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.
Saturday, July 27 – Window Cliffs State Natural Area. Baxter. 5.5 miles round trip. Moderate. Joint hike with the Highland Rim chapter. Window Cliffs is located approximately 18 miles south of Cookeville near Burgess Falls State Park. There is a bluff that separates the upstream and downstream parts of Cane Creek, and the bluff has eroded from both sides causing an opening to develop, which is how the name “Window Cliffs” came about. There are several creek crossings over Cane Creek. Hiking boots are recommended, and a pair of water shoes is suggested for the water crossings. Pets are not permitted within the state natural area. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. For more information or to sign up, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com.
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.
This is a combined 3.5 mile moderate hike. Colditz Cove features a pristine 1.5 mile loop to the 60 foot high Northrop Falls. A short drive brings us to the Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole for an additional 2 mile hike. After the hikes, we will stop for lunch at the RM BrooksGeneralStore. Bring (electrolytes) water, snacks and lunch. Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Depart from the Crossville Cracker Barrel rear parking lot at 7:30am CDST. Carpool cost $5.
Joint hike with Upper Cumberland Chapter. We’ll hike 5 moderate, at times strenuous, miles in/out on the climbers trail below the bluff. Bring (electrolytes) water. We’ll have lunch at the Sauced Frog/Hopyard Brewery. Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Carpool gas fee is $5. Depart 7:30 am CDST from the Landers Crossing (former Crossville Outlet Mall) SW parking lot. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb, plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or text 931-267-2243.