Tuesday, October 24 — Point Disappointment and Potter Ridge Trail to the picnic area, about 4 miles, about 800’-900’, moderate, out-and-back. This trail just outside of Sewanee takes us down an interesting ridge with curious cliffs and rock formations. 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 Please register with hike leader Will Latham, (704) 365-8889. Cost to carpool is $5.
Tuesday, October 17 — Mabbitt Springs Trail, 4.9 miles, 500’ elevation gain, easy/moderate, out-and-back. This trail on Signal Mountain mostly follows Little Falling Water Creek to the top of Falling Water Falls and a spectacular view. We’ll be in the shade most of the time and, if there has been rain recently, we’ll be hearing the sounds of the babbling brook. For carpooling/caravanning, meet at Food City on Signal Mountain Road, in the near back corner of the parking lot, at 8:30 am ET. https://bit.ly/3pk0suY Please register with hike leader Dave Graham, 423-315-7886. Carpool cost: $2.
Tuesday, October 10 — Huckleberry Knob and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, about 3 miles total, easy. Join us for a spectacular drive and a couple short hikes on the Cherohala Skyway, a National Scenic Byway that starts near Tellico Plains and takes us into North Carolina. The two hikes have trailheads located a short distance from each other, near mile marker 8 on the Skyway. Plan on an all-day outing, encompassing beautiful 360° views and fall colors at higher altitudes. We will cap our trip with a visit to Joyce Kilmer, which contains trees that are over 400 years old, 20 feet in circumference, and 100 feet tall! We’ll plan on lunch at the Joyce Kilmer picnic area. Bring water, lunch and a snack, and wear sturdy hiking boots. Watch the weather forecast, be prepared for cooler weather at higher altitude, and dress in layers. Due to the long drive, we’ll start earlier than usual. Meet at 8:00 am ET at the parking area near the gas station at Food City in Ooltewah, right off I-75 exit 11. https://bit.ly/3dwmbxn Please register with hike leaders Marti & Roy Owensby at sewmarti@aol.com. Carpool cost: $10.
Tuesday, October 3 — Stringer’s Ridge: Blue Trail plus additional loops, 3.3-4.5 miles, moderate, 508’ elevation gain. Stringer’s Ridge is a forested and rippled ridge separating Red Bank from downtown Chattanooga. We’ll circumnavigate it, wriggling up and down more than you might expect as we stroll through shady woods. We’ll be sure to check out Cherokee Trail, which will take us to an overlook that provides a fine view of downtown Chattanooga in all its glory! Even though the ridge is surrounded by urban areas, we will see only occasional glimpses of civilization. Meet at 8:30 am ET at the Stringer’s Ridge trailhead at the end of Spears Ave. Some GPS systems are confused about the location of this trailhead, so please follow these directions: Take North Market St. slightly more than 0.3 miles north of the first light after crossing the Market St. Bridge. Turn left on W Bell St. Turn right in one block onto Spears Ave, which dead ends at the parking lot for the trailhead. Please register with hike leader Jean Smith (423) 596-7681.
6.1 miles the Blue Loop is the longest hike in Fairfield Glade. It is four interconnected trails: the Hemlock Trail, the Rotherham Trail, the Canyon Trail and the McGinnis Trail, along with a short segment of the Good Samaritan Trail. This is a moderate hike due to its length and due to the elevation changes. Hike will start from the North Parking Lot Off Catoosa Blvd. Bring (electrolytes) water, snacks. Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Depart 8:00 am CDST from the parking lot on the corner of Stonehenge Drive and Peavine Road, Fairfield Glade Community. For additional information contact the hike leader, Beth, email ttaplateauhikes68@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 9287825564.
Tuesday, September 26 — Grundy Forest Day Loop, Lone Rock Loop, picnic, Grundy Lake Swim, 4 miles, easy to moderate. South Cumberland State Park, Tracy City, TN. Grundy Forest Day loop features cascading streams, multiple waterfalls and giant hemlocks. Lone Rock Loop circles the largest of the four lakes at Grundy Lakes State Park and loops by remains of the Lone Rock Mine Coke Ovens built in 1883. Grundy Lake features picnic area, sandy beach, flush toilets and changing area, and crystal clear, cool, spring fed water. Meet at Grundy Forest Day loop trailhead, 131 Fiery Gizzard Road, Tracy City, TN. 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 Register with Joan Hartvigsen, jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914. Carpool cost $4.00.