The trail is on natural turf through the woods and a couple of grassy fields, There are a couple of creek crossings near the end of the hike where you might get your feet wet. Trekking poles are recommended. Dogs are permitted if on a leash. There is a restroom and a porta potty at the trailhead. Bring your lunch.
Meet at Dover Crossing Kroger parking lot to depart at 8:00 AM CDT and drive about 41 miles to the trailhead. Contact Hike Leader: Steve Turner (931) 220-0927
Visit the Meriwether Lewis National Monument and a reconstruction of the location where Meriwether Lewis died in 1809.
Meet at Big Lots Riverside Drive parking area for an 8am departure. Drive 85 miles to the Trailhead. Contact Hike Leader: Philip Anderson (931) 561-0925
Tuesday, February 27 — Bay Point Loop Trail in Harrison Bay State Park, easy, about 4.3 miles, 124’ el. gain. Enjoy awesome views of the bay as we meander through the woods. Hopefully we will see wildlife, possibly even some deer. Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring water, snacks and/or lunch; gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, and sunscreen as needed. Meet at 8:30 am at the trailhead, which is near Dockside Café in the park. Please register with hike leader Tim Booth, (423) 400-2011, Tceebooth@epbfi.com.
Saturday, February 24 — SHORTER HIKE: Turtletown Falls Trail, 5.2 miles, 730’ el. gain, lollypop, moderate. LONGER HIKE: After the Turtletown Falls hike, drive to Coker Creek Falls Trail for an out-and-back hike, for a total of 9.9 miles, 1320’ el. gain, moderate/strenuous. Turtletown Falls Trail is well maintained, winds through a beautiful forest, and takes us to not one but two waterfalls. What more can you ask for? Coker Creek Trail is somewhat rougher but provides lots of entertainment along this whitewater creek, including fine cascades and waterfalls. Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring water, snacks and/or lunch; gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, and sunscreen as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET in the parking area near the gas station at Food City, 6043 Relocation Way, Ooltewah, right (east) off I-75 exit 11. https://bit.ly/3dwmbxn Please register with hike leader Betsy Darken, (423) 718-2060. Carpool cost: $6.00.
Tuesday, February 20 — Greenway Farm in Hixson TN, 4.7 miles, easy. We will combine the paved and graveled main trail with the dirt trail that borders North Chickamauga Creek. Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring water, snacks and/or lunch; gather up hiking poles, rain jacket, and sunscreen as needed. Meet at the parking lot at Greenway Farm, 3008 Hamill Road, which is about 1.6 miles NE of the intersection of Hamill Road and Highway 153. Please register with hike leader Ginny Kidd by texting her at (423)304-3799.
Saturday, February 17 — Cumberland trail: Retro-Hughes Road to Leggett Road, with a shuttle. Longer option: 8-9 miles, moderate, about 1000’ el. gain. Shorter option: 5.4 miles, moderate. We all start at the Retro-Hughes trailhead of the CT, traverse through a lovely pine forest, climb up a wooden ladder, and descend rock stairs into the impressive Rock Creek gorge. After we cross an 80-foot bridge, we take the upper Rock Creek loop up the ridge to a T intersection. Here, hikers taking the shorter option turn left to hike a short distance to the Upper Leggett trailhead and their shuttle vehicle. Hikers taking the longer option turn right, take a spur trail to a fine lookout, then continue on the Rock Creek trail out to the lower Leggett trailhead. Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring water, snacks and/or lunch; 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 Tammy Hendrick at 315-949-8187. Carpool cost: $3.00.