Saturday, February 17 – Chinquapin Ridge Trail, 5.45 mile easy loop and Paw Paw Trail, 2.5 mile moderate loop. Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville, TN. The Paw Paw Trail has some rough footing. We will enjoy the Cane Creek Falls Overlook and another overlook of Cane Creek Gorge. Meet at 9:00 am CT at the Visitor Center. We will carpool to the Chinquapin Ridge Trailhead. Please note that the Visitor Center is not the Betty Dunn Nature Center. Register with Joan Hartvigsen, jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914.
Thursday, February 8 – Virgin Falls State Natural Area. 2080 Scotts Gulf Road, Sparta. 9.0 miles round trip rated strenuous. 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 lunch, water, and wear sturdy hiking boots. For more information or to sign up, contact Marietta Poteet, nannietta@benlomand.net or 931-924-7666.
Joint hike with Upper Cumberland Chapter. SHORT HIKE: This is an easy to moderate 5 mile loop which includes a natural bridge, Hazard cave, Indian rockhouse. At Hazard Cave there are signs along the trail that identify the endangered Cumberland Sandwort plant. Take a closer look and you will see parts of the rock carved over time into intricate shapes, and beautifully colored by algae and lichen. LONG HIKE: Short Hike plus the Ladder Trail for 7 moderate miles. Depart 8:00 AM CT from the southeast corner of Cracker Barrel rear parking lot off Interstate 40 Exit 317. Carpool cost is $6. Bring lunch, snacks, (electrolytes) water, bug spray and sunscreen. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information contact the hike leader, Deb, text/call 931-267-2243 or email ttaplateauhikes68@tennesseetrails.org.
Ranger Station 1183 Stone Door Road, Beersheba Springs. Short Hike: Laurel Trail 5 total miles in/out rated easy to moderate passing Laurel Falls. Long Hike: Laurel Trail and Big Creek Gulf Trails for 8.7 mostly moderate (1 mi strenuous) miles to make a loop. We will have wonderful views of the gorge along the way. Depart 8:00 am CT from the outer parking lot of Harbor Freight, 145 Highland Square, Crossville, TN. Carpool cost is $7. Bring lunch, snacks, (electrolytes) water, bug spray and sunscreen. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb, email ttaplateauhikes68@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
Joint hike with Upper Cumberland Chapter. We’ll hike about 5.5 moderate miles. Bring (electrolytes) water. Bring lunch or option to eat lunch (Wraps, Nachos and Sandwiches) at the Sauced Frog/Hopyard Brewery. Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Carpool gas fee is $5. Depart 8:00 am CDST from Landers Crossing formerly the Crossville Outlet Mall SW parking lot. For more information and to register for the hike contact Cheryl Heckler at (931) 200-7436 or email to thehecklers@charter.net.
Joint hike with Upper Cumberland Chapter. Short Hike: 4 mi moderate in/out total. Long Hike: 8 mi total moderate sometimes strenuous to Breakaway Bluff and back. Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen. Bring water (electrolytes), lunch and snacks. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Depart 8:00 am central from the SW parking lot of Landers Crossing (formerlytheOutletMall) next door to Bucce’s. Carpool gas cost $5.