Montgomery Bell State Park Burns, TN 7-1/2 miles [updated – shorter length] Moderately strenuous for terrain and length.
We’ll hike a combination of the Montgomery Bell, Ore Pit, and Creech Hollow trails, enjoying a forest scenery, water features, and history. Bring snacks, water, and a lunch. We may encounter muddy sections. Register with Mark for updates. Alternate date for inclement weather: Friday, February 23rd.
Sunday, February 25 – Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Lebanon. Limestone Sink Trails. 4.6 miles total rated easy. The Hidden Springs Trail is 4.2 miles and Limestone Sink Trail adds .4 miles. After the hike, we can stay for a picnic lunch at one of the shelters if the weather is pleasant enough. Bring your snacks, beverages and lunch. The trail is mostly flat, but may be muddy or frozen, depending on the weather. Please check the weather conditions and dress accordingly. If it is too muddy, the event will be canceled, so please include your phone number when signing up. This area is interesting at this time of year for the possibility of seeing wildlife, and new growth on the plants. The sinkholes are always interesting to see. We will meet at the trailhead on Stables Road, near the picnic area with shelters at 9:00 A.M. CT. There are restrooms at the picnic area. No restrooms along the trail. For more information, or to sign up, please text 702-279-7805, or email Jane Reyling at JRYL76@gmail.com.
Thursday, February 22 – Barfield Crescent Park. 697 Veterans Parkway, Murfreesboro. From 9:30 A.M. CT – 1:00 P.M approximate 4 miles rated moderate. Meet at the porch of the Wilderness Station. Follow signs in the park to locate the Station. There is a restroom at the station, but none along the hiking route. We will hike the Marshall Knobs Trail (2.65 miles) plus the Blue Loop (Valley View) add (1.15 miles) where we can stop for a light lunch at the raised observation platform if the weather is agreeable. Bring snacks, beverages, light lunch. Wear layers, dress for the weather. The White Loop (Rocky Path) may be included if some or all of the group want to add the additional 1.10 miles. The Blue and White Loops are directly off the Marshall Knobs Trail. The trail is paved at first, then a dirt path with abundant rocks and roots to trip over. Please wear appropriate shoes or hiking boots for rough footing that may be slippery or muddy. Hiking poles can be useful, some of the steps are high. The trail does have some elevation gain, though not much. There may be wildlife along the way as part of the path is along the Stones River and it’s all in the woodland. NO PETS, please. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Jane Reyling at 702-279-7805 (text may be most efficient), or email at JRYL76@gmail.com.
Saturday, February 17 – Henry Horton State Park. Chapel Hill. John’s Breakfast Hike. 5.8 miles rated moderate. Meet at John Ruth’s Campsite 14 for breakfast at 9:00 A.M. CT and hike begins at 10:00 A.M. CT. For the hike, park at the hammock campground parking lot. The hike will begin on the Adeline Wilhoite River Trail, turn left and hike to the end. Turn around and hike past the point from the start and to where it connects to the Adeline Wilhoite River Loop Trail. We’ll hike this trail to where it connects to the Wetland Trail and back to our starting point on the Adeline Wilhoite River Trail. Hike includes an observation tower and deck and most of the trail travels along the Duck River. If you are coming for breakfast, please RSVP to John Ruth, johnmruth@comcast.net by Monday, February 12. For more information or to sign up, contact John Ruth at johnmruth@comcast.net.
Thursday, February 8 – Virgin Falls State Natural Area. 2080 Scotts Gulf Road, Sparta. 9.0 miles rated strenuous. Multi chapter hike with Highland Rim and Nashville. The trail descends around 900 feet in elevation along a path that in many areas is rocky with uneven footing. Because this trail is rugged, we will allow 6-7 hours for this hike and will have to maintain a pace to allow plenty of daylight. Virgin Falls State Natural Area is the most-visited state natural area in Tennessee with interesting scenery and features three beautiful waterfalls Big Laurel Falls, Sheep Cave Falls and Virgin Falls. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. For more information or to sign up, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com
Saturday, February 3 – “Pick a Park” series. Standing Stone State Park. Hilham. 4.7 miles rated moderate. Parts of the trail around the lake are uphill both ways, but the views are great. Meet at 10:00 A.M. CT at the Visitor Center for a slow, cold jaunt around Kelly Lake. Bring sturdy shoes, sturdy stick, water and snacks. You MUST RSVP by Thursday, February 1, since the weather can be unpredictable. For more information or to sign up, contact Jeanne Conatser at 615-971-8894 (text only please).