Tuesday, April 9 — Elsie Holmes and Chief Richard Taylor Nature Parks, both in the Ringgold GA area, around 4 miles, mostly easy. It is a 10-minute drive between these parks. Our two-part adventure will include walks along South Chickamauga Creek and through wooded areas, together with sightings of a large beaver pond and a lovely waterfall. We can also admire historic downtown Ringgold1 For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET at Wendy’s, 6727 Ringgold Rd., left (east) off I-75 Exit 1. Please register with hike leader Will Latham, (704) 365-8889. Carpool cost: $2.00
Tuesday, April 2 — Shakerag Hollow and Piney Point Trails, 4.5 miles, easy to moderate. Located in Sewanee TN, Shakerag Hollow is a special destination for wildflower lovers. We will start at the University Gates parking lot. 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 parking lot just after LaQuinta Inn, right (north) off I-24 Exit 175. https://bit.ly/3QITAD4 Please register with hike leader Delores Ladd, 214-422-7206. Cost to carpool is $5.00.
Tuesday, May 28 — Denny Cove, including a spur trail to an overlook. About 4 miles, moderate. Beautiful trail with high cliffs, great waterfall, fine views. Part of the trail is very rocky. 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 parking lot just after LaQuinta Inn, right (north) off I-24 Exit 175. https://bit.ly/3QITAD4 Please register with hike leader Will Latham, (704) 365-8889. Carpool: $3.00.
Tuesday, May 21 — Gahuti Inner Loop to West Overlook and Cool Springs, Fort Mountain SP, GA, 5.8 miles, 1420’ el. gain, moderate/strenuous. This is a beautiful time of year to hike this trail! Excellent mountain views, a couple of benches if you need to take a break, lots of roots, narrow stretches, and a few damp spots. 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 Wendy’s, 6727 Ringgold Road, left (east) off I-75 Exit 1. Please register with hike leader Dave Graham, 423-315-7886. Carpool cost: $5.00.
Tuesday, May 14 — White Oak Mountain Big Red Trail Loop, Collegedale, 4 miles, 623’ el. gain, moderate. The trail begins on the campus of Southern Adventist University and winds its way up and down the side of White Oak Mountain. The woods are pleasant, the trail is well-marked, there are no steep inclines, and the company is great! Wear hiking shoes or boots; bring food and water; and gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, and sunscreen as needed. Meet for carpooling at 8.30 am ET at Tractor Supply at 9408 Apison Pike, Collegedale, which is close to the trailhead on campus (and close to lunch spots!). Wear hiking shoes or boots; bring food and water; and gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, and sunscreen as needed. Please register with hike leader Ginny Kidd, (423) 304-3799. Carpool: $0.00.
Tuesday, May 7— Johnston Woods Trails, about 4 miles, easy/moderate, 269’ elevation gain. We will hike two generally easy loop trails through the forest, taking in lovely views, multiple fungi, and (we hope) colorful wildflowers. The trails are wide and well-marked, good for yakking away with your hiking buddies. The upper trail is about 3 miles; then we will proceed to the easier 1.4-mile lower trail. Wear hiking shoes or boots; bring food and water; and gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, and sunscreen as needed. A Porta Potty may be on offer. 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 hike leader Tim Booth, (423) 400-2011. Carpool: $1.00.