Moderately strenuous for terrain and elevation change. 5-6 miles.
We’ll hike from the Collins Gulf trailhead past Suter Falls and down to Horsepound Falls. We’ll travel at a pace that allows us to appreciate the natural beauty around us. Bring plenty of water and snacks and pack a lunch. RSVP for details and updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather Wednesday, April 26.
Final itinerary and length to be determined. This unique natural area offers a huge variety of spring ephemeral wildflowers and even the roadsides along the way offer their own displays. The out and back trail follows a stream bed to a lovely waterfall. We may also visit nearby private land featuring more wildflowers and waterfalls. Finally, we’ll stop at The Boils Wildlife Management Area to check out its unique geologic feature. The strenuous segment is short and optional. We’ll travel at a pace that allows us to appreciate the natural beauty around us. Depending on water levels the trails can involve numerous shallow crossings, so you’re encouraged to bring water shoes. Bring plenty of water and snacks and pack a lunch.
This hike is a TTA members-only trip. You must register with Mark to attend.
Alternate date for inclement weather Sunday, April 23rd.
Tuesday, April 11 – Shakerag Hollow Wildflower Hike, Sewanee, TN. 2.8 miles out and back from the eastern University Gates to the Green’s View section. Moderate. Our hike leader and wildflower expert is Yolande Gottfried. Yolande is an Associate of the Sewanee Herbarium. She has a Master’s Degree in Ecology with a focus on Botony. Meet at 10 am CDT at the Shakerag Hollow Trailhead on US Hwy 41A. Please register with Joan Hartvigsen, jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914. Shakerag Hollow is known as one of the best places in the South Cumberland region to see a virtual cornucopia of spring windflowers. We will pass by waterfalls, bluffs, creeks and waterfalls. Bring lunch and water. You will need hiking boots and hiking sticks.
The Walls of Jericho, Winchester, TN. 7.75 miles. Strenuous. Straddling the Tennessee-Alabama state line, this challenging 7+ mile hike, with 1,600 ft elevation gain/loss, explores the headwaters of the Paint Rock River. We will start at the Tennessee trailhead. There should be wonderful wildflowers and water features. You might want to pack your water shoes. Email Karl at karld@comcast.net or call 615-207-2250.
June 14 – May Prairie State Natural Area Field Trip, Manchester. Easy . Dennis Horn will be our expert guide for this special trip. Dennis is a charter member of the Tennessee Native Plant Society and an editor of the field guide “Wildflowers of Tennessee, the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians”. Meet at 9:00 am CT at the Asbury Road Parking Lot. Directions: From I-24 take the Manchester Exit 114. Proceed south on US 41 away from Manchester for approximately one mile. May Prairie is on the north side of US 41 across from an auto salvage business. A small parking area for the Natural Area is on Asbury Road on the right about one and a half miles off US 41. Wear long pants and waterproof hiking boots. Bring a lot of water, snacks, insect repellent, sun screen and a camera. May Prairie is one of the State’s most floristically diverse natural areas with 25 of its more than 300 plant species that occur here considered rare in Tennessee. We should see Mock Bishop’s Weed, Coppery Saint Johnswort, Marsh Pea, Swamp Candles and more. Please register with Joan Hartvigsen, jhartvigs@comcast.net or 931-636-2914.
This Middle Tennessee cedar glades and barrens features wooded sections, meadows, and contrasting rocky areas. We can expect to see a number of wildflower species – many of which are specifically adapted to the geography – and we’ll hike at a pace that allows us to appreciate them. The loop is relatively flat with a few gentle inclines. The first segment is rocky and others may be wet or muddy so hiking shoes or boots are recommended. Bring water and snacks. Afterwards we’ll head over to Carmen’s Taqueria for lunch.
Register with Mark for details and updates.
Alternate date for inclement weather: Friday, March 31st.