We will spend some time at the Springfield Art in the Park Festival (free admission) where there will be art vendors, food, music, and art demonstrations.
We will hike from J. Travis Price Park to Garner Street Park. The pathway is paved, flat and smooth making for easy walking. There are bathrooms at both parks. We will eat at a Restaurant in Springfield after the hike.
Depart 9am CT from I24 Exit 11 Park and Ride. 25 Miles to the trailhead
Tuesday, September 24 — Benton Falls and Slick Rock Loop Trail, 4.6 miles, easy to moderate, loop, 544’ el. gain. On Chilhowee Mountain near the Ocoee River, we’ll start by McKamy Lake and proceed about 1.5 miles down to Benton Falls, where we will make a steep but short descent into the small gulch formed by Rock Creek. We will return via parts of the Slick Rock Trail, which include some great views at Gazebo Overlook. We will finish our hike through the campground and around McKamy Lake. 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 in the 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 $4.00.
Tuesday, September 10 — Grundy Forest Day Loop and Sycamore Falls, near Monteagle, 3.5 miles, moderate, 308 ft. el. gain. A huge rock house, an ancient hemlock tree believed to be 500 years old, four waterfalls, giant rock monoliths, and swimming holes—you will see it all in just 3.5 miles. If water levels allow, take a dip in the water! Join us for this superlatively scenic hike! Check the hourly weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Bring lunch for a picnic after the hike. Be sure to bring water, snacks, and summer essentials (insect repellent, sunscreen, hat and/or sunglasses). For carpooling/caravanning from Chattanooga, 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 For those wanting to meet at the trailhead, the address is 131 Fiery Gizzard Road, Tracy City, TN. Registration with the hike leader is necessary to receive cancellation notifications, etc.: Jennifer Davis, 615-617-2505 or jdavis327@gmail.com. Carpool Cost: $4.00.
Tuesday, September 3 — Aetna Mountain Green and Blue Loops, near Chattanooga, 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. Check the hourly 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 in season; gather up hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed. 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 Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Tom McElhone, 805-208-4654 or sarmitta@yahoo.com.
Joint hike with Upper Cumberland Chapter. We’ll hike 5 mi on the Nakanawa Loop trail. It has two rope descents which might be considered more than moderate to some or strenuous. Meet hike leader, Sheila, at Overlook Park trailhead on Falls Road at 8:00. We’ll eat lunch at the Long Road Cafe in Mayland. Depart 7:30 am CT from the outer parking lot of Harbor Freight, 145 Highland Square, Crossville, TN. Carpool cost is $3. Bring snacks, (electrolytes) water, bug spray and sunscreen. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Led by Cove resident Sheila Miller, 931-260-6065.