Half Day Hike

Tuesday, December 10 — Cumberland Trail:  Mobray Pike to Hotwater Road/Little Soddy Trailhead, near Soddy Daisy, 4.9 miles, easy/moderate. Highlights include spectacular views of the valley from the escarpment, boulders and rock formations, seams of coal, and at the northern end, a historic walk through the remnants of one of the oldest tunnel coal-mining operations in Tennessee. Of special note, especially to people with names beginning with T, is a long natural rock bench conveniently located near the halfway point of our hike.  

Check the weather forecast shortly before the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring a snack along with more water than you think you need and all that other stuff – insect repellent, hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket 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 hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes):  Roy & Marti Owensby at 423-309-0579. Carpool cost: $2.00.

Tuesday, February 25 — Bauxite Murky Marsh Trail, near Apison, TN, about 4.5 miles, easy to moderate, lollipop loop trail, approx. 300’ elevation gain. We will begin on Crashing Creek trail and then make the loop on Murky Marsh. Optional: an additional 1.0 mile on the Pogo’s Place Trail for a total of 5.5 miles. An enjoyable walk in the woods with lots of short ups and downs, a few foot bridges and small streams. The trailhead parking area is located off Bauxite Road and is very small. Thus, it is highly recommended to join the carpool.

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 in parking area near the gas station at Food City in Ooltewah, right off I-75 exit 11, at 8:30 am ET. https://bit.ly/3dwmbxn . Register with hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Tim Booth, 423-400-2011. Carpool cost $2.00.

Tuesday, February 4 — Chickamauga Battlefield, east loop, 4-5 miles, easy. The Battle of Chickamauga, fought in September of 1863, was the second-bloodiest battle of the Civil War, with about 34,000 casualties. As we wander the fields and forests of this land, let us ponder the price of war. We will meet at the Visitor Center, which contains many interesting historical exhibits and a documentary film. For our hike, we will cross the main road and follow the Yellow Trail south to the site of Jay’s Mill at Brotherton Road, passing many war monuments. From here we will make our way to the headquarters of General Bragg, who led the Confederate Army to victory in this battle. At this point we will turn north and follow the Red Trail back to the Visitors Center. In the Center, you can learn more about how this Confederate victory was short-lived. lMost of the Union Army was able to retreat to Chattanooga, where General Grant led a reinforced army to victory in November of 1863. This was followed by General Sherman’s march through Georgia in 1864, and eventually General Lee’s surrender in 1865. 

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.Meet at 8:30 am at the lower parking lot at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitors Center, 3370 Lafayette Rd., Ft. Oglethorpe GA. Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Dave Graham, (423) 315-7886.