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Chattanooga Hiking Club Outings
The Chattanooga Hiking Club, in keeping with its stated purpose, tries to provide outings every weekend for persons of different skill levels. Hikes scheduled in the current month and the upcoming month are described in detail. Tentative hikes are simply listed in the Outings Schedule and are still in the planning stages. All of our hikes are led by club members volunteering their time to the cause.
In addition to the weekend formal schedule, there are regular day hikes most every Wednesday closer to Chattanooga so that less driving is involved; and there are sometimes more spontaneous hiking road trips, usually on Thursdays and/or Fridays.
The information below is provided as a guide only. Each hiker assumes the risks associated with hiking in the great outdoors, including the responsibility for paying any bills associated with rescue efforts or medical care. The wise hiker always carries drinking water, food, and first aid items, and wears or carries clothing appropriate for the season. *Always check with the Hike Leader for special considerations like medical conditions and hiking with minors.
Hike Difficulty Rating
Easy(E): 6 miles or less; mostly level ground or only slight incline.
Moderate(M): Distance of 7 - 10 miles with an elevation gain that will generally not exceed 350 feet per mile, with a total elevation gain of no more than 1000 ft.
Moderately Strenuous(MS): This hike could be 7 - 10 miles in length, but include rocky trail conditions, tricky stream crossings or elevation gain of more than 1000 ft. but less than 2000 ft.
Strenuous(S): Any hike that is a distance of 10 to 14 miles or with more than 2000 ft. total elevation gain, but no more than 3000 ft.
Extremely Strenuous(S+): Usually involves distances of more than 14 miles or more than 3000 ft. in elevation gain. There might be very steep/rugged climbs, deep stream crossings, or unmaintained trails.
Pace: Standard pace (SP) is 2 miles per hour; less on steep or rugged terrain. Fast pace (FP) is 2.5 to 3 miles per hour or more and may not vary much regardless of terrain.
For more information and to view the Chattanooga Club Policies and Constitution please click here.
The Chattanooga Hiking Club, in keeping with its stated purpose, tries to provide outings every weekend for persons of different skill levels. Hikes scheduled in the current month and the upcoming month are described in detail. Tentative hikes are simply listed in the Outings Schedule and are still in the planning stages. All of our hikes are led by club members volunteering their time to the cause.
In addition to the weekend formal schedule, there are regular day hikes most every Wednesday closer to Chattanooga so that less driving is involved; and there are sometimes more spontaneous hiking road trips, usually on Thursdays and/or Fridays.
The information below is provided as a guide only. Each hiker assumes the risks associated with hiking in the great outdoors, including the responsibility for paying any bills associated with rescue efforts or medical care. The wise hiker always carries drinking water, food, and first aid items, and wears or carries clothing appropriate for the season. *Always check with the Hike Leader for special considerations like medical conditions and hiking with minors.
Hike Difficulty Rating
Easy(E): 6 miles or less; mostly level ground or only slight incline.
Moderate(M): Distance of 7 - 10 miles with an elevation gain that will generally not exceed 350 feet per mile, with a total elevation gain of no more than 1000 ft.
Moderately Strenuous(MS): This hike could be 7 - 10 miles in length, but include rocky trail conditions, tricky stream crossings or elevation gain of more than 1000 ft. but less than 2000 ft.
Strenuous(S): Any hike that is a distance of 10 to 14 miles or with more than 2000 ft. total elevation gain, but no more than 3000 ft.
Extremely Strenuous(S+): Usually involves distances of more than 14 miles or more than 3000 ft. in elevation gain. There might be very steep/rugged climbs, deep stream crossings, or unmaintained trails.
Pace: Standard pace (SP) is 2 miles per hour; less on steep or rugged terrain. Fast pace (FP) is 2.5 to 3 miles per hour or more and may not vary much regardless of terrain.
For more information and to view the Chattanooga Club Policies and Constitution please click here.
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Saturday July 20th Trip Report🌿
Berry College Day Hike Today's hike at Berry College was to the House o' Dreams atop Lavender Mountain. Built in 1922 as a mountaintop retreat for the school's founder, Martha Berry, it is a popular hiking destination in northwest Georgia. We toured the interior of the board-and batten-style home and heard stories from Berry Alumnae who love to share their alma mater with others. The rain shortened our hike, but not our enthusiasm as we enjoyed a drive to the Old Mill, a popular spot for photographers. We also had a driving tour of the main college campus which included a stop at the beautiful Gothic-style Ford Buildings (financed by Henry Ford in 1928) and the College Chapel with a visit to the nearby grave of Martha Berry. |
Leading today's hike were two Daughters of Berry, Julie Trejo and Barbara McCollum, who shared much of Berry's colorful history. Also enjoying the hike and tour of the world's largest college campus (26,000 acres) were Paul Roubekas, Chris Bresson, Trish Franklin, Jo Jo Ciervo, Shelly Lewis, Novi Morales, Joyce Campbell, Terri Holcomb, and Noel Holcomb.
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Upcoming Outings ~ Register w/ Hike Leaders today!
Saturday, November 9th
Ritchie Hollow to Snooper’s Rock
Location: 17805 River Canyon Rd. Chattanooga (Parking across from Pot Point
House)
Distance: 8 miles (out and back)
Rating: Moderately Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 1473 ft
Pace: Standard
Hike Leader: Debbie Lambert
The Ritchie Hollow Trail is one that the Chattanooga Hiking Club helped build along with staff from the TN River Gorge Trust. It is a moderately strenuous 4 miles to Snooper’s Rock which is located in Prentice Cooper. The trail passes a 30 ft waterfall called Blowing Wind Falls and meanders through a mature hardwood forest and passes historic moonshine stills. It is one of only a few trails that connects the TN River to the Cumberland Trail system.
Snooper’s Rock is one of the most popular overlooks of the TN River Gorge. After a lunch break we will hike 4 miles back down the mountain to the trailhead.
Contact Debbie Lambert to register for this hike at debs4587@comcast.net or text 423-605-9011
Ritchie Hollow to Snooper’s Rock
Location: 17805 River Canyon Rd. Chattanooga (Parking across from Pot Point
House)
Distance: 8 miles (out and back)
Rating: Moderately Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 1473 ft
Pace: Standard
Hike Leader: Debbie Lambert
The Ritchie Hollow Trail is one that the Chattanooga Hiking Club helped build along with staff from the TN River Gorge Trust. It is a moderately strenuous 4 miles to Snooper’s Rock which is located in Prentice Cooper. The trail passes a 30 ft waterfall called Blowing Wind Falls and meanders through a mature hardwood forest and passes historic moonshine stills. It is one of only a few trails that connects the TN River to the Cumberland Trail system.
Snooper’s Rock is one of the most popular overlooks of the TN River Gorge. After a lunch break we will hike 4 miles back down the mountain to the trailhead.
Contact Debbie Lambert to register for this hike at debs4587@comcast.net or text 423-605-9011
Sunday, November 17
River to Clouds Route - Lookout Mountain, GA
Miles: 9 end to end (shuttle required)
Elevation gain: 900'
Rating: moderately strenuous
Pace: 2 to 2.5 mph
The River to Clouds Route is a 34-mile stretch from St. Elmo through Cloudland Canyon State Park. It runs along the western side of Lookout, past Covenant College, through the Moonshine Trails, Lula Lake Land Trust core preserve, the Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail, to the end of Sitton's Gulch in Trenton.
We will hike a segment from Covenant to Nickajack Trailhead. This will require a shuttle. Requires a $5 pass thru permit from Lula Lake Land Trust for each person.
Limit of 12 hikers. Full trail map can be found here: https://www.lulalake.org/uploads/1/1/7/1/117140056/rcr_monochromatic_reference_map.pdf
To register, contact Jenny Hopkins at jenhop60@gmail.com
River to Clouds Route - Lookout Mountain, GA
Miles: 9 end to end (shuttle required)
Elevation gain: 900'
Rating: moderately strenuous
Pace: 2 to 2.5 mph
The River to Clouds Route is a 34-mile stretch from St. Elmo through Cloudland Canyon State Park. It runs along the western side of Lookout, past Covenant College, through the Moonshine Trails, Lula Lake Land Trust core preserve, the Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail, to the end of Sitton's Gulch in Trenton.
We will hike a segment from Covenant to Nickajack Trailhead. This will require a shuttle. Requires a $5 pass thru permit from Lula Lake Land Trust for each person.
Limit of 12 hikers. Full trail map can be found here: https://www.lulalake.org/uploads/1/1/7/1/117140056/rcr_monochromatic_reference_map.pdf
To register, contact Jenny Hopkins at jenhop60@gmail.com
Saturday, Nov 23, 2024
Alternate Sun 11/24, if weather forecasts suggest the change.
North Chickamauga Gorge Trail
(Barker Camp Rd to Montlake Road Trailhead with Shuttle)
Hike: CT from Barker Camp Road to Montlake Road with Lower Hogskin Branch Loop)
Location: Soddy-Daisy
Driving Time: 20 min from downtown (followed by 25 min one way shuttle)
Distance: 8.5 miles
Rating: Moderately Difficult
Elevation Gain: 1500 Ft
Pace: Approx. 2 mph
Trail Conditions: Numerous Creek fords, some rugged ascents, ladders, some overgrowth, short
sections with narrow footing.
Hike Leader: Dan Garner.
In my opinion, this hike has some of the most spectacular scenery of any hike in our immediate area.
The last 3rd of this trail leads to some famous "Blue Hole" swimming spots, so hiker traffic can at times be heavier than usually seen on the CT. The first 2/3rds of the trail are much less trafficked due to the remote and difficult nature of the trail.
From Barker Camp Road, we walk a mile on an old gravel road to intersect the CT, then traverse about 2.5 miles along the north rim of the gorge, passing the wonderful Panther Branch Overlook. The trail then descends 1/2 mile to ford Coopers Creek. This may be a difficult creek crossing for some who don't have watershoes; the rocks can be slippery even when dry. We then climb a short ladder and hike
past Stevenson Campsite and Falls. From here, the trail becomes difficult and steeply ascends 2/3rd mi. to a higher escarpment. Care must be taken to follow the white trail markers blazes as many false trails are formed by swimmers going off-trail to find inviting blue holes. The trail arrives at an unnamed falls which can be quite beautiful when water flows are up. We'll stop here for lunch.
The trail then climbs a wood staircase to an Old Mine Road, which affords 1.5 mile of relatively easy flat walking. We then reach the marvelous Boston Branch Overlook, & descent another series of stairs. Care must be taken as a few steps are missing. We then hike 1 mile of difficult but scenic trail, including a "fat man's squeeze," to an old mine shaft. Once past that, the trail is an additional 1.2 miles, most of which is a
descent with easy hiking, arriving at the cars at the southern trail head.
Some may wish to bring water shoes.
Use of TWO walking sticks and long sleeves/bloused trousers is definitely recommended.
Contact Dan Garner to register for this hike at garnerd6739@gmail.com or text at 615-498-0560.
Alternate Sun 11/24, if weather forecasts suggest the change.
North Chickamauga Gorge Trail
(Barker Camp Rd to Montlake Road Trailhead with Shuttle)
Hike: CT from Barker Camp Road to Montlake Road with Lower Hogskin Branch Loop)
Location: Soddy-Daisy
Driving Time: 20 min from downtown (followed by 25 min one way shuttle)
Distance: 8.5 miles
Rating: Moderately Difficult
Elevation Gain: 1500 Ft
Pace: Approx. 2 mph
Trail Conditions: Numerous Creek fords, some rugged ascents, ladders, some overgrowth, short
sections with narrow footing.
Hike Leader: Dan Garner.
In my opinion, this hike has some of the most spectacular scenery of any hike in our immediate area.
The last 3rd of this trail leads to some famous "Blue Hole" swimming spots, so hiker traffic can at times be heavier than usually seen on the CT. The first 2/3rds of the trail are much less trafficked due to the remote and difficult nature of the trail.
From Barker Camp Road, we walk a mile on an old gravel road to intersect the CT, then traverse about 2.5 miles along the north rim of the gorge, passing the wonderful Panther Branch Overlook. The trail then descends 1/2 mile to ford Coopers Creek. This may be a difficult creek crossing for some who don't have watershoes; the rocks can be slippery even when dry. We then climb a short ladder and hike
past Stevenson Campsite and Falls. From here, the trail becomes difficult and steeply ascends 2/3rd mi. to a higher escarpment. Care must be taken to follow the white trail markers blazes as many false trails are formed by swimmers going off-trail to find inviting blue holes. The trail arrives at an unnamed falls which can be quite beautiful when water flows are up. We'll stop here for lunch.
The trail then climbs a wood staircase to an Old Mine Road, which affords 1.5 mile of relatively easy flat walking. We then reach the marvelous Boston Branch Overlook, & descent another series of stairs. Care must be taken as a few steps are missing. We then hike 1 mile of difficult but scenic trail, including a "fat man's squeeze," to an old mine shaft. Once past that, the trail is an additional 1.2 miles, most of which is a
descent with easy hiking, arriving at the cars at the southern trail head.
Some may wish to bring water shoes.
Use of TWO walking sticks and long sleeves/bloused trousers is definitely recommended.
Contact Dan Garner to register for this hike at garnerd6739@gmail.com or text at 615-498-0560.
Saturday, Nov 30, 2024
Signal Point Park to Edwards Point and Back
Location: Signal Point Park
Distance: 6 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 898 Ft
Pace: Standard - Approx. 2 mph
Trail Conditions: Strenuous for rocks
Hike Leader: Rita Pendergast
The most difficult parts of the hike are when we descend from Signal Point at the beginning of the hike and climb back out at the end of the hike. This trail is quite rocky most of the way to Edwards Point. But the views along the way make it well worth it! If we have had rain, Julia Falls will be a beautiful sight across the Middle Creek Gorge.
Contact Rita Pendergast to register for this hike at rita.pendergast11@gmail.com
Signal Point Park to Edwards Point and Back
Location: Signal Point Park
Distance: 6 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 898 Ft
Pace: Standard - Approx. 2 mph
Trail Conditions: Strenuous for rocks
Hike Leader: Rita Pendergast
The most difficult parts of the hike are when we descend from Signal Point at the beginning of the hike and climb back out at the end of the hike. This trail is quite rocky most of the way to Edwards Point. But the views along the way make it well worth it! If we have had rain, Julia Falls will be a beautiful sight across the Middle Creek Gorge.
Contact Rita Pendergast to register for this hike at rita.pendergast11@gmail.com