Wednesday, October 16 – Beaman Park, 4.1 miles with 491 ft elevation gain. Moderate. Hiking poles recommended. The hike will start at the Visitors Center at 10:00 a.m., taking the Sedge Trail to Henry Hollow Loop Trail. After completing the Henry Hollow Loop, we will hike back to the Visitors Center on the Sedge Hill trail. Carpoolers meet at the Boot Barn, 240 Long Hollow Pike, Goodlettsville, at 9:15 a.m. If you are meeting at the trailhead or for more information, contact David Hobbs at ddhobbs@bellsouth.net or 803-634-3470. f
Saturday, October 19 – Savage Gulf State Park. Savage Gulf North Trailhead, Stone Door Ranger Station, 1183 Stone Door Road, Beersheba. Joint hike with the Highland Rim chapter. This 7-mile hike is rated easy to moderate with little elevation change. It will include the Stone Door, Big Creek Rim, and Laurel Trails Loop. This hike includes many awesome overlooks, including an overlook of Laurel Creek Gulf. At the Stone Door we will enjoy a grand overlook of Big Creek Gulf and views of the convergence of Collins and Savage Gulfs. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. For more information or to sign up, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com.
Thursday, October 17 – 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. 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.
Saturday, October 19 – Stone Door, Big Creek Rim, Laurel Trails Loop. 7 miles. Little elevation change. Easy to moderate. Savage Gulf North Trailhead- Stone Door Ranger Station, 1183 Stone Door Road, Beersheba, TN. Joint outing with the Murfreesboro Chapter. Bring a lot of water and lunch. Register with Joan Hartvigsen, jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914. The Great Stone Door is an impressive cliff line overlooking the Savage Gulf. This hike includes many awesome overlooks, including an overlook of Laurel Creek Gulf. At the Stone Door we will enjoy a grand overlook of Big Creek Gulf and views of the convergence of Collins and Savage Gulfs. Meet at the Stone Door Ranger Station at 9 am CT.
Joint hike with Upper Cumberland Chapter. Hike is 5 miles total rated moderate to strenuous. Meet hike leader, Sheila, at the Cove Deli & Market 15454 Hwy 70 N, Monterey, TN. We’ll eat lunch at the Long Road Cafe in Mayland. Depart 8:00 am CDST from the outer parking lot of Harbor Freight, 145 Highland Square, Crossville, TN. Carpool cost is $3. Bring hiking poles, snacks, (electrolytes) water, bug spray and sunscreen. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Led by Cove resident Sheila Miller, 931-260-6065
