Tuesday, December 5 — Lookout Mountain: Hardy Trail, Mountain Beautiful Trail, Bluff Trail, Craven’s House Trail, loop, 3.9 miles, easy/moderate, 731’ el. gain. We’ll start at Cravens House and wind our way across and up the east side of Lookout Mountain, go under the Point Park Bluff and back around to Cravens House. Since it is December, we should begin to see some of the beautiful views Lookout Mountain has to offer. Meet at Cravens House parking lot at 8:30 am ET here. Please register with hike leaders Marti & Roy Owensby, 423-309-0579. Carpool cost $0.00.
Strenuous out-and-back, 4.8 miles with 1,108’ elevation gain. This trail leads to a stunning overlook of Grassy Cove, a nostalgic scene of rolling farmland, classic barns and grazing cows and sheep, surrounded by protective mountains. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Depart 8am from Central Baptist Church, South Main St, Crossville, TN. Carpool gas cost $2. Pack (electrolytes) water, snacks and lunch. Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb, email ttaplateauhikes68@tennesseetrails.org or text 931-267-2243.
Tuesday, October 31 — Aetna Mountain Green and Blue Loops, easy/moderate, about 3.5 miles, about 500’ el. gain. These are two relatively new trails on Aetna Mountain, which is next to Raccoon Mountain. The trails are in very good condition, with very few rocks and roots and with gradual ascents and descents. They take us through pleasant woods and some views of the valley between the two mountains. Autumn leaves should (but may not) be in full force! 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 Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpool gas cost: $2.
Tuesday, November 28 — Brady Bluff on the Cumberland Trail, 4.8 miles, moderate, 1108’ el. gain. This hike leads to a stunning view of Grassy Cove, a nostalgic scene of rolling farmland, classic barns, and grazing cows and sheep, surrounded by protective mountains.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 leaders Marti & Roy Owensby at sewmarti@aol.com. Carpool cost $6.00.
Saturday, November 25 — Keown Falls and Johns Mountain, 5.0 miles, moderate, 1,023’ el. gain. As we walk along this beautiful trail, we’ll see grand views, especially at the top of the mountain ridge, and, if we are lucky, we’ll see a lively waterfalls. (If the drought continues, at least we won’t get our boots muddy.) For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET at Wendy’s, left (east) off I-75 Exit 1 (East Ridge). Please register with hike leader John Prescott, (352) 496-0977. Carpool cost $3.00.
Tuesday, November 21 — Bay Point Loop Trail in Harrison Bay State Park, easy, about 4.3 miles, 124’ el. gain. Enjoy awesome views of the bay on Chickamauga Lake on the Tennessee River as we meander through the woods. Hopefully we will still see some fall colors and wildlife, possibly even some deer. Meet at the trailhead, which is near Dockside Café in the park. Please register with hike leader Tim Booth, (423) 400-2011, Tceebooth@epbfi.com.