CURRENT MONTH'S OUTINGS

Cravens House to Sunset Rock day hike, Saturday, July 11, 2015

Location: Lookout Mountain
Distance: 11 miles
Rating: Strenuous
Pace: Standard
Elevation Gain: 750
Driving Time: 15 minutes

This will be a loop hike beginning at the Cravens House. We immediately start with a climb on the Mountain Beautiful Trail on our way to to the Bluff Trail, climb the steps to the overlook by Point Park, then go and climb to Sunset Rock. We will next hike on the Bluff Trail and use the Upper Truck Trail to return to our vehicles. Hike leader is Donald Box Donaldbox@epbfi.com.

 

Towee Creek, Hiwassee day hike, Saturday, July 18, 2015

Distance: 6.5 miles
Rating: Easy/Moderate
Pace: Standard
Elevation Gain: minimal

Starting at the Childers Creek trailhead, we'll be hiking along the north side of the Hiwassee River, going up-river as far as Towee Creek. Then we'll return the way we came. Hike leader is Boe Rudder, boerudder@yahoo.com or 423.400.1103

 

Swinging Bridge Benton MacKaye day hike, Saturday, August 1, 2015

Location: Blue Ridge, GA
Distance: 6 miles
Rating: Moderate
Pace: Standard
Elevation Gain: no more than 900 feet
Driving Time: approx. 90 minutes each way

The Swinging Bridge near Blue Ridge, Georgia, is one of the largest suspension bridges east of the Mississippi at 265 feet - yet is in the middle of the woods and is for hikers only. Located on the Benton MacKaye trail, this will be a six-mile in and out hike through a very scenic section of the Georgia BMT. We’ll meet up in Blue Ridge and carpool about 12 miles south of Blue Ridge on Highway 60 to the trailhead. No significant elevation gain, but several ups and down. We’ll picnic at the bridge and hopefully see some kayakers enjoying the picturesque Toccoa River. Hike leader: Barbara McCollum 770.289.7143 or bpmccollum@yahoo.com.

 

Scenic Spur (Rock Creek #78) day hike, Saturday, August 8, 2015

Location: Ocoee, TN
Distance: 3.4 miles
Rating: Easy
Pace: Standard
Elevation Gain: minimal
Driving Time: approx. 1/2 hour each way

The Scenic Spur Trail is located in the Cherokee National Forest. The trail head is on Hwy. 30 about 100 yards from US 64. This is an easy walk to a nice waterfall in the Rock Creek Gorge Scenic Area. During rainy periods the stream and waterfall are flowing full. Although the hike is rated as easy, please be aware there are a couple of stream crossings which could require wading if there has been recent rainfall. During dry periods, these are easy "rock-hops’. This is a short walk for a spring day but we may revise the plan if it is too wet. Hike leader is Steve Barnes, sebarnestorm@gmail.com