Hike

Postponed until March due to inclement weather. Saturday, January 20 – 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

Saturday, January 13 – “Pick a Park” series. Chickasaw State Park and Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park. At Chickasaw, we will hike two trails: Fern Creek Trail, .65 miles rated easy and the Lakeshore Trail, 1.75 miles rated easy. The Fern Creek Trail begins and ends at Brewer Cabin, a one-room log cabin built in the 1870s. This trail passes through both lowland areas as well as upland hardwood forests. Ferns are plentiful all along this route which gives the trail its name. The Lakeshore Trail is 1.75 miles and rated easy. This is the most popular trail at Chickasaw State Park. This trail follows the entire shoreline of Lake Placid and connects several of the recreation areas including the tent campground, swimming area, and boat dock. The signature feature of this trail is the 640-foot footbridge that crosses the middle of Lake Placid connecting the tent campground with the main recreation area. Meet at the Visitors Center at 10:00 A.M. CT. Next we’ll visit Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park which is about 20 minutes north of Chickasaw State Park. We’ll hike about 3 miles to see the highlights, plus climb to the top of 72′ Saul’s Mound. We’ll also visit the nice park museum. Please text or email RSVP by Thursday, January 11 in case of inclement weather. For more information or to sign up, contact Jeanne Conatser at 615-971-8894 or djconatser@comcast.net.

Monday, January 1 – New Year’s Day Hike – Long Hunter State Park. Bryant Grove Trail. 8.0 miles rated moderate. Joint event with the Highland Rim and Nashville chapters. The adage is what you do on the first day of the year, you will continue to do all year long. The Bryant Grove Trail is an “out and back” flat, winding trail connecting the Couchville Lake area to the Bryant Grove Recreation Area and follows the shoreline of Percy Priest Lake. The trail crosses a wooden bridge above Bryant Grove Creek, where heron might be seen wading and feeding. If you don’t want to hike the entire 8 miles, there is a turn-around point halfway or a car shuttle can be set up to hike 4.0 miles. All chapters are invited to attend. We will meet at 9:30 A.M. CT at the kiosk near the playground in the Couchville Lake area. We will enjoy lunch in the Bryant Grove Recreation Area. Bring lunch, water, and snacks. Pets are not permitted on the Bryant Grove Trail. For more information or to sign up, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com.