We hike around the battlefield and through Fort Donelson National Cemetery. Most of the trail is in the woods on natural turf. We pass by the Cumberland River and sometimes see Bald Eagles. Dogs are welcome if on a leash. The Battle of Fort Donelson, February 11–16, 1862, was the first major Union victory in the Civil War. Nashville would fall to Union troops within a matter of days. The Cumberland River and Tennessee River became integral parts of Union supply lines.
Depart at 8am CT from Kroger parking lot, Dover Crossing, Clarksville. 30 Miles to the Trailhead.
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.
Tuesday, November 12: Fenton Forest on Bauxite Ridge, near Ooltewah TN: Sabbath Trail, Forest Lane and Big Forest Trail, about 4 miles, easy to moderate, loop, approx. 400’ el. gain. This is a great hike for beginners or those who have not hiked with us for a while (and even those who have!). We will start on the Sabbath Trail loop (1.9 miles) proceeding clockwise, enjoying a casual walk in the woods with a wide path, a relatively flat terrain, a few streams with footbridges, benches to relax on, and views of open pastures. We will then make our way over to the rockier Forest Lane trail (0.9 miles) proceeding counterclockwise and enjoying more views of the wooded area. Our final hike will be on the Big Forest Trail (0.8 miles), then making our way back to the main trailhead.
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 in parking area near the gas station at Food City in Ooltewah, east (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: $1.00.
This is a short hike in Clarksville’s Rotary Park. The trail is mostly shaded and with natural turf and includes a couple of stream crossings and a walk along the streams. Hike will commence at 8am CT at Rotary Park. Trailhead on Rotary Park Drive as you enter the Park. There are bathrooms at the trailhead
Tuesday, October 29 — Chattanooga National Cemetery History Walk, 3 to 5 miles, easy, pavement and grass, some climbing is required. This property was vital to the battles for Chattanooga. Due to its location between Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain, General U. S. Grant chose it for his headquarters. We will see many monuments recognizing our veterans from the Civil War to current times. We will pay our respects to National Medal of Honor recipients, two of the Chattanooga Fallen Five from the attack in 2016, and even German prisoners of war. We are asked to be respectful and flexible in our route as a burial may be occurring. Our guide will tell us the history of the area and of many of those interred. Bring water but picnicking is not allowed. However, it is a short drive to Main Street with its many eateries. Meet at 8:30 am ET at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Avenue with entrance around the corner on South Holtzclaw Ave. Upon entering the cemetery gates, bear to the right and park just past the Administration Building. We may have to move cars to other parking areas after we check in. Register with hike leader Ginny Kidd at 423 304-3799. Carpool cost $0.00.