, 3.9 miles, easy to moderate. This trail follows the water most of the way around a peninsula, with beautiful views of Chickamauga Lake. Then it heads inland through pleasant woods to take us back to the trailhead. Be on the lookout for deer and enjoy the lake sightings along the trail, but also be prepared to jump out of the way of mountain bikers. Check the weather forecast and wear 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. Please note the meet-up parking location has changed. Meet by 7:30 am at Picnic Area #1, which includes a bike trailhead and basketball court. This parking lot has toilet facilities nearby. Please register with Jean Smith, 423-596-7681.
Tuesday, July 4— Window Cliffs Trail, moderate, 5.3 miles, 660’ el. gain, out-and-back. A lot of the elevation gain is near the turnaround point and can be skipped. This is a popular trail with a LOT of creek crossings, a waterfall, and cliffs with holes (“windows”). A great summer hike! How often do you get to see holes in cliffs, to say nothing of crossing the same creek multiple times? Bring good water shoes, preferably ones that you can use for both creek crossings and hiking. Also bring lunch, water, BUG SPRAY, sunscreen, and other summer essentials. For carpooling/ caravanning, meet at the Durham Street parking lot (ball fields) off Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy at 7:30 am ET.https://bit.ly/3Qjdc0S Register with hike leader Tom McElhone, 805-208-4654 or sarmitta@yahoo.com.