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.
Saturday, March 16 – Long Hunter State Park – Bryant Grove Trail. 8.0 miles Bryant Grove Trail. 8 miles rated moderate. Picnic lunch stop at the halfway point. This is a flat trail through the woods, at times adjacent to the lake. At the halfway point there is a picnic area with parking if anyone wishes to stage a vehicle there to shorten the hike. Turning around at any point along the way is also an option if anyone isn’t ready for the entire distance. The trail is clear and there are no branching trails. The walking surface is dirt and somewhat rough, with protruding rocks and roots, so hiking poles may be of use. Sturdy, comfortable footwear, probably waterproof hiking boots if possible as it may be wet/muddy/snowy/frozen. Dress for the weather. Bring your snacks, beverages, lunch. Hot soup in a little thermos is good on very cold days. There may be wildlife on view, and possibly some early plant growth to see. Meet at the trailhead sign at 9:30 A.M. CT and the goal is to finish before 2:30 P.M. CT. For more information, or to sign up, please text Jane Reyling at 702-279-7805, or email at JRYL76@gmail.com.
Thursday, March 14 – Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. Approximately 3 miles rated moderate. 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Joint hike with the Nashville chapter. We will start the hike along the Ancient Enclosure trail where we can view several waterfalls as we go. A bit less than halfway around, we will pick up the Backbone Trail until we come back up to the other side of the Ancient Enclosure trail which will take us back to the start. We may add the Moat Trail, depending on time and if the group wants to. The Backbone Trail has steep sections up and down, with many roots, rocks and a few places where a very narrow ribbon of trail is only inches from the river. Depending on conditions on hiking day, we may have to adjust our route. Expect some muddy sections.The views are very pretty, and flowers will probably be starting to bloom. I expect our pace to average 2 mph, depending on the group size. This is only about 3 miles, so we can enjoy the views, the plant growth, birds, the waterfalls and river along the way. Dress for the conditions. Please provide your phone number when signing up in case I need to contact the group. Bring water, snacks and lunch. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Jane Reyling at 702-279-7805 or JRYL76@gmail.com
Saturday, March 2 – Cumberland Trail – Black Mountain Section. Crab Orchard. 8.0 miles rated moderate. We will start the hike at the trailhead on Highway 68 and hike to the top of Black Mountain taking a spur trail to Windless Cave along the way. We’ll have lunch at the South Overlook with a spectacular view of Grassy Cove. At the top we’ll hike the short loop trail and stop at the North Overlook with views of Crab Orchard. We’ll also pass a campsite and go through a rock gateway. Bring lunch and water. For carpool information from Murfreesboro or to register, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com
6-1/2 miles Moderately strenuous for terrain and length.
This less often hiked out-and-back trail is in the northern sector of Fall Creek Falls State Park. It winds through the forest past a large cave entrance to small but beautiful falls. With luck we’ll see some early spring wildflowers. Bring snacks, water, and a lunch. We’ll likely encounter muddy sections so plan accordingly. Register with Mark for updates
Tuesday-Friday, May 14-17 – Great Smoky Mountains Camping and Hiking Trip. Joint activity with the Murfreesboro Chapter, Sara Pollard. Contact Joan Hartvigsen to reserve a spot in Cosby Group Campsite, jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914. Hike Schedule: Tuesday – Sutton Ridge Overlook by way of the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail. 3.6 miles out and back. 400 ft. elevation change. Easy. Views of Gabes Mountain, Cosby Valley and Gilliland Ridge. Wednesday – Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower via Low Gap, Appalachian and Mount Cammerer Trails.11.2 miles out and back. 2,780 ft. elevation change. Strenuous. Features streams, ridgeline, geologic interests, summit, spectacular panoramic views. Thursday – Porters Creek Trail, 7.2 miles out and back. Moderate. This hike features a lovely creek, Fern Branch Falls and wildflowers. Friday – Ramsey Cascades Trail is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. . 8 miles round trip, rated strenuous. 2,000 ft elevation change. Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the most spectacular. Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings. The trail follows rushing rivers and streams for much of its length. The last two miles pass through old growth cove hardwood forest with large tulip trees, basswoods, silverbells and yellow birches. Alternate Friday hike – Hike to Hen Wallow Falls via Gabes Mountain Trail. 4.4 miles round trip. Rated moderate. The waterfall is 90 ft. high. Tuesday we will share a potluck dinner. Another evening we will have dinner at Carver’s Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant. Each camper needs to purchase a parking tag, which are available online.
