Beaman Park, east section of Laurel Woods Trail, 7.5 miles, difficult due to length and elevation changes. The trail is well constructed in pretty woods on natural turf. There is a good view of the Nashville skyline. Dogs are welcome if on a leash. Meet 8:00 A.M. CT, Madison Street Food Lion parking lot. ∼32 miles to trail head. Contact Cinde Jones 870-215-8993
Cancelled – Raccoon Mountain Hike. 13-mile loop rated moderate with some elevation change. Raccoon Mountain is located 15 miles west of Chattanooga. The trail system circles around the TVA Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility. This facility is a true engineering feat that works like a large battery: water is pumped from the Nickajack Reservoir up to a man-made lake on the mountain and stored to be released when needed. We’ll start our hike at the Visitor Center that offers a beautiful view of the river gorge. The trails offer a variety of wooded settings and natural features, including spectacular views of the Tennessee River Valley and Gorge. The mountaintop is home to whitetail deer, woodchucks, gray foxes and, of course, raccoons. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. For more information about carpooling from Murfreesboro or to sign up, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com.
Fall Creek Falls State Park – Gilbert Gaul Loop. 4.5-mile loop rated easy to moderate with a 100 ft. elevation change. Joint hike with the Highland Rim chapter. This trail is one of the favorite hikes listed in the Fran Wallas Hiked’em All program that involves a patch and an achievement rocker to be worn under the patch. More information about the program is at https://tennesseetrails.org/hikes-events/36-fran-wallas-hikes/. Half of the loop is through the woods and the return part of the loop parallels the shore of Fall Creek Falls Lake. Bring water and snacks. Meet at the trailhead at 8:00 A.M. CT. After the hike, we’ll enjoy lunch at the lodge and a planning session at 11:00 A.M. for the 2024 TTA Annual Meeting. For more information or to sign up, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com
Roughly 9 miles. Moderately strenuous to strenuous for terrain and length
We’ll combine the Henry Hollow Loop trail with the eastern loop of the Laurel Woods trail. These paths will take us across creeks and over a number of ridges. Bring a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Meet at the Creekside Trailhead. Register with Mark for details and updates.
This relatively level trail winds along the shores of Percy Priest Lake. Since this is essentially an out-and-back route, those who want a shorter hike may turn around when they choose. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and pack a lunch for the trail. Register with Mark for details and updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather: Sunday, November 19th.
We’ll step off at 8:30 am and head away from downtown on a quieter trek through Two Rivers park, across and along the Stones and Cumberland rivers, and by the Ravenwood property. Meet at the skate park parking area. Bring plenty of water and snacks and wear shoes appropriate for mostly paved greenway (we may take a short detour down the McGavock Spring House natural trail.) Register with Mark for updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather: Friday, October 13th.