Half Day Hike

Tuesday, December 3 — Covenant College Trails near Lookout Mountain GA, about 4.5 miles, easy/moderate. A shorter option is also available. This private college has eight interconnecting trails wandering through pleasant woods on the southern side of its campus. The trail map looks like a spilled jar of giant gummy worms! We’ll manage to do all these trails on this hike. Start clockwise on Creag Trail, including a zip around Bridge Loop, then proceed to Tartan and AK Trails. Veer onto Cardiac Hill, 800 Loop, and Back Drop, with a side excursion to 400 Loop. (Count ‘em. Eight.) Less eager beavers may decide to skip Cardiac Hill, etc., by continuing on AK Trail to the parking lot, which reduces the hike by about a mile. 

Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent, hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed.

For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET at Food City in St. Elmo, in the area of the parking lot straight ahead off TN Ave. https://bit.ly/3C3Um9L Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Tom McElhone, 805-208-4654 or sarmitta@yahoo.com. Carpool cost: $2.00.

Tuesday, November 26 — Cascade Trail in Dalton GA, 4 miles, out-and-back, 846’ el. gain, moderate. This pleasant trail winds its way through the woods behind the west side of Dalton State College.  It meanders up and down the lower side of the ridge that has a convenient break to the north, through which I-75S makes its way to Dalton. Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and/or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent, hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET at Wendy’s, 6727 Ringgold Rd., left (east) off I-75 Exit 1. Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Dave Graham, 423-315-7886. Carpool cost: $2.00.

Wednesday, November 20 — Fort Mountain, GA:  Cool Springs and Mill Creek Falls Loop, 5.1 miles, moderate. Our hike will include a fine overlook, a lovely creek and waterfalls, and a pleasant walk in the woods. If we are lucky, the autumn leaves may still be putting on a show. Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Wear hiking shoes or boots; bring snacks and /or lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellant, gather up hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket, as needed. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at Wendy’s, left (east) off I-75 Exit 1, East Ridge, at 8:30 am ET. Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Jennifer Davis, (615) 617-2505 or jdavis327@gmail.com. Carpooling: $4.00.