Hike

Join us on a tour of Mammoth Cave.  We are planning on going on the Domes and Dripstones Tour at 10:00 a.m. The cost is $30, and tickets should be purchased in advance, since they often sell out in the summer.  Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.  This classic tour visits areas of Mammoth Cave that have been used for nearly 100 years.  It begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdown, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara.  Note that this tour ascends and descends hundreds of stairs and has several steep inclines.  Duration 2 hours, 0.75 miles total distance.  Total stairs 640, including 280 on the initial staircase descent and an optional 96.  We will meet at the Boot Barn in Goodlettsville, 240 Long Hollow Pike, at 8:00 a.m. to caravan or carpool.  Maybe we can have lunch after the tour at the Mammoth Cave Lodge.  Contact David Hobbs at 803-634-3470 for more info or to let us know you are coming.  

Wednesday, July 10. Couchville Lake Loop, Long Hunter State Park. 2 miles. Easy. Good trail for beginners. This level loop is mostly shaded and perfect for the hot summer weather.  We will see the tree arboretum, lake, and exposed limestone rocks.No pets allowed on this trail  To caravan to the trailhead, meet at the Glenbrook Kroger at 9:00 am. If meeting at the Couchville Lake trailhead or for more info, contact Judy Jenkins at 615-403-0002.

Friday, June 14.  Hendersonville Greenway. 3 Miles. Easy. 9:00 am.  Join us for a Flag Day walk. We will meet a 9:00 am at the Hendersonville Library parking lot trailhead, 140 Saundersville Rd. We will walk west from the library on the Indian Lake East trail, across the “lock bridge” to the Drakes Creek Athletic Complex parking lot and return to the library; this is mostly shady during the morning. There are several options for extending the hike if you so desire. Contact: John, 925-759-0517, or Donna, 925-759-0518.

Rescheduled to Friday, June 7. Wednesday, June 5.  Dunbar Cave Recovery Trail and Lake Trail, Clarksville, TN. 2.5 miles. Moderate.  At Dunbar State Natural Area, we will  hike the shaded Recovery Trail which has a hill and roots to be maneuvered.  We will end the hike along the easy Lake Trail with a visit to the historic Dunbar Cave entrance.  There we will see the site of the old dance floor where big bands like Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey played. Dunbar cave is the 280th largest cave complex in the world.  You may want to bring water and hiking poles and to wear sturdy hiking shoes. For those interested, after the hike we will eat in Clarksville. Meet at the Kroger Glenbrook parking lot, 1010 Glenbrook Way, Hendersonville at 8:30 am. CST for caravaning to Dunbar Cave. If meeting at the Visitor’s Center at 9:30 am or for more information, text or call Judy Jenkins at 615-403-0002.