Stones River Greenway from Kohl’s Trail Head to Percy Priest Dam and back, 5.8 miles, moderate. The trail is paved and parallels the Stone Rive to Percy Creek Dam where we will eat lunch on picnic tables. There are trees along most of the trail. Dogs are permitted if on a leash. There are restrooms at the Dam. Meet 8:00 A.M. CDT at the new Exit 11 Park and Ride. ∽47 miles to trail head. Contact Mike Covey 608-206-9850.
Thursday, June 22. White House Greenway. 3 miles. Easy. Join us at 9:00 am at White House High School parking lot, 508 Tyree Springs Road (New Shackle Island Road) for an easy out and back on the paved and mostly level White House Greenway to the Veterans Memorial trailhead. For information or to let us know you are coming, contact David Hobbs at 803-634-3470 or ddhobbs@bellsouth.net
Up to 8.4 miles out and back, easy to moderate for distance
Hermitage, TN
This easily navigated and relatively flat trail moves along the shoreline of Percy Priest and through wooded sections, cedar glades, and other more open areas. Much of the trail is in the open and ticks are abundant this year – so sun protection and insect repellant are recommended. Bring plenty of water and snacks for the trail. Meet at the Couchville Lake parking lot for an 8:15 AM step-off. The trail is easy to follow and hikers who want a shorter hike can drop a car at the far end or turn back as they choose. We’ll be back at the meetup by lunchtime. Register with Mark for details and updates.
Saturday, June 24 – Gahuti Backcountry Loop at Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth, Georgia. 8 miles, moderate, 1960 ft elevation gain. This beautiful, ever changing trail passes just below the summits of both Cohutta and Fort Mountains. There are some short steep climbs and descents as the trail leads through the ravines and around the ridge crests. We will visit a three-tier waterfall, enjoy grand views of the Cohutta Mountains and travel through mature hardwood forests. Bring a lot of water, snacks and lunch. Bring hiking sticks and wear sturdy hiking boots. Register with Joan Hartvigsen, jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914. Meet at the Gahuti trailhead parking lot at 8:30 am EDT. Contact Joan if interested in camping at Fort Mountain State Park.
Johnsonville State Historic Park, 3.5 total miles, moderate. We will hike the Butter Cup Trail, a portion of the Gunpowder Trail. And out and back on a old railroad bridge that goes out in the lake. Ninety percent of the trail is in pretty woods on natural turf. The surface of the old railroad bridge is concrete. Dogs are permitted if on a leash. Trekking poles are recommended. There is a restroom in the park office. Bring your lunch. Meet 8 a.m, CDT at Big Lots paring lot. ∼55 miles to the trail head. Contact Paul Schwab 931-801-9484.
Friday-Sunday, June 23-25 – Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth, Georgia. Camping Friday and Saturday. Hiking the Gahuti Trail Saturday morning. 8 mile loop, moderate. Contact Joan Hartvigsen for space in reserved campsites jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914.