We had a great turnout on this seemingly very cold day. With temps in low 30s we planned to hike the Rock Creek Loop in Sale Creek. Leader Bob Rahn took us along the paved trail by the creek, counter clockwise up the trail to the top, on out to overlook, and then we returned continuing counter clockwise on the other side of the loop. This became a 6+ mile hike. Today's hike began our quest to hike all sections of the Cumberland Trail in our area in an organized fashion. Lunch was inside and warm at Flavors of Italy in Soddy Daisy. Great Italian! Since it was "so" cold, we had planned not to eat on the trail, but read on to next week's hike! Happy hikers were Bob Rahn, Gary Petty, Margaret Reisman, Val Hargis, Arlene Swallows, Sharon Hogan, Karen Ramsey, Janet Hale, Bill Kinnaman, Ray Myers, Cynthia Cowan, and Che Carico, reporting.

Today 34 hikers gathered at the Pot Point House for our 3rd annual hike of the 3 mile loop trail, trash gathering as an act of stewardship to the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, and Christmas lunch. With so much rain the river was quite high and we did not get to walk on the lower river's edge part of the trail. We completed the loop via the road and the walkers just would not quit picking up trash. There were so many heavy bags that Larry Parks went to fetch his pickup truck and drove along picking up bags - not hikers. After the lunch was over he graciously took the bags to a land fill saving the Trust folks from this task. Former Wednesday hike leaders Martha Myers, Cynthia Cowan, and Carole Klimesch were there and Doc Moon brought his sought after clippings of fresh Rosemary to take home for rooting. The covered dishes were fabulous and I dare say we ate more calories than we had walked off! With Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wishes we parted for "visions of an afternoon nap". Che Carico, reporting.

The thermometer edged from 29 to 30 degrees in time for our walk on the Riverpark. Thanks to Boodie for seeing the bridge flooding in the paper and calling a ranger, we already knew that the bridge by the Rowing Center would be closed. A bundled cyclist wearing "7 layers including my skin and fat" greeted us and we talked briefly to this brave cyclist, Lin-Fa, before starting out. We traversed the bridge over S. Chick. Creek, where the lower walkway and the boat launch were still under several feet of water from our rains Tuesday night. An area of Riverpark sidewalk by the Amnicola Marsh was this morning turned into an icy puddle. Still, the brisk walk and chatting with friends and new friends kept us warm enough. By turning around at the Rowing Center, our hike was shortened to 7 miles, then several of us drove downtown to Sweet Pepper's for lunch (in a warm restaurant). Enjoying a brisk walk were Gail Hoxworth, Jerry Wright,Bob Fanning, Boodie and Carol Fox, Monty Simmons, Cyrus Baghai, Donna Ruiz, and newlyweds plus 22 years today, Chris O'Connor and Elizabeth O'Connor, hike leader.

So much rain the night before this hike that part of the road up Signal Mountain fell down the mountain side, there was local flooding, and many trees down. The day broke with brilliant sunshine and winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour! With an hour's delay so Signal hikers could find their way down, we began our hike from Ochs Highway on the Guild trail. We turned left on Whiteside, picked up the Shingle Trail near the bathroom at the picnic area on Sander's Road, crossed Ochs highway and trekked on to Glen Falls. Spectacular describes the raging water and everyone was so impressed by this beautiful area "in our own backyard!" In and out netted 5.3 miles and lunch at the Purple Daisy in St. Elmo. Here we discovered the "Nanner puddin" has been voted the "Best in Chattanooga"! Yes, John Rowland was with us today and enjoyed the banana pudding along with: Bill Kinnaman, Kathy Seymour, Bob Rahn, Val Hargis, Debbie Lambert, Trish Appleton, Arlene Swallows, Carole Klimesch, Sharon Hogan, Gary Petty, Reggie Jay, Richard Park, and Che Carico.

Everyone came on their own. Some spent the night before the hike Saturday. We were blessed to have good weather Saturday and Saturday night. Most of our group attended the educational part about the history and advancements of the Inn. Our story teller/singer was a librarian from Georgia who performed some Appalachian songs and read from the poetry of Byron Herbert Reece. The good weather didn’t cooperate when we left Sunday morning. The rain started right before breakfast and continued for two hours. There were several newcomers to the Inn. Attendees were Tim and Elaine Chomyn, Kendra Cross, Betty Petty, Ned and Patti Giles, Tim and Sarah Frost, Karen Dale, Connie Patterson, Richard Park, Charlie Park, Vicki Johnston, Elaine Wolfe, Gary Petty, Judy Berube, Chris Dohman, Uta Levinson. Bill Kinnaman, James Ross, Laura Almazan, John Rowland, Che’ Che’ Carico, Vicki McCoy, Vicki Chambers and organizer, Wayne Chambers.

Fifteen hikers on a beautiful day entered this Cumberland Trail section in a pine thicket off Retro-Hughes Road. We continued on through the forest and along streams until we reached upper Little Possum Creek, where a friend and I had placed large rocks for an easier crossing. We trekked on over two ridges and back down to the creek, then on to Imodium Falls. After a short break we journeyed on to the first of two new bridges where we ate lunch. Then came the steepest and longest climb over another ridge and down along Big Possum Creek, over the second new bridge, and up and out to Heiss Mt. Road near Hwy 111. Enjoying the day were Monty Simmons, Tim Nicholson, Spears McAllester, Wendy Gunn, Trey Baldwin, Lloyd and Karna Levitt, Sheila Bailey, John Hyler, Joe Teringer, Ralph Van Pelt, John Johnson, Randy Morris, newcomer David Dubose, and hike leader Boodie Fox.

Today the Wednesday Hikers gathered at Camp New Dawn, the home and summer camp of Jennie and Dick Chandler in Cedar Grove, Ga. We hiked in the Zahnd Natural Area on the mountainside and took a meandering side trip on part of the Everett/Chandler property adjacent to public land. You can access info about Camp New Dawn at their website: www.campnewdawnga.org. There are cabins on the property for rent to outdoor lovers and hunters and the Chandler's hope to soon offer a guide service when the trails are better established.
Since this was the "Wednesday before the Wednesday before Thanksgiving" we had also planned a lunch to include other hikers who can no-longer go on a regular basis. The meal featured hot dogs roasted on sticks over a wood fire, chili, and so many sides. Pleased with the day of sunshine between many rainy ones and blessed by the beauty of this valley were: Jennie Chandler, Bob Rahn, Val Hargis, Nancy Hoover, Gordon Sweenie, Larry Parks, Richard Park, Bill Kinnaman, Vicki Armour, Carole Klimesch, John Rowland, Cecile Shenouda, Kathleen and Darryl Marshall, Gwen Brimer, Ray Myers, Patti Giles, Jennie's brother Jack Everett, his daughter Stephanie, her friend Craig, and Che Carico.

A group of 8 hikers departed from the Ooltewah Hardee's, and proceeded to the Cherokee National Forest. Due to the rockslide in the Ocoee Gorge the previous week, we were forced to revise our drive to the trailhead. Instead of proceeding by way of FS45 and coming in from the east we approached from the west on FS55. This was a rare case where we were a lot more likely to get disoriented on the drive in than on the trail. The day was sunny and warm, especially for mid-November. While we missed the peak of the color there were clear and distant views of green , brown and red to the left and the right along the summit trail. We encountered and spoke briefly with three backpackers that were planning on camping on top of Big Frog Mountain. With the warm sunshine, the uphill climb was a little more than leisurely and we were glad to reach the ridge top destination at the Chestnut Mtn. trail intersection. After a brief snack the group proceeded quickly back down the ridge to the van. Betty identified some violet gentians in bloom which contrasted loudly with her blaze orange thermals. We also saw several black-eyed susans and noted a few fat squirrels enjoying the bountiful crop of nuts this year. The group consisted of Jane and Max Finch, Sharon Gollop, Faye Nunez, Carolyn Perry, Betty Petty, Monty Simmons and Steve Barnes.

We couldn't have asked for better weather, sunny and rising into the 60s. Laurel Falls parking lot was almost full already when we arrived to drop off our uphill hikers.
This was the longest/steepest hike for some in our group, and everyone did great. With the leaves down, our views of Mt. Le Conte and the surrounding watershed were first-rate. One of my favorite parts of climbing up to the Appalachian Trail is experiencing the transition from deciduous forest to spruce/fir, and from Thunderhead sandstone to the Anakeesta formation. The amount of water on this normally dry trail was a testament to the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida that passed through this week. We hiked into the sun-warmed Rough Creek intersection, our lunch spot, just as the downhill group was finishing up and sharing chocolate. After our leisurely lunch, we continued up the trail, stopping to disperse stacked wood and an illegal fire ring. Later, we detoured to admire the beautiful re-modeled Mt. Collins Shelter. At Sugarlands we re-joined our downhill group who'd also had a wonderful day. When we eventually got dinner at Uno's, it was excellent.
Hiking downhill were Tom Herring, Terry, Linda O'Neal, and Michelle Anderson, co-hike leader. Climbing the ridge were Rita Febrero, Vardan Ter-Antonyan, Laura Almazan, Tim Chomyn, Ralph Van Pelt, Spears McAllester, Elizabeth O'Connor, reporting, and Eric Anderson, co-hike leader.

After an abundance of rainfall on Tuesday, the Wednesday hikers were treated to a beautiful fall day with rushing streams, spectacular waterfalls, and brilliant blue skies for part of the day. Eighteen hikers started out along the Richland Creek in the Laurel/Snow Pocket Wilderness. We talked briefly about the history of the trail - coal mining, railroads - and saw wonderful remnants of stone walls and arches from that time. Six hikers turned around at the bridge that crosses the creek before heading up the mountain. The remaining twelve hiked to one of our favorite lunch destinations - Buzzard Point. It was a little breezy but not enough to keep us from sitting out on the point. We were hopeful that we would see buzzards and/or Sandhill Cranes, but missed out on both. After lunch we trekked on the trail toward Snow Falls, but when we got to the creek crossing the water level was so high and the current so swift that we thought it best not to cross. Instead we scrambled through the broom straw and briars under the power lines to get to the rock outcropping that overlooks the falls. What a treat! Sharing the day were Ray Myers, Bob Rahn, Val Hargis, Bill Kinnaman, Trish Appleton, Stormy McGauley, Arlene Swallows, Larry Parks, Gary Petty, Kathy Seymour, Linda Busby, Tom and Carole Klimesch, Sharon Hogan, Vicki Armour, Cecile Shenouda, Tina Harr and Debbie Lambert reporting.

Panther Creek Falls via East Cowpens: Another brilliant fall day with perfect cool temps found us following Tony Cook and Orval Porter up and over Fort Mountain and into the Cohutta Wilderness in search of Panther Creek Falls. To get to the East Cowpens trailhead and approach to the falls is a longer drive but avoids the water crossings of the approach from 441. We hiked East Cowpens trail to the top of Cowpens Mtn. which is the tallest peak in the Cohutta Wilderness. It is shorter than Big Frog by only 50 feet. I do not think the Georgia trails book I have describes this trail adequately enough to warn of the downhill steepness from the top of Three Forks Mountain into the gorge where the waterfall originates. Sorta grumbled a bit as I imagined the trek back uphill after lunch! Needless to say, lunch at the top of the waterfall was great and we were awed by the depth of the wilderness in which we found ourselves. Several hikers climbed down a short distance to get a better perspective of the waterfall. Not me. I just promised myself to return next year from the other end when it is warm enough to cross the river. Yes, Tony has described the boulder field which must be crossed from that end - we are properly informed! Happy to have conquered another of Tony's "backyard" territory hikes were: Val Hargis, Richard Park, Debbie Lambert, Kathy Seymour, Arlene Swallows, Gary Petty, Stormy McGauley, Orval Porer, Reggie Jay, Patti Giles, new hiker Larry Parks,Trish Appleton, and Che Carico.

Regretfully Bill Kinnaman picked up a rock in his brake pad (as later determined) and had to turn around to return to Elijay to get mechanical help. Ray Myers returned with him to keep him company and Cecile Shenouda also returned with him as she had a AAA Club card in case towing was needed. Such unselfishness on their part!

This hike was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 31st. As of Friday evening the weather forecast was for rain and thunderstorms on Saturday and a dry, Sunny day on Sunday. After considerable discussion it was decided to reschedule the hike for Sunday. As it turned out the weather forecast was correct, for once. As a result the group that turned out on Sunday was able to enjoy this new trail, and the wonderful views of the fall colors. With all of the recent rains the waterfalls were all flowing very well, and so were also enjoyable to see. One of the falls that drops over the edge of the west rim only flows after a lot of rain. The views of it were very good. The Sitton Gulch trail runs beside Daniels Creek, which was also running vigorously, and provided many interesting water features. Since Kendra is known for not wanting to “follow the rules” the group was forced to walk the end loop counterclockwise, contrary to the posted instructions, in order to keep her in good spirits. At the end of this hike it was generally agreed that this is well worth including on future hike agendas. Enjoying the hike were Monty Simmons, Faye Nunez, Kendra Cross, Carolyn Perry, Vardan Ter-Antonyan (His first hike with the club.), Donna Ruiz, Tony and Carol Cook and Bob Fanning reporting. Many thanks to Kendra for all of her help, acting as the local contact, and helping with calls when the weather forecast led us to consider changing our plans. (Note that although we had an excellent Elvis spotter on our hike we did not manage to catch any glimpses of him.)

Today a choice was given to hike up Big Frog with Gary Smith, or hike the Rock Creek/Dry Pond Lead loop in the Little Frog Wilderness with Che leading. Richard, Bill, and Stormy took off with Gary and wound up hiking 12.3 miles. They made a loop by starting up Big Frog trail, on to Fork Ridge trail, then back by Rough Creek trail. The rest of us found a familiar trail to be the loveliest we have ever seen! The recent rains, brilliant leaves, damp fragrance, and rushing Rock Creek made for a breathtaking hike. Yes, we did have to remove boots and roll up pants legs to ford the creek as has been typical of many hikes this year due to all the rain. This incomplete loop (requires short shuttle) remains one of my favorite hikes. Joining me creekside for lunch were: Kathy Seymour, Val Hargis, Ray Myers, JD Dickinson, Bob Rahn, Trish Appleton, Debbie Lambert, new hikers Arlene Swallows and Reggie Jay, Jennie Chandler, Carrie and Isaiah Chandler,and Che Carico

A cloudy gray morning welcomed us to the Chickamauga Battlefield where we began our hike with a temperature of 47 degrees and a slight breeze. Our guide along the way was Thomas Wolfe’s gripping short story, “Chickamauga”. We followed John and Jim as they endured the heat of battle. We stood in the place where they broke through the enemy lines. We climbed the ridge where they bravely charged again and again. And after the surprise ending to the story, we recognized that the battlefield will always be a special place where history can still come alive and touch our hearts. Enjoying a hike through hallowed ground were Karis Lieb, Linda O’Neal, Tim Chomyn, Boodie Fox, Wendy Gunn, Patti and Ned Giles, Doug Cooper, Amy Low, Sharon Lewis, Owen Holbrook, Spears McAllester, Elvis, Carol and Tony Cook, reporting.

Today we had the privilege of being led by Gary Smith on the newly built 3 mile section of the John Muir trail which begins at Towee Creek and comes back in to the trail we usually take from the Appalachia powerhouse. The trail has been rerouted in order to get it away from the Hiwassee River which has been known to exceed it's banks flooding the trail. Given the rains of this year, near the beginning of the hike we encountered a must wade creek crossing! Off came the shoes and up rolled the pants. The remainder of this section was uphill a lot but so very beautiful! Along the way we ran into Rick Harris and Steve Biatowas who were using their chain saws to rid the trail of fallen trees. These two men, Gary, and other members of the Benton MacKaye Trails Association are the builders of this part of the trail. When we intersected the trail which would go back to the powerhouse, we turned left and hiked on to Loss Creek. Here we turned around to return via the trail to the powerhouse giving us @ 8 miles of hiking and a nice loop (a car had been placed here for shuttle). Grateful to all of you out there who build and maintain our trails are: Bob Rahn, Gary Petty, Val Hargis, Stormy McGauley, JD Dickinson, John Rowland, Bill Kinnaman, Kathy Seymour, and Che Carico.

You can never predict the weather in the Smokies. It rained on us all the way to the trailhead at Metcalf Bottoms and then the rain stopped. We had a great hike all day with some trees starting to change. The fall colors should be prime the last two weeks of October. The five hikers that cancelled due to various reasons missed a great hike and day. Hikers included newcomers Betsy Darken and Gary Petty, Elizabeth O’Conner, Calvin Watson, Laura Almazan, and Wayne Chambers reporting.

That’s the proper time to start a hike--- middle of the afternoon! Six of us met and drove to the Big Frog Trail Trailhead in absolutely beautiful weather. We could not have had a prettier day/night for our hike. After so several years of attempting the moonlight hike, we finally got a clear beautiful time for it. This trip was not without it’s adventures however. Only a mile or so in, Chris, who was in the lead, surprised what she thought was a black bear cub in the middle of the trail. She froze immediately to try to spot the mother who might be nearby. This distracted her from what the bear was actually doing; digging up a yellow jacket nest! The bear took off down the mountain leaving the startled humans with a passel of angry bees defending their nest. Several of us got stung.
We made it to the top of Big Frog in time to see the sunset off to the west and a very colorful one it was too. We sat on some logs and ate our supper as the moon came up in the east over Ducktown. Everyone had their flashlights/headlamps and we stayed close together coming off the mountain in the dark with no mishaps. Those along for this hike were Chris Dohmen, Jean Dickenson, Bill Kinnamon, Monty Simmons, Joe Teringer and hike leader, Betty Petty

Today the Wednesday Hikers set off to hike the Buggytop Trail. This is a short trail, only two miles, which ends at the Buggy Top cave opening. A stream comes out of the mouth of the cave and greatly cools the surrounding area. The trail leads into the cave and if you bear right and have a headlamp, you can scramble over the rocks and emerge at a much higher alternate entrance. This seems like a great adventure as it is pitch black dark and the footing requires slow and careful placement of your steps. After emerging, turn left to go a short distance to check out the Peter's Cave entrance, or turn right and continue back over the top of the cave entrance and rejoin the trail to retrace the first two miles. It was past lunch time by this time, but we had snacked and saved our real lunch break for the Natural Bridge. The Mountain Outfitters store has moved into a much larger building and several of today's hikers found real bargains in the 50% off section! Turning toward Sonic for happy hour and then heading for home were: Gary Petty, Ray Meyers (so glad to have you back on the trail with us!), Jenny Chandler, Stormy McGauley, Bob Rahn, Bill Kinnaman, Kathy Seymour, Val Hargis, Dick Chandler, Trish Appleton, and Che Carico.

While not quite brisk, the weather was much improved over the dreadful summer humidity. Eight of us set out from Elkmont while the other three drove up to Clingman's Dome to their trailhead. Wayne did Not Forget Anything! Once we turned right onto the Goshen Prong trail, there began a lively debate as to whether or not it's acceptable to remove buckeye seeds from the park. We hiked up the Goshen Prong trail to lunch at campsite 23, where Tim Chomyn shared homemade brownies. Suddenly Cyrus, grinning, told Sharon, "I am not talking to you anymore!" Well, Sharon's comment about getting a tattoo "at your age" was enjoyed by everyone else at least. Some of us got a glimpse of Cyrus's sunburst tattoo at the A.T. intersection. Not long after lunch, we met John, Jerry and Kendra and made sure to exchange keys. My favorite botanical colors today were the pink turtleheads and the hearts-a-bustin. We arrived at Sugarlands not long after our downhill group and were surprised by their wet hiking clothes. They were rained on after lunch but on the A.T. the rest of us were above the clouds admiring the swirling gray below.
The park and trails were busy today on this holiday weekend with lots of hikers setting out with overnight packs. After our vigorous hike, we had good appetites for dinner at Timber's.
Enjoying the Smokies were John Rowland, co-leader, Jerry Wright, Kendra Cross, Sharon Hixon, Wayne Chambers, Bill Kinnaman, Eric Anderson, Tim Nicholson, Tim Chomyn, Cyrus Baghai, and Elizabeth O'Connor, hike leader.

When I pulled up to meet the hikers at the BiLo in East Ridge today I thought maybe someone had announced that we were having a covered dish lunch because there were so many folks gathered there. Not so. The excitement and great turnout was because we were meeting Tony Cook in Ringgold and going on to hike the Jack's River Trail with him! This is a trail most of the Wednesday hikers had only heard about and always wanted to do. None of us were disappointed as we carefully forded the river 18 times following Tony's careful instructions about planting poles and carefully placing one foot at a time between the rocks. Yes I fell in as did several others, but this didn't matter as it only meant we cooled off a little more than those who crossed without falling in! Lunch was beside the river in a beautiful spot and there seemed to be no rush to get on back down the trail. Joe Pye weed, asters, and lobelia decorated the trail in this amazingly beautiful wilderness. Tony's history lesson was greatly appreciated and we realize he has lots more such lessons to share about other areas. Looking forward to more time shared. All made it back safely (one wet cellphone!) after rounding up all the mismatched boots. If you have tricksters in your midst, be careful where you hide your boots if you leave them in the woods after the first two miles rather than carrying them along for the rest of the hike! Experienced Jack's River hikers Betty Petty and Eric Anderson joined Tony and new hikers Jean Dickinson and Gary Petty, Val Hargis, Gwen Brimer, Kathy Seymour, Bruce Cardall, Richard Park, Sharon Hogan, John Rowland, Trish Appleton, Bill Kinnaman, Jennie Chandler, and Che Carico in this "must do" adventure.

We had just set up the car shuttle, leaving Wayne's car at the hike's end point. While he was putting on his boots, I asked purely and simply as a joke, "Wayne, you got your car keys?" "Oh, Lord, no!" was the reply, and he immediately jumped up and grabbed his keys from where he had left them in the other car. So, sorry folks, but I don't have any horror story of a car shuttle that imploded. But it was darn close! We had a beautiful day, quite cool and breezy for August. Low hanging clouds blocked our view from the Jumpoff, but after lunch at Icewater Springs shelter, the views from Charlie's Bunion were great, as usual. And we watched a couple of hawks soaring below us over the Porter's Creek area. The hike down Dry Sluice Gap, Grassy Branch, and Kephart Prong trails was most enjoyable, with lots of summer wildflowers on the Grassy Branch portion.
Dinner was at the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille in Pigeon Forge, a great suggestion from Cyrus, our man in Pigeon Forge. The "Magnificent Seven" hikers were Donna Ruiz, Cyrus Baghai, Bob Fanning, Wayne Chambers, John Hyler, Tim Nicholson, and John Rowland reporting.

Everyone who has led a hike is gratified when folks show up to follow in his or her footsteps. Gratification is certainly what I felt today when 14 hikers came out on a 95 degree forecasted day to hike a new to us 5 mile section on Raccoon Mountain! You may know that SORBA (Southeast Off Road Bicycle Association) has completed a 10 mile loop around the top of Raccoon Mountain and today's hike found us on the Megawatt and Grinder Ridge sections. Such a beautiful trail so close to home. It gives you a great workout with its ups and downs, you walk below and in awe of the dam, and there are beautiful views of the river. Only a few times (since this was a weekday) did we happily step aside for oncoming bikers. We left one car at the Switch Yard then drove on down to the trail access on the road to Laurel Point. Halfway into the hike we came upon and enjoyed a brief stop at the visitor's center. Our "meat and three" today was at Mickey's Eatz and Sweetz across the street from the Food Lion at Brown's Ferry exit. Enjoying food and fellowship were: John Searcy, Bob Rahn, Stormy McGauley, Kathy Seymour, Gwen Brimer, Gail Stokes, Anne Campbell, Val Hargis, Bill Kinnaman, Jennie Chandler, Linda Busby, Trish Appleton, if your name is John you get 'nanner' pudding Rowland, and Che Carico, reporting.

This was a day of early morning storms which seemed to be leaving the area. So off most of us went to the Ocoee to hike the trail from Boyd's Gap to Thunder Rock campground. The fault in my prediction that the rain was over is that we were driving in the direction of the passing rain! Therefore, we walked for about an hour in a rather hard rain and the trail was quite slippery. When the rain did stop the sun came out, skies were blue, and the trail now followed the river. We ate lunch on the porch of the Whitewater Center. Everyone had a rocking chair, pleasant breeze, and a view of the river. After crossing the bridge to the other side of the river, we picked up the trail to Thunder Rock where we had left a car. This is a lovely 5+ mile trek and we thanked Gary Smith for being our leader. Other hikers were: Bill Kinnaman, Kathy Seymour, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Stormy McGauley, Trish Appleton, Gayle Stokes, and Che Carico, reporting.

After a long drive to get to the trailhead, we were pleased to discover that the temperatures were lower at the high elevation than in the valley. We went in at the Wolf Laurel Trailhead in the Nantahala NF. This trailhead is about 11 miles off the Cherohala Skyway. Several hikers were concerned as we descended steeply along the dirt road to Wolf Laurel Creek. But fears were eased as we drove upward beside Wolf Laurel Creek with its many cascades to the trailhead. These trails are overgrown, eroded and unkempt becoming more so the higher you climb. We gained Bob’s Bald by noon via the Wolf Laurel Trail, a section of the Bob Stratton Trail, and part of Haoe Lead Trail and ate lunch amid the blooming phlox. The Turk’s Cap lilies were past their peak and not nearly so abundant as in past years. Following lunch we went on out to the Hangover on Haoe Lead for the spectacular 360 degree view of the two wildernesses. We only met two hikers up on top and another couple coming in as we were coming out.
We had dinner at the Tellicafe in Tellico Plains on the way home. Hikers along for this wilderness trek were Laura Almazan, Donald Bodley, Doug Cooper, Vicki Johnston, Bill Kinnaman, Lynne Roberts, Lori Smith, Terry Smith, Monty Simmons and hike leader, Betty Petty, reporting.

The Wednesday Hikers raft the Hiwassee in duckies at least once a summer and today was the day. 28 people came out - some to hike, some to raft, and all to eat! 7 hikers hiked a short section of the John Muir trail while the rafters came downstream from the put-in and pulled ashore at the picnic area beside the road and river. It was here the hikers (who had completed their walk) had set up the lunch and started a fire for the hot dog roasting and chili cooking. Everyone contributed to this eating experience and a fine "buffet" was presented there by the rushing water and in sunshine shielded occasionally by clouds. Several school children accompanied their parents and grandparents. They really seemed to enjoy this outing before returning to school the next week. After packing up, the rafters continued their journey downstream to end at Webb's store. The hikers returned by car while stopping several places along the road to take pictures of the rafters from high above the river. I will plan better next year to allow more time for the hikers to get in a little more distance. Otherwise, what a great day!!! Che Carico, reporting.

Thirteen lucky individuals enjoyed a beautiful morning hike at Lula Lake on this day. From the parking area, we began our hike on the Middle Road trail and quickly turned off onto the Rock Creek trail, which several individuals hadn't been on before. After a short, but nice, walk along Rock Creek, we started back on the Middle Road trail to begin our short ascent up to the the bluff road. By then it was starting to get a little warm, but the weather was still nice and the skies were clear. As we walked along the bluff road, the youngest hiker in the group, seven year old Christain, and I decided to run for a while....a very short while! For a moment, I felt as young as my new little hiking buddy, but age quickly caught up with me. After a break on the bluff, enjoying the view looking over Flinstone, GA, we walked on down to the falls. Our young fellow was rewarded with the view he had been waiting for all day, Lula Lake. After going to see Lula Falls and walking back to the lake, folks were allowed to linger as long as they pleased. Several in our group decided to go down next to the lake to walk around, relax, and enjoy the peace that being next to water can bring. Those enjoying the day were Bruce Cardall, Karen Gamble, Boodie Fox, Jenny Willard, Faye Nunez, Carolyn Perry, Tony and Carol Cook, Gail Stokes, John Rowland, Eric Light and his son Christain, and hike leader Kendra Cross.

The road was dusty and the July air was hot and humid, but once we got our feet in the river, it was all worth it. Back and forth across the river 18 times was enough to keep us cool as we hiked 8 miles of the Jack's River trail in the Cohutta Wilderness. We saw a 12 foot python (maybe it was a 12 inch northern water snake) sunning on the rocks at our very first crossing. Several of us slipped on occasion and took a refreshing dip in the scenic river much to the delight of our cheering comrades. At lunch we regressed to the age of 7 so we could laugh at a storyteller who never did tell us what "begat" means. The "meditation effect" of the river crossings made us totally relaxed at the end of the hike and we all went to sleep on our way back home - except for the poor old drivers. Up the wild river without a paddle were - Sheila Bailey, Gale Arden, Tim Chomyn, Monty Simmons, Donna Ruiz, Karna and Lloyd Levitt, Don Bodley, Carol Cook, Elvis, and Tony Cook reporting.

Mb>Signal Mountain: It is hard to believe so many had not hiked the segments of trails we covered today since Signal Mountain is such familiar territory. But it was true! We began at the end of Sam Powell Road where you access the trail from the parking lot below the soccer fields. We turned left on the blue marked trail and hiked around that part of the loop until we found the yellow blazes going off the right toward Edward's Point. Instead of going to Edward's Point, when we came to the orange marked trail which crossed over our trail, we turned left. You really have to look hard for the orange blazes to realize you are on the right trail. The orange trail makes a left curving turn then a hard right turn to then follow Middle Creek ( it was rather dry today) in the direction of Rainbow Lake. Here the trail has been changed a lot by 4 wheelers and there was a bit of confusion, but with a phone call from the trail to Sam Powell, he steered us in the right direction and we found ourselves walking under another of the rock bluffs typical of the Cumberland Plateau trails. Sam stated that he and Caroline Woerner have plans to reblaze these trails soon. I told him we could certainly help on a Wednesday. We turned left crossing over Middle Creek on the Middle Creek bridge then walked on around, past the remains of the old Girl Scout cabin and the newly rebuilt (by Robert Rittenberry as an Eagle Scout project) spring house over Burnt Cabin Springs, to come up and out at the Ohio entrance to Rainbow Lake. I estimate this to be a 5 mile hike - another morning only hike. And yes we enjoyed lunch together on the deck of Ayalla's Mexican Restaurant on Taft Highway. Happy Hikers were Trish Appleton, Bruce Cardall, Don and Ima Stewart, Cecile Shenouda, Richard Park, Debbie Lambert, Gwen Brimer, Stormy McGauley, Bill Kinnaman, and Che Carico, reporting.

Seven of us met at the Hardee’s in Ooltewah at the hour of 7:15 (UGH!!!) to depart for our hike. We made it to the Bald River Fall’s parking by 9:15 even after stopping to pick up two hikers in Cleveland. Don Bodley met us at the parking lot bringing our number up to 10, the limit for a wilderness hike. There were still a few parking places available at that hour. We had a beautiful and otherwise uneventful trip to the cascades at the other end of the Bald River Trail. After a lunch peacefully sitting on rocks in the middle of the cascades, we went back the way we came. We encountered our first other hikers of the day a mile or so down stream from the cascades. We also encountered our only misadventure of the day about halfway back. Bill Kinnaman and I were stung by yellow jackets. Bill saved us both with some Sting Ease. When we got back to the top of the falls where there is a nice wading pool, I had to cool off my feet and my sting in the cold water. When we got down to the parking area around 3, it was jammed with people as is usual on weekends in the summer. Those enjoying this day of strolling by the river were Randy Holcomb, Donald Bodley, Lora Smith , Sarah Frost, Ned and Patti Giles, Kathy Seymour, Bill Kinnaman, and hike leader Betty Petty

Having met some folks from the Smokey Mountain Hiking Club who are trying to hike every open section of the Cumberland Trail and mark a map, the Wednesday hikers liked the idea and today set foot on the Little Soddy Gorge trail for the first time. We began this section at the intersection of Hotwater and Sluder Roads and ended at Mowbray Mountain Road. This is a lovely and varied section with ups and downs, streams and a waterfall on wetter days, a narrow rock passage, blackberries easily reached and ripe for picking and eating, and a beautiful open overlook of the Soddy Daisy area and beyond toward the lake. Boodie thinks this section is about 6 miles and it is a great morning only hike. Susan Bryant had told us about the acid polluted stream near the Mowbray Mountain Road end of the trail. Sure enough the water was quite orange and Susan explained the acidity comes from water passing through the abandoned coal mining chambers deep underground. The North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy hopes to find a way to correct this pollution. It will be a while before the Cumberland Trail is completed, but we intend to follow the lead from our friends in Maryville and Knoxville to hike the open sections and mark our maps after the fashion of marking the map of the Great Smokey Mountain trails. It must be a worthwhile pursuit if these hikers, who have completed all of the Smokies trails, have moved on to do the same with the Cumberland Trail. Trekking today with us was Elizabeth O'Connor ( I did introduce her with all of her amazing hiking credentials!), Nancy Hoover, Kathy Seymour, Bruce Cardall, Pete Rittenberry, Stormy McGauley, Patti Giles, Bob Rahn, Vall Hargis, Trish Appleton, Bill Kinnaman, and Che Carico, reporting.

Thanks to Susan Bryant, the Wednesday Hikers were quite possibly the first group to hike the newly built section of the Cumberland Trail which begins at Barker Camp Road on top of Montlake Mountain and goes into the North Chick Gorge to Stevenson's Branch campsite. This then is an extension of the trail which we have all hiked lots beginning at the North Chickamauga Creek, hiking up to the top of the gorge (past the ladder, coal mine entrances, the rope creek crossing), then back down into the gorge to the creek once again. The trail has always gone on from here to Stevenson's Branch, but has been grown up and there are lots of boulders. Now the way is clearer to complete this section all the way through. We made notes of the roads and turns to make to get to the trailhead on top of the mountain and will share this info. You will need to know how to get to this end if hiking in and out or to shuttle for a through hike. Lunch was by the trickling waterfall at Stevenson's Branch with great seating built out of stone like the seating we find at the campsite on Piney River. Hikers on this new to us trail were: Richard Park, Sarah Frost, Val Hargis, Cecile Shenouda, Ima and Don Stewart, Gwen Brimer, Stormy McGauley, Che Carico, and leader Susan Bryant. Reported by Che Carico.

Chris Dohmen, Bob Rahn, and I spent 2 nights at campsite #13 just down from Gregory Bald on June 29-30. After two dayhikes to see the azaleas in each of the last two years, I wanted to go up there and have an entire day to just wander around (or lay around!) and soak it all up. Mission accomplished!
We didn't get on the Gregory Bald trail out of Sam's Gap on Parsons Branch Road until almost 6PM. Then about halfway up Chris, who was out ahead of Bob and I, rounded a bend and startled mama bear and two cubs about 30 yards ahead. The two cubs immediately scampered up two different trees, while mama bear huffed at the intruder, who slowly backed up a ways. Mama bear went down into the woods off the trail, and one of the cubs was way up a tree well off to the side of the trail, but the other cub was in a treetop right beside the trail, and mama was still huffing at us. You don't have to speak bear fluently to know what that sound means, it's unmistakeable; so we all backed up a little farther, but still to where we could see the cub that was treed right beside the trail. Finally it started down, then further down it disappeared from our view. We stayed where we were for a little while longer, then carefully proceeded up the trail, talking so that mama could hear us. But we didn't see any of them, and most importantly we didn't hear mama huffing at us any more. So we made it to the campsite at 9PM, just in time to set up our tents before it got really dark. This trip was later than I usually go, so I was wondering how the azaleas would be. When we got to the bald about 10AM, you could tell they were a little past their peak, but still the bald was spectacular as usual. And it was a wonderfully clear and reasonably cool day, considering July was just a day away. The clear blue skies and the lack of the usual Smoky Mountain haze was quite remarkable, almost stealing the show from the beauty of the azaleas - almost. We wandered around, enjoying the azaleas and taking pictures, then laid in the grass for an hour or so and marveled at how clearly we could see Cades Cove below. And maybe we even napped a little.
We went back to the campsite about 3PM for a late lunch/early dinner, then returned to the bald about 5PM. By now there were lots of puffy white clouds, but the haze was still missing. I took some more pictures, for which I got a lot of kidding from Chris; I did go nuts with the camera - over 150 shots in one day - but that's the beauty of a digital camera, just keep firing away and then weed out the duds when you get home. We had intended to stay up there until sunset, but it was quite breezy and eventually became downright chilly. So we decided that where the sun would actually be setting wouldn't provide all that great a sunset, and we headed back to camp about 8PM.
Just to bring us down to earth from the euphoria of a perfect day spent on the bald, we got rained on from about 4AM to about 8AM the next morning. It was kind of like a symphony, starting out with a little lightning, then a brief shower, then a lull, then more lightning, a little thunder and a stronger rain, then another lull, then building to a full-blown crescendo of loudly crackling lightning, booming ground-shaking thunder, and a deluge of rain. But when it was all over we were pretty much dry, and our gear was mostly only damp around the edges. We packed up our wet tents and headed back to the car, very glad that we had made the trip, and happy that the good weather and the bad weather had aligned the way they did. Reported by John Rowland.

What a nice day for a morning only hike on Raccoon Mountain as the forecast was for 94! This was not a day to hike the entire loop around the top of the mountain since it would be so hot after lunch. We chose to explore the loop beginning at the parking area on the way down the road to the Laurel Point recreation area. The River Gorge trail enters the woods here, makes a turn left and continues on around toward and passing the picnic area, then loops on back to the parking area. We did include the Split Rock side loop and figure we hiked at least 5 miles. Deer and turkey were the featured wildlife spotted today. Lunch was at the Southern Star and all cars finally did end up there with many different routes having been taken! Enjoying great food were: John Rowland, Val Hargis, Trish Appleton, Gwen Brimer, Richard Park, Bill Prince (new Wednesday hiker), Cecile Shenouda, Bruce Cardall, Ann Huckaba, Pete Rittenberry, and Che Carico

Fourteen hikers set out June 27 for a hot day of hiking to Ramsey Cascades. We left at 8:00 instead of 7:00 for this 8 mile hike. It was hot when we got on the trail and hot when we got off even though we climbed 2250 feet to 4300 feet elevation. We had to hunt a parking place as many hikers arrived sooner than us. The Cascades were really flowing and was enjoyed by all. We had a few injuries with two people getting sick, two fell, so we were slow coming down. Several of us commented that we had forgotten how beautiful this trail was. Hikers include Tim Chomyn Jackie Hasty, Richard Park, Melissa Moreau, Susan Faidley, newcomers’ Randy Holcomb and Lori Evans, Spears McAllester , Ralph Van Pelt, Chris Dohmen, John Rowland, John Hyler, Tim Nicholson, and Hike Leader, Wayne Chambers

To commemorate the club’s beginning and its first official hike (on Lookout Mountain’s Bluff Trail), 2 hikes were scheduled across it, each coming from opposite directions, ending up at a reception at the Humphreys House at Reflection Riding.

Strenuous: Susan Faidley led the 10+ mile hike up Lookout Mountain to Sunset Rock, to Skyuka Spring, and down to the Humphreys House. Even at 8:00 in the morning as we began our climb up the mountain toward Sunset Rock, the heat and humidity were oppressive and energy sapping. Although the official temperature in Chattanooga eventually reached 97, and it would have been a couple of degrees less on the mountain (though some would challenge that), Susan had wisely recommended everyone bring at least 3 liters of drink, which most everyone did.
Along the way, using his geology background, Gilbert Treadwell (first time hiker with us, and who may have received a trail name of “Rock Man” today) frequently pointed out and enlightened us regarding the nature, origin, and composition of the rock formations that make up the mountain. - - Like the 2 teams of players following a youths’ softball game, we greeted Kendra Cross and her group of hikes as we passed on the Bluff Trail, touching hands (and an occasional hug). - - Sometimes at the beginning of a hike with first time hikers, we joke about it being a successful hike when we finish with at least 90% of those who started. Today we started with 10 hikers, and finished with 11. (We gained a member who was hiking on the mountain independent of our 2 groups, but finished with us.)
After a break at Skyuka Spring, we continued to the Humphreys House with its most welcome air conditioning; drinks and snacks (thank you John) and cookies (you need to get the recipe from Kendra); and friends (some of whom we had not seen in quite some time). John Rowland, Mary Young and Harold Wilkey, Doug Cooper and others had been there since mid-morning setting up and displaying many interesting things (photographs, Mary’s collection of club newsletters, etc.) to make this a memorable and enjoyable reunion and celebration.
Those on this hike were Wayne Chambers, Tim Choymn, Susan Faidley, Sarah Frost, Wendy Gunn, Sharon Hixson, Owen Holbrook (#11), Spears McAllester, Richard Park, Gilbert Treadwell, and Donald Box, reporting.

Moderate After meeting some hikers at Bi Lo, then some more at Cravens House, we finally were off to Ochs Gateway to begin our hike. It was already hot and humid when we began our descent down to the Bluff Trail, which was the site of the inaugural hike of the Chattanooga Hiking Club twenty years ago. The pace was slow and allowed ample opportunity for friends who hadn't seen each other in quite a while to catch up on each others lives and to share memories of hikes past, and first time hikers to make new friends. We had a very pleasant encounter with Susan Faidley and her group who were doing a more strenuous hike than we were. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves even though the hike leader made them go almost two hours before sitting down to rest! After our break we were anxious to finish the hike and get to the anniversary celebration at Humphreys House, so we picked up the pace a little. In our haste to finish, we inadvertently did a Donald Box/Wayne Chambers imitation by going right when we should've gone left! We realized our mistake when Lynne and Faye asked "Are we supposed to be going under the incline?" (NO!) Thankfully we hadn't gone too far because the trail back to the correct turn was all uphill! After our "detour" it was just a short distance back to Cravens House. Some went on the Humphreys House while I drove several folks back to Ochs Gateway to retrieve their vehicles. Thanks to Randy Holcomb for being the sweep. Those along for the hot/humid hike were Sherry Gilreath, new hiker Jenny Willard, Faye Nunez, new hiker Randy Holcomb, Charlie Sammons, Lin-Fa Lee, Lynne Finnell, Joel and Sharon Gollop, Bruce Cardall, Karen Gamble, Bob and Kim Butters, Val Hargis, Trish Appleton and hike leader Kendra Cross.

We were looking at a picture of a group of hikers dated 2008. Problem was, there were two gentlemen we readily recognized but from the amount of hair and especially the color of the hair, we knew there was no way it was a 2008 hike! (It later got corrected to 2000). And so it went. We greeted friends old and new, talked and laughed about recent and not-so-recent hikes, enjoyed the air-conditioned comfort of the Humphreys House (especially those who had hiked in the heat that day), and generally had a most enjoyable time. Thanks to all who attended (about 40) and especially to those who aren't able to join us on the trail much anymore. And many thanks to those who put in the sweat equity to allow us to use the Humphreys House - Che Carico, Val Hargis, Gwen Brimer, Trish Appleton, Boodie Fox, Donald Box, Betty Petty, Bob Fanning, Kathy Ryan, Joe Teringer, Mary Young, and John Rowland, reporting.

Motto for this trip: "Don't look Ethel!"
John rounded up 8 hikers to take to another one of his favorite places - Roan Mountain and the trail up Little Hump and Big Hump. We took off with temps in the 90s and with the advice to bring hats, sunscreen, and lots of water as the trail had lots of open exposure. Storms had not moved out of the Elizabethton area by the time we arrived so we waited the rain out in a McDonald's with long faces! The goal for the 17th was to visit and see the Rhododendron at Roan Mountain Gardens. The rain did let up and we walked the gardens with a fine mist swirling all around. This limited our views of the mountains covered with blossoms, but we got a real good idea of the beauty of this natural area.
After a great dinner at Appleby's and a good night's rest, we set out on the 18th for the trailhead. I was envisioning very little shade and was quite relieved to find myself hiking on a forested trail as we were expecting to get quite warm later. Our first grand discovery came as we approached the old red barn- a clump of Gray's lilies. Eric Anderson had spoken of the lilies in the area, but we weren't sure we would find or recognize them. Not to worry - they were so numerous along the trail and there was even one out in the open near the fence as we approached the top of Big Hump. The deep red/orange color of the lilies was rivaled by surrounding flame azaleas. They grow mighty big earthworms in this area! We saw several that looked like small snakes in size, but were indeed earthworms. Could have baited many a fish hook with one of them!
Never having hiked this trail, when I got to the top of Little Hump I felt great success and wondered just how bad Big Hump could be by comparison. Upon emerging from the forest we had traveled through from the top of Little Hump, there "it" was and all I could say was "Oh my God! Oh my God!!" My exclamation was then followed by John's "Don't look Ethel!" By shouting out these words to those coming along behind he made us laugh, take a deep breath, a swig of water, and begin the ascent. The cloud cover which had protected us remained with occasional breaks and rays of sunshine. The breeze was really a wind so strong that the tall grasses and yellow flowers along the mountainside were bent over and wavy. We had taken our jackets off and on but wore them especially while eating our lunches on the Big Hump summit. On the trip down we had the pleasure of meeting up with quite a few AT hikers. After sharing our leftover food supplies and enjoying their appreciation, we are happy to be official Trail Angels.
This was an amazing hike and trip! The final happy moments were spent at Dandridge Seafood Company (one of John's favorites until they stopped serving tuna) and all made it safely home with "visions of Big Hump dancing in our heads!" Blessed by this outing were: Pam and Richard Park, Gwen Brimer, Debbie Lambert, Freda Keener, Val Hargis, Trish Appleton, Che Carico and John Rowland. Reported by Che Carico

We escaped the predicted thundershowers in the Smokies at Clingman’s Dome and had a beautiful day and hike. The visibility was great. Andrews Bald had a number of flame azaleas in bloom with many others about to bloom. The Catawba rhododendron were more plentiful that the azaleas. We proceeded down the AT from the Dome on a rather muddy trail to Newfound Gap. As we finished, the predicted showers came. Since we were at high elevation, it was ideal hiking conditions. Due to the Knoxville Symphony at Cades Cove, we had to struggle to find a place for dinner at Townsend. Those participating were Terry Smith, Sarah Frost, Calvin Watson, Bill Kinnaman, Jerry Wright, Wendy Gunn, Kathy Ryan, and Wayne Chambers.

A great day for trail maintenance: relatively cool, low humidity, light breeze, and working in shade of the tree canopy. Too bad we had a disappointingly small turnout for our National Trails Day work session (particularly since the location was local this year).
Reflection Riding’s Dave Hopkins met us at the barn where he showed us some of the equipment and a number of interesting/unique things (like the worm farm), plus some great pictures taken at Reflection Riding of hawks and an owl. Afterward, with loppers and clippers we began clearing the growth infringing on the trail behind the pavilion. Next we did the same on a section of the Profile Trail (which had several spots that were really encumbered with growth and downed branches). Those representing our club and making a difference were Bob Fanning, Betty Petty, John Rowland, Kathy Ryan, Joe Teringer, Mary Young, and Donald Box, reporting

My first experience to Benton Falls was down the Benton Falls trail, lunch at the falls, then back up the trail - rather a short hike. Since then we have discovered a sequence of trails which have more diversity and length. We began on the Azalea Trail where we were rewarded with Flame Azaleas, stepped onto the Red Leaf trail for a short distance, turned off left onto the Clear Creek Trail, turned right on the Rim Rock Trail, right on the Clemmer Trail and on up the trail to the waterfall for lunch. After foot soaking by most and a waterfall shower by Bill and Richard, we started back up the Benton Falls Trail. Richard swears something "quite large" was making its way through the woods near him as he was the first to climb back up the trail from the waterfall! Remembering the bear attack of a few years ago, we stuck closer together as we left the area heading back down the Clemmer to access the Slick Rock Trail and add a little more distance to our hike. The flame azaleas were brilliant today and we discovered a new wildflower along the paved road to the trailhead - the Common Yellow Flax. Since the sky was so clear, views of the area including Parksville Lake, Big Frog, and Sugar Loaf were spectacular from the pull offs along the road to the mountain top. We were happy to have Betty Petty hiking with us today! She was welcomed by: Gail Stokes, Richard Park, Bill Kinnamon, Don Stewart, Ima Stewart, Patti Giles, Debbie Lambert, Bob Rahn, Gwen Brimer, Ray Myers, Val Hargis, Trish Appleton, John Rowland, Kathy Seymour, and Che Carico.

One of our favorite short hikes with lunch as the prime objective is the Savage Gulf Day Loop. Today it was raining all over Chattanooga with varying intensity. However, the radar showed the rain moving out of the area and 10 hikers came on out in spite of the hard local rain and fog. Sure enough, by the time we reached the Savage Gulf trailhead the skies were blue and remained so for the entire hike. We are so glad not to have missed this day and hike because the Mountain Laurel bloomed everywhere we looked! The forest has never showed us such a display before. Guess this year's rain brought out the best in the laurel. After enjoying this trail absolutely lined with the laurel and stopping long enough to check out the waterfall from the bluff overlooking and then down below, we headed on out to the Cookie Jar in Dunlap where several other regulars met us for lunch. Friends who enjoyed the day were: Debbie Lambert, Seth Carico, Gwen Brimer, Val Hargis, John Rowland, Bob Rahn, Bill Kinnamon, Ray Myers, Pete Moore, Nancy Hoover, Don and Ima Stewart, and Che Carico.

Under overcast skies, with the knowledge there was about a 70% chance of showers before we got off the trail, a dozen of us began our 8 ½-mile hike at the Snoopers’ Rock Overlook on part of the Mullins Cove Loop Trail. We followed it to the Indian Rock House, and then took the Cumberland Trail past the wonderful and impressive rock formations and bluffs (stopping at the Lusk Point Overlook) to .6 of a mile from Suck Creek Road. At this point we took the little-traveled, rocky, but pretty spur trail to the road. Contrasting against the green poison ivy and brightening our day, we often saw blooming Indian pink, spiderwort, and skullcap flowers (and a nice Jack-in-the-pulpit). Those getting off the trail without getting rained on were Tim Choymn, Kendra Cross, Sarah Frost (assistant leader), Patti & Ned Giles, Wendy Gunn, Bill Kinnaman, Karna & Lloyd Levitt, John Rowland, Kathy Ryan, and Donald Box, reporting

This spring we have had so much water and our favorite waterfalls put on quite a show! So it was with Snow Falls. Twelve hikers set out on the trail to Snow Falls under "bluebird day" skies. Water tumbled down Richland Creek and especially under the swinging bridge on the Snow Falls portion of the Laurel/Snow Pocket Wilderness. Not so many wildflowers today, but the Mountain Laurel was blooming as hoped for. Several new hikers joined us in rolling up pants legs and wading in the creek you encounter about 100 yards from the bluff over Snow Falls. This is always fun! Some had followed my suggestion and carried water shoes, while other "tenderfoots" just waded barefoot. We climbed down through the rock to lunch at the bottom of the waterfall which was roaring and had filled the pool at its base which was dry last year. We missed "Happy Hour" at Sonic, but enjoyed refreshing drinks there anyway. Happy to have shared the day were: Bob Rahn, Ray Myers, Don Stewart, Ima Stewart, Val Hargis, Bill Kinnamon, Richard Park, Alice Coffman, John Rowland, Debbie Lambert, Trish Appleton, and Che Carico

Our planned trip to Black Mountain was to have been last week, but was certainly rained out. So, as we were going there a week later than preferred, we were afraid the noteable Pink Lady Slippers would have faded away. Not so! Lots to be seen along the trail this day, along with Wild Geranium, Yellow Trillium, flowering May Apples, Larkspur, and more Fire Pink than we have ever seen. I do so love this trail and today we were taking three hikers who had never been. The trail has such diversity and our new hikers were thrilled. Lunch was on top of our usual "big rock" at the trails turnaround point. However, today Val, Trish, and Bob explored the spur trail to the overlook which I usually pass up. They reported (and Val made pictures) that the view is better there as the trees are not quite so grown up. There is plenty of "sitting room" there also. Stopping at PaPaws on the way home for picked that morning strawberries (if you stop on the way to the trail and put in an order, they will save the berries in their walk-in cooler for pickup on the way home) were: Val Hargis, Bill Kinnamon, Trish Appleton, Debbie Lambert, Gwen Brimer, Richard Park, Sarah Frost, Kathleen and Darryl Marshall, Alice Coffman, Ray Myers, Bob Rahn, and Che Carico.

There was a rumour about yellow Lady Slippers being spotted on the Virgin Falls trail and, since there has been so much rain lately, we knew the waterfalls would be spectacular. Off we went with rain again in the afternoon forecast. We were rewarded with the Lady Slipper spotting, tremendous water, "fields" of Jack in the Pupits, several Showy Orchis, and no rain until the return trip home! Since the temperature approached 80 degrees as we hiked out, all hikers stopped for a little R & R foot soaking at the Big Branch Falls before trekking the last mile to the cars. With Cherry Limeades in hand from the Sparta Sonic these folks headed home: Gwen Brimer, Bill Kinnamon, Trish Appleton, Margaret Reisman, Karen Ramsey, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Debbie Lambert, and Che Carico.

The end of April is always one of my favorite times to be in the outdoors. The wildflowers seem to carpet the hillsides and the birds overhead triumphantly proclaim the beginning of a new season.
Such was the case during our annual wildflower backpack to witness these floral and faunal jewels of the woods. I wanted to ensure that the other four seasoned backpackers who joined me on this trip got their money’s worth; so, I threw in some significant elevation gains, a respectable amount of mileage (about 27 miles overall), and a number of decent creek and river crossings. What I did not figure into the equation was the unanticipated heat.
Temperatures in the 80’s were prevalent throughout the three day trip. The heat was immediately evident as we made the steep climb from the Tellico River valley to the top of Sugar Mountain. The appropriately named Ovenbird seemed to berate us with its emphatic “teacher, teacher, teacher” song as we trudged up Betty Petty’s section of the Benton MacKaye trail. Perhaps I, being a school teacher, was most affected by this vociferous onslaught. At the top of Sugar Mountain, non-club member Tipi Walter joined our crew and remained with us for most of the trip. Tipi is an experienced outdoorsman who spends at least a dozen days a month in the backcountry, especially the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Our first day concluded with two water crossings on the opposite side of Sugar Mountain, and then another push up the headwaters of Brookshire Creek. The gentle murmur of Brookshire Creek was a pleasant antidote for our weary muscles that evening.
We continued climbing the next day as we made progress up the headwaters of Brookshire Creek toward the State Line Trail (also part of the Benton MacKaye Trail). Black-throated Blue Warblers sang their “I am real lazy” sounding songs as if they were making fun of their featherless friends entering their territories. After we reached the ridge separating the States of Tennessee and North Carolina, we had a long, but pleasant trek in high elevation country toward the Kirkland Creek Trail. Many wildflowers, including three species of Trillium, Dutchman’s Breeches, and May-apple made the undulating journey pass relatively quickly. Once we eventually reached the Kirkland Creek Trail in Sandy Gap, most of us were down to our last precious ounces of water. Being mostly a ridge walk, the State Line trail is not blessed with prodigious amounts of accessible water. Fortunately, it was practically all down hill with about ten creek and river crossings as we descended the Kirkland Creek Trail. Dehydration was no longer a problem by the time we reached the gravel forest road (FS 126) near the Holly Flats Campground.
Our ambitious group had decided to work diligently to reach a beautiful known campsite along the lower portion of Brookshire Creek despite the fact that we would not arrive there until about 7:00 pm. We were rewarded by our persistence with an excellent campsite adjacent to the peaceful Brookshire Creek. The soothing sound of this sinuous creek seemed to sap our energy and slip us into another deep slumber. Even the Barred Owls that I had heard the previous night were silenced by the hypnotic waters.
Just a short distance up the trail from our last campsite was the impressive upper Bald River Falls, a much smaller version than the one along the Tellico River Road. A steep trail led to the deep pool beneath the cascading curtain of water, and I was lured to investigate its photographic potential. Only a few minutes past the falls was where we had descended Sugar Mountain and crossed Brookshire Creek only two days ago. We had closed the great loop that I had been wanting to complete in one journey since before the turn of the century (really it was only about a dozen years ago that this loop first intrigued me). The sense of achievement made the final five miles seem almost like a simple walk in the woods, that is, if you ignored the creek crossings, significant elevation gain, and that omnipresent heat. We were getting our money’s worth one more time!
Participants included Monty Simmons, Bill Kinnaman, Tim Nicholson, John Searcy, Tipi Walter, and Kurt Emmanuele (trip leader)

To swap some work for the rental of a facility for our June 20 observation of the hiking club’s 20th anniversary, 8 of us gathered at Reflection Riding. We were met by David Hopkins, a volunteer. (One of the first things David did was point out a 4-5” hole in the dirt bank about 5 feet above the parking lot which Jeffrey Hunter had discovered a Belted Kingfisher was using it for a nesting cavity.)
The morning was spent pulling up privet, honeysuckle, blackberry canes, and other unwanted vegetation growing above poison ivy. We also watched for the resident copperheads about which David had warned us. (We did not encounter them.) Several of us were introduced to, and became fans of, the “weed wrench,” with its gripping jaws and 4 ½ foot lever handle, used to pull up the larger and more stubborn privet. Thanks to those who risked sore backs, poison ivy, etc. on this warm morning: Pat Appleton, Donald Box, Gwen Brimer, Che Carico, Boodie Fox, Val Hargis, Betty Petty, and John Rowland. (Thanks also to Sarah Frost and Bill Kinnaman who couldn’t join us today, but would have been able to do on the alternative date we had contemplated.)

What a gorgeous day to set off in pursuit of the flowers unique to the Fiery Gizzard trail! 15 hikers carpooled to the trailhead. Most set out to hike from the trailhead to Sycamore Falls, then on to and up Doghole trail, and on out to Raven's Point for lunch. A few with less time to hike today turned around at the Doghole trail, went back to the creek to soak their feet and enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading home. The hikers who "dined" at Raven's Point trekked down the infamous Fiery Gizzard trail facing the seemingly relentless boulders once again. We were rewarded with Jack in the Pulpits everywhere! There were so many Jacks you didn't have to look hard to see them. Also, lots of White Trillium, Phacaelia, Phlox, Wild Geranium, a few Dwarf Crested Iris, Stone Crop, Star Chickweed, and our favorite hidden beauty on this trail - Showy Orchis!! Certainly there was an abundance of water flowing through the creek, down the waterfalls, and off the sides of the ridges! We saw waterfalls where we have never seen them before! Having survived one episode of car trouble and grateful the one hiker who fell was not too seriously hurt, these hikers left the parking lot in search of ice cream or something cold to drink: John Rowland, Bob Rahn, Chris Dohman, Kathy Seymour, Bill Kinnamon, Bobby Wilbanks, Margaret Reisman, Carole Klimesch, Jenny Chandler, Gwen Brimer, Debbie Lambert, Val Hargis, Stormy McGauley, Alice Coffman, and Che Carico.

The spring of 2009 will surely be noted for its rushing streams, rivers, and grand waterfalls. With limited rain in the last 3 years, what a blessing to find Piney River fully restored! Several hikers today were new for this trail and found such pleasure with the rest of us as we hiked beside the river all of the way. Even when up high on a ridge you could hear the rushing water down below. We began at the top and encountered few wildflowers early in the hike. The yellow and red buckeyes were blooming and seemed to be the only colorful plants along the way. As we approached the lunch spot along the river on the Logging Camp Loop, we found Gay Wings - our first of the season. From this point on the flower sightings increased and we saw tons of White Trillium, Yellow (or Nodding) Mandarin, Little Brown Jug, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Wake Robin, Bluets, Spring Beauty, a few Dwarf Iris, one clump of Fire Pink, Stone Crop, Wood Betony, and lavender Phacaelia. The flowers along the trail today were not nearly as plentiful or showy as those found by the Saturday hikers at Porter's Creek 3 days later! As Piney River is one of our favorite hikes we try to go there every season. We have been skipping the spur to Rockhouse Branch so today our hike included the spur. I was reminded of its beauty especially with the great volume of water. The uppermost end of this spur will likely be our lunch spot on the next Piney River outing especially when there is plentiful water. The sixteen hikers who passed this way today were: Kathy Seymour, Alice Coffman, Gail Stokes, Gwen Brimer, Richard Park, Eric Anderson, Debbie Lambert, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Ray Myers, Chris Dohman, Trish Appleton, John Rowland, Bill Kinnamon, Stormy McGauley, and Che Carico.

04/11/09 – Guild Hardy Trail Wildflower Hike Not thinking about how much spring break traffic there would be this Saturday morning, 16 hikers braved crossing the two major roads that go up Lookout Mountain. Fortunately everyone survived crossing Ochs Hwy and Scenic Hwy twice! Well, I take that back, Wendy Gunn & Donald Box continued past our turnaround point at Cravens’ House…I hope they made it back okay.
We saw quite a few wildflowers on our gradual climb up the side of the mountain, under the Incline, and through Ruby Falls parking lot. We also saw remains for the old CCC Camp.
Several of us enjoyed a great (and well deserved) lunch at Blacksmith’s at the foot of the mountain after our hike. However, some were sorry that they weren’t serving buffalo burgers that day. Those that I hoped enjoyed this easy hike were Faye Nunez, Darryl & Kathleen Marshall, Steve Barnes, Betty Petty, Sharon Gallop, Kendra Cross, Gail Stokes, Karna & Lloyd Levitt, John Rowland, Monty Simmons, Wendy Gunn, Donald Box, Steve Lomas, new to Chattanooga and on his first hike with the club, and my sister Ann Pass on her first hike in many, many years and she’s still speaking to me. Reporting Carolyn Perry

On April 8th, the Wednesday hikers tackled a new trail, Panther Branch trail at Frozen Head State Park in Wartburg. Actually, there were a few of the eleven of us that hiked this trail previously and their knowledge was helpful. We picked up maps, flower and bird guides at the visitors center then drove the to trailhead. The day started a little cool but turned into a glorious sun-shiny, blue-sky day. This trail has a 1,600-foot elevation gain and near the top the hillsides were covered in snow. It was amazing to see little flower heads peeking out of the snow. A good picture day as well. We had hoped to see many of the wild flowers listed in the parks brochure, but I think the spectacular flower show is one to two weeks away yet. We did, however, see some early bloomers. We took two side trips, one to Emory Gap Falls and the other to the Lookout Tower where we ate our lunch. Some ventured to the top of the tower to enjoy the view while eating. This is a spectacular park and worth the hour and a half drive. The trails are well maintained and clearly marked. I’m anxious to go back and explore other trails as well as get a view of all the trees in full leaf. That’s when I’ll bring my binoculars to check out the numerous birds and hope to get a glimpse of the bald eagles. Overall, it was a wonderful day and great hike. Sharing this day were Chris Dohman, Bill Kinnaman, Stormy McGauley, Carol Krider, Trish Appleton, Bob Rahn, Gail Stokes, Cecile Shenouda, Kathy Seymour and Val Hargis, reporting.

“No, Bill, I don’t think there is any need to take the 2-man crosscut saw. We have a bow saw and an ax, and I doubt we will even need them.” And, . . .of course, within the first .2 of a mile from leaving our vehicles at the Yellow Stand Lead parking area, we took out three 5”-8” tree trunks across the trail and passed up two 12”-14” ones. (Before the day was over, Bill and others removed 8-10 trees from across the trails and we passed on 5 larger ones.) Being the first one across one of the water crossings, Kathy demonstrated her engineering skills by placing stepping stones in the creek to aid the rest of us.
With loppers, hedge shears, and swing blades, we widened the accessibility on a section of the Big Creek Trail by clearing various types of vegetation (mostly on the uphill side of the trail). In the morning, on the way in, we noted a number of blooming wildflowers. By afternoon, on our way back to our vehicles, we saw 2-3 times the number of them (apparently due to the warming of the day and the sun shining on them). - - Thanks to the following who enjoyed the day and “gave back” by helping improve part of a trail that had become too narrow in many parts: Bob Fanning, Sarah Frost, Bill Kinnaman, John Rowland, Kathy Ryan, Monty Simmons, Joe Teringer, Donald Box reporting.

What a splendid day! Our 19 hikers went to the Collins Gulf West trailhead and headed to Horsepound Falls via Suter Falls. The waterfalls were thundering - more water than I have ever encountered on this trail! A new bridge has been built at the base of Suter Falls (on this day lit up with a brilliant rainbow). Otherwise we might not have made it across the raging creek. This trail is always mentioned this time of year for guided wildflower treks. And today, my first time to hike the trail in the spring, we found the reason why. White trillium, dutchmen's britches, phlox, celandine poppy, blood root, anemone, phaecelia, larkspur, foam flower, star chickweed, and oodles of trout lilies lined the trail and spread throughout the forest. Later bloomers showed signs of emerging. Lunch was served beside the Horsepound Falls and there was so much water we could not walk out into the riverbed to see the "horse hoof" impressions in the rock. Several regular hikers who have covered many trails in our hiking range and the Smokies were heard to say "this is now my favorite trail"! Some of our hikers had to return home after the 5 mile trek to Horsepound, and about 10 turned down the trail to the suspension bridge which spans the Collins River. This, too, was my first time to see water raging under the bridge - have previously only seen a small stream of water here. This added about 3 more miles, but remember the footing is difficult as there are so many rocks. The adventure ended with ice cream at the Dairy Bar which is right there where you turn onto 55th Avenue to go over to the trailhead. Sharing a beautiful day were: Richard Park, Vicki Armour, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Bill Kinnamon, Trish Appleton, Debbie Lambert, Nancy Hoover, Margaret Reisman, Don Stewart, Ima Stewart, Sharon Hogan, Gwen Brimer, Kathy Seymour, her guest from Colorado Pat O'Regan, Ray Myers, John Rowland, Pete Rittenberry, and Che Carico.

This is a hike that should be an annual spring ritual for us! The weather was great, a bit cool in the morning but the sunshine warmed us as the day went on. There were wildflowers aplenty, especially on the last leg up to the Walls. And the waterfalls and the cascade in between were gushing. I think all of us did the rock scramble up to the upper falls, and a few of us climbed down into the deep bowl that the upper falls spills into. We had quite a few other hikers on the trail, but that just made for more pleasant banter as we hiked along. On the initial descent to Hurricane Creek we passed a man with four or five small kids who had stopped to rest; as we streamed on by, one little boy said, "Wow! They must have brought the whole family!" The extended family of hikers enjoying the day were Chris Dohmen, Sarah Frost, Kathy Seymour, Doug Cooper, Susan Faidley, Spears McAllester, Monty Simmons, Owen Holbrook, Boodie Fox, new members LLoyd & Karna Levitt, guests Shannon Johnson and Carla Campbell, and leader John Rowland reporting.

March 18th found the Wednesday hikers on the way to the Walls of Jericho. John was to take the Saturday hikers 3 days later, so we hoped to check out the trail for presence of wildflowers, stream crossings, and trail markings. In the spring it seems to be so helpful to write up these hikes so that next year we can look back and see what was blooming on each date as spring progressed. Our group was a little doubtful of catching a "great bloom" this early in March. Not so!!! We were delighted with the trillium, bloodroot, hepatica, star chickweed, trout lilies, twin leaf (we have spotted twinleaf only on this trail), virgina bluebells, and a few phlox. The streams were high due to recent rains, but passable with coverings for boots or water shoes. The waterfall at the end of the canyon was spectacular also due to the recent rains. And the trail has been newly freshened up with red blazes so it seems unlikely anyone would get lost. With the leaves not yet out, the great rock formations and canyon walls were visible from quite a distance. I always wonder if I will have the blessing of returning to this wonderful lunch spot beside the rushing waters as they flow over the cascading waterfall - this was my third time and I hope not my last. Joining me there for lunch were Richard Park, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Gail Stokes, Trish Appleton, Debbie Lambert, Stormy McGauley, John Rowland, Bill Kinnamon, and Rodney Watts. Che Carico reporting.

Someone said "road trip" and off we went to Farner to hike the short but ever so sweet Turtletown Creek Falls trail! We met Freda Keener and her group of 9 Smoky Mountain Club hikers and, with our 16 from Chattanooga, started down this trail to show them what we consider two of the prettiest waterfalls we have ever seen in our miles of hiking. This area is certainly a hidden gem! The return side of this 4.3 mile loop is rather uphill so we were able to provide somewhat of a workout for the vigorous hikers from Maryville and some views of the Hiwassee River. After completing the hike, John and Bill built a fire at the campsite beside the Turtletown Creek. All hikers had packed lunches but were then treated to fine roasting sticks, marshmellows, Hershey's chocolate, and graham crackers. Let the s'mores begin! What a lovely way to share the comaraderie of the trail than by a fire at trails end. On the return trip, two carloads stopped at the Whitewater Center and hiked the Old Copper Road trail along the river. The signage there says this trail goes all the way to Boyd's Gap now, so that will be a good trek for another day. Chattanooga hikers were: Bob Rahn, Ima Stewart, Karen Ramsey, Bill Kinnamon, Don Stewart, Debbie Lambert, Val Hargis, Gail Stokes, Pat Appleton, Ray Myers, Gwen Brimer, John Rowland, Gary Smith, Kathy Seymour, Nancy Hoover, and Che Carico.

After a couple of people changed their hike option, and some altered driving arrangements, we began hiking from the trailhead in Prentice Cooper under an overcast sky (which was forecasted) and occasionally a slight mist (which wasn’t). First stop was the Indian Rock House (and group pictures). Continuing on at a hurried pace (occasionally over rocky stretches), we viewed massive rock formations, some column or chimney rock formations, and often the Tennessee River. We took a break at Lawson (or Lusk) Overview before reaching Suck Creek Road at 11:30 (right on schedule) where we had left cars for some of the people leaving at that time. (They had covered 5.9 miles by the time they reached their cars.) - - The rest of us continued another 8.1 miles. We stopped for lunch at the end of the suspension bridge over North Suck Creek. Afterward, the sun came out. We visited Mushroom Rock and Edward’s Point before navigating the rocky descent to Middle creek, crossing its suspension bridge, and climbing over all of the rocks and up to Signal Point, reaching it about 4:15. Two vehicles had been left there to shuttle us back to Prentice Cooper to retrieve the vehicles that took us there in the morning. (Thank you Che, for volunteering to help with the shuttle arrangements if needed, even though you were not able to hike with us.) Those helping to make it an enjoyable day and successful hike were Gale Arden, Cyrus Baghai, Kendra Cross, Susan Faidley, Bob Fanning, Sarah Frost, Patti Giles, Wendy Gunn, Lynn & Dale Herold (traveling from home in Green Bay to Florida), Bill Kinnaman, Carol Krider, Spears McAllester, Michael Norris, Richard Park, Eric Ponder, John Rowland, Donna Ruiz, Monty Simmons, Gail Stokes, Tom Tomisek, Jerry Wright, Jim Walker, and Donald Box, reporting.

We had a great turnout today for the hike from Signal Point to Suck Creek Road by way of Rainbow Lake, Lockhart's Arch, Edward's Point, Mushroom Rock, down the mountain, over the bridge, and up and over the little mountain remaining between us and the road. This hike was a reverse of the hike Donald led the Saturday folks on the following Saturday with the exception of the portion he included from Indian Rock House and Suck Creek Road. On this day the temperature was just approaching 60 so good for a strenuous hike. Donald and his group were facing temps in the low 80s! Isn't it fun to lead new hikers to our beautiful places?! First timers for this trail today were Petra Koch, Gail Stokes, John Rowland, Gary Smith, and Nancy Hoover. Those who have hiked this 8.1 mile section before were Bob Rahn, Richard Park, Don Stewart, Ima Stewart, Val Hargis, Blaine Tornow, Debbie Lambert, Gwen Brimer, Stormy McGauley, Pat Appleton, Bill Kinnamon, and Che Carico.

Although we had 31 signed up for the hike, a rainy and cold Saturday morning initiated many cancellations. Even so, 10 intrepid hikers met in the Food Lion parking lot, in the rain, and drove up Raccoon Mountain. The rain conveniently abated as we assembled at the picnic area. We had a pleasant hike with a strong refreshing wind numbing the right side of our faces as we crossed the dam, watching whitecaps on the reservoir! The trail was in great shape, thanks to on-going work trips by local mountain bikers, yet we were the only ones on the trail today. We paused at the visitor center, where the river below was shrouded by clouds, and didn't encounter increasing rain until our last half mile of hiking. Our hardy group included Bill Kinnaman, Gale Arden, Doug Cooper, Kendra Cross, Owen Holbrook, Kurt Emmanuele, Monty Simmons, John Johnson, Elizabeth O'Connor, reporting, and Chris O'Connor, hike leader.

15 hikers enjoyed this Wednesday hike in Prentiss Cooper! Most everyone met at Walmart on Signal Mtn. Road then carpooled to the parking lot above the Indian Rockhouse. Prior to their meeting a chosen few drove over to place cars on Tower Road where the Pot Point Loop trail crosses over. The hike began at the parking lot as we followed the trail to the Indian Rockhouse and then on to Snooper's Rock. After enjoying the view there (it was a bit windy) we traveled on 1.1 miles to the Hemlock Branch campsite, built a fire, and kicked back for a leisurely lunch. Making sure the fire was completely out was easy as Hemlock Branch had more water than any of us have ever seen. John, Bill, and Rodney carried water from the creek to douse the fire properly. We then continued on to Ransom Hollow Overlook, checked that out, and finished on Tower Road at the kiosk and Cedar tree. We figure this made @ 7 mile trek. A few of today's hikers had never been to Snooper's Rock and several regulars had never been on the section from Snooper's Rock to Tower Road via Ransom Hollow. Happy with this trek were: Rodney Watts, Bob Rahn, Karen Ramsey, Val Hargis, Bill Kinnamon, Ray Myers, Vicki Armour, Carole Klemisch, Blaine, Gail Stokes (a first timer with us!), Ima and Don Stewart, Gwen Brimer, Margaret Reisman, and Che Carico.

It seemed that the weather forecasts for Saturday afternoon changed daily the week prior our hike, with most calling for some sort of rain/snow for the day. Despite the forecast, 10 hikers made the drive to the Big Creek area in the GSMNP for what was a beautiful cloudless day.
After arriving at the Big Creek Ranger Station in great time, we began our hike with the short but steep climb up Chestnut Branch to intersect the AT. We then headed up the AT towards Mt. Cammerer with stops to enjoy the views towards Mt. Sterling and Max Patch. When we arrived at the tower, we were pleased to find it mostly to ourselves and stayed for what must have close to an hour eating lunch, enjoying the views, and for a few of us, getting slightly sunburned. The hike down was just as enjoyable, and after our chauffeurs volunteered to retrieve the cars by heading back down Chestnut Branch, we continued on the AT past the Davenport Shelter to Davenport Gap where we met the cars. After a stop in Knoxville at Sonny’s BBQ, we arrived safely back in Chattanooga. Enjoying the great weather and views were: Susan Faidley, Jacki Hasty, Elizabeth O’Connor, Kathy Ryan, John Hyler, Bill Kinnaman, Tim Nicholson, John Rowland, Jerry Wright, and Eric Anderson, reporting.

Our Valentine ’s Day hike, we began in threatening weather, but not a drop – in thick fog, but it lifted – got lost for a while, but found our way, thanks to a map, John Hyler, Jerry Wright, and a bike path. Otherwise everyone (all 22) enjoyed the day. Even the fog lifted in time to view the Chickamauga Creek gorge from the Signal Mountain side at the overlook where we had lunch. On this nine-turned-ten mile hike were Gail Stokes, Carol Krider, Tom Tomisek, Bill Kinnaman, Sarah Frost, Peter Messmore, Patti Giles, Donald Box, Wendy Gunn, Joel Gallup, Karis Lieb, Hoss Baghai, John Hyler, Jerry Wright, Monty Simmons, Rick Selcer, Kim O’Leary, Erin Noseworthy, Wendy Hartman Philadelphia, PA), John Johnson (new member from Murfreesboro), Wayne Chambers and Boodie Fox, leader.

February 11, 2009 I have related to most hikers that there used to be a time when the Wednesday hikers did not go out onto the trail when the temperature was to be below 32 degrees. That unwritten rule does not seem to apply to the current regulars! Now I find that we also go out in the face of impending violent weather! Today we drove to Villanow, GA (or somewhere close by) to follow Jennie Chandler as she led us on the 6 mile Chickamauga Creek Trail. For several days we had been watching the weather channel predicting lots of rain, wind, and possible thunder and decided that this bad weather would not roll in until we were off the trail. For the most part our luck held as we trekked this lovely trail in north Georgia. Our favorite features were the views of adjacent mountain ridges, large rock outcroppings, moss covered trail edges, a winding stream by our side on the latter leg of the trail, and the absolutely beautiful Beech trees. These trees keep their leaves until spring and their green color turns to copper making a striking appearance in the forest. At one point the trail wound down a hill and meandered into a grove of these trees - such a pretty site as we hiked down the hill and into their midst. About a mile from trail's end we decided to stop beside the stream for a quick lunch. It was here the sprinkles of rain began, so we packed up and hiked quickly back to the cars. By the time we were on the highway the rain was indeed coming down in torrents but we were dry and satisfied with this 6 mile loop successfully completed before the serious rain came. By the way, as we approached Chattanooga we learned that the area schools had been closed due to a tornado warning! Brave souls today were: Bob Rahn, Debbie Lambert, Ron Craig, Anna Dennett, Maria Lubkowitz, Val Hargis, Bill Kinnamon, Jennie Chandler, Ray Myers, and Che Carico.

Unicoi Turnpike/Benton MacKaye Dayhike, Sunday, February 1, 2009 Despite several last minute cancellations due to illness and personal reasons, ten of us departed Ooltewah for Coker Creek as planned. When we arrived at the FS road to Buck’s Bald to set up the shuttle end, we discovered that the road was extremely muddy. We decided to leave our vehicles at the BMT crossing on this road. Elizabeth Carter met us at this intersection and helped us with our shuttle even though she could not hike with us due to her husband’s illness. When we arrived at Joe Brown Highway we discovered it was equally muddy. Due to the parking situation there, we parked at the new CCC camp access where Don Bodley was waiting for us. We did the access trail down to the old CCC camp and then followed the still existing sections of the Unicoi Turnpike up to the BMT crossing at Unicoi Gap. We then hiked the section of the BMT back to the Buck Bald access road. Because the access road was so muddy, we drove up to Buck Bald. Everyone was able to make it up, even though we almost lost a couple of cars in the mud! However we were able to view a gorgeous sunset with a 360 degree view across the Cherokee Nation Forest while eating our supper. The full moon was also rising at this time, but remained hidden behind some clouds. Those along for this adventure were Sarah Frost, Monty Simmons, Kim O’Leary, Donald Box, Kendra Cross, Tom Tomisek, Bon Fanning, Elaine Wolf, Don Bodley, and hike leader Betty Petty.
Historic Note: The path now known at the Unicoi Turnpike predates written history. It was originally an Indian (Cherokee) path connecting the Overhill towns with the Lower towns in South Carolina. The first white people in Tennessee were traders who came up this path. Unicoi Gap in the lowest gap in the southern Applachians.

The Wednesday Hikers used to have an unwritten rule that if the temperature was to be below freezing we would not hike because of the chill factor and possible frozen places in the trail which could lead to slipping and falling. We seem to be ignoring that unwritten rule these days as on this Wednesday 10 hikers came out to hike when the temperature was 9 degrees! The hike was at Greenway Farms in Hixson and by covering every inch of this area you can log at least 6 miles. We did cover it all except the short trail to the ropes course. The North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy office is there at the Greenway and Larry was gracious enough to print new and very clear maps of the area. Fortunately the sun was bright and the walk was brisk so that we all warmed up nicely. On these very cold days, however, we plan a morning walk only and do not stop for lunch on the trail. Logan's Roadhouse was our pick for lunch today and we were happy to munch on peanuts as we waited for a table and to find that on Wednesdays you can select menu items with a price of 2 for $12.99! Happy to save a few bucks today were: John Rowland, Val Hargis, Ron Craig, Bob Rahn, Kathy Seymour, Sharon Hogan, Debbie Lambert, Bill Kinnamon, Pete Rittenberry, and Che Carico. Rudy Hogan, Carole Klemisch, and Karen Rahn joined us for lunch and we laughingly call attendance for lunch only the "Wednesday Meal Plan".

It was pretty chilly when we started out, but as the day went on it warmed nicely. After descending into the gorge via the longer part of the Day Loop, we enjoyed a brief stop at Sycamore Falls, then climbed out on the Dog Hole trail and continued on to Raven Point. The view was great, as usual, and as we ate lunch the conversation was lively, centering around who had fully accepted the personal computer age and who hadn't. Then there was a totally inadvertant (?) but extremely brutal bashing of a male ego that left us all gasping for breath from laughing. When we finally recovered we made our way back, completing the Day Loop trail as we climbed back to the parking lot. Water was plentiful in the creeks and the waterfalls were gushing, and yes, we did see plenty of icicles, just as promised. Enjoying just another day in paradise were Chris Dohmen, Susan Faidley, Joe Teringer, Boodie Fox, Bill Kinnaman, Tim Nicholson, Trey Baldwin, Kim O'Leary, Owen Holbrook, Monty Simmons, Donald Box, John Hyler, and John Rowland reporting.

We had quite a crowd today even though the temperature at the trailhead was 15! There was snow on the ground and ice in the low places on the trails in the Flipper Bend trail system on Signal Mountain. This is another great "in your backyard" trail with a maximum mileage of 8 miles, stream crossings, great rock outcroppings, and overlooks of the Soddy Daisy area. We think we hiked 6 miles with Bobby Wilbanks in the lead and a great map provided by Susan Bryant of the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy. This trail has no blazes yet, so there are opportunities for confusion even though the map is well done. By putting our logical heads together and then finally following Bobby's instincts, we trekked out without getting lost and went on to have a great lunch at Waycrazy's. Braving the cold were: Sharon Hogan, Bobby Wilbanks, Carole Klemisch, Debbie Lambert, Richard Park, Val Hargis, Ron Craig, Stormy McGauley, John Rowland, Bill Kinnamon, Gwen Brimer, Patricia Appleton, and Che Carico.

I predicted icicles along the Bluff Trail, and on this 16-degree morning (Fahrenheit!), we saw a plethora of them. Still, the frozen streams crossing the trail were easy to step over, and the long icicles hanging from lichen-covered rocks were beautiful. Thanks to Donald for being our sweep this morning. Our group welcomed Gail on her first club hike, and I think she enjoyed our Lookout Mountain trails. After we descended carefully from windy Sunset Rock, Bill tactfully reminded the hike leader to let the group pause for a snack break. On the hike back to our cars, we saw one trail runner but no deer or wild turkeys today. After some cajoling, the group convinced Donald to share the newspaper article featuring him and four more of our club's strong hikers. Several in our group hadn't seen the article yet. Hiking today were Bill Kinnaman, Donald Box, Gail Stokes, Tim Chomyn, Monty Simmons, Kendra Cross, Spears McAllester, Susan Faidley, and Elizabeth O'Connor, hike leader.

Today we explored the new trail at Cloudland Canyon and it is a must see for everyone! Since the temperature was in the 20s - 30s, the area around the waterfalls had lots of icicles and frozen ice on the tree limbs and vegetation. The trail has been greatly improved with many strongly built steps and an amazing new bridge across the water which allows access to the other side of the gorge. The new part of the trail continues past the new bridge and runs right beside the roaring creek - roaring because of the recent rains which also contributed to the tremendous volume in the three (!) waterfalls we passed. There are signs there will be lots of wildflowers on this part of the trail in the spring. Enjoying the brilliant sunshine, blue skies, and the lovely new trail were: John Rowland, Debbie Lambert, new hiker Ron Craig, Karen Ramsey, Val Hargis, Maria Lubkowitz, Anna Dennett, Margaret Reisman, Vicki Armour, Sharon Hogan, Ray Myers, Bob Rahn, Bill Kinnamon, and Che Carico.

Raincoats? We don’t need no stinking raincoats. Despite weather forecasts calling for rain/thundershower for most of the afternoon, we left Chattanooga hoping for a break in the weather. After driving through heavy rain around Ft. Payne, AL, this did not seem likely. Thankfully, Elizabeth & Chris O’Connor, having spent the previous evening south of Birmingham in order to meet us on their return trip from FL, were able to give us local weather updates that hinted that perhaps we would have a window of opportunity to squeeze a few miles in before the rains came back. After meeting Elizabeth, we drove to the North Entrance of the park to find it gated for the winter season. Despite the short detour to another entrance gate, we were soon on our way in the fog up the back ridge of Double Oak Mountain. At lunch we kept wondering when the rains would begin, and continued along the ridge line hoping to descend before the trail got too wet. Then as we began the descent, the clouds began to lift and the sun actually came out for part of the afternoon. We enjoyed long needle pines, stopped briefly at Maggie’s Glen, and even visited the Tree Top Trail, which has housed on display rescued birds from the park’s Animal Rehab Center including various owls, 2 rather large red-tailed hawks, and to Wayne’s amazement, an albino Turkey Vulture. We stopped to enjoy BBQ at Jim n Nick’s for a post dry hike celebratory meal. Enjoying a rainless hike were Elizabeth O’Connor, Kathy Ryan, Michelle Anderson, Sharon Hixson, Wayne Chambers, Tim Chomyn, Bill Kinnaman, Ralph Van Pelt, and hike leader, Eric Anderson.

We began our traditional New Year’s Day hike bundled up against the 20s temperature. However, a pretty, sunny day soon developed with the temperature moving into the 40s, with little wind, making it an enjoyable 6 ½ hours on the trail. The 10.2-mile loop hike began and ended at the Cumberland Trail parking area in Prentice Cooper State Forest and Wildlife Management Area. The Indian Rock House was the 1st destination, followed by the Snooper’s Rock Overlook. We eventually passed through the “Rock Garden” (large rocks and boulders along the creek) before the end of the hike. Following the unusually heavy and needed December rains, it was wonderful to see all of the numerous fast-flowing streams and cascades.
We had 14 hikers at all times, although 5 of them dropped out (as planned) at the Snooper’s Rock parking area where 5 others joined us. Thanks to Tony & Carol for volunteering to be our sweeps for the day (and thanks to Chris for watching the hike leader to make certain he stayed on trail). Those enjoying the day and the trail were Wayne Chambers, Tim Chomyn, Carol & Tony Cook, Karen Dale, Chris Dohmen, Susan Faidley, Sarah Frost, Wendy Gunn, Val Hargis, Genie Herndon, Bill Kinnaman, Spears McAllester, Tim Nicholson, Betty Petty, Tom Stebbins, Carol & Tom Tomisek, and Donald Box, reporting.