Reports from the Field, 2020 --- Index    
        (click on any one to jump to detail)

Craven’s House to Point Park, Sunset Rock; Wednesday December 30, 2020
​Atlas Trail, Enterprise South; Wednesday December 9, 2020
Furnace Rock and access to CT at Cain Creek; Wednesday December 2, 2020
​Denny’s Cove; Wednesday November 18, 2020
​Chickamauga Battlefield; Wednesday November 4, 2020
​Lula Lake; Wednesday October 21, 2020
​Reflection Riding; Wednesday October 7, 2020
​Pot Point Nature Trail; Wednesday September 16, 2020
​Edwards Point from Signal Mtn schools; Wednesday September 9, 2020
​Possum Creek Gorge; Wednesday September 2, 2020
CT Rock Creek Loop; Wednesday August 26, 2020
Hiwassee Float Trip; Wednesday August 12, 2020
Emery Creek Falls; Saturday August 1, 2020
​​South Chickamauga Creek; Wednesday July 22, 2020
Elsie Holmes Nature Park; Wednesday July 15, 2020
​Cross-country Trail Complex, Covenant College; Wednesday June 24, 2020
​​Shackleford Ridge Park (Blue Loop) with spur to Mushroom Rock and North Suck Creek; 
          Wednesday June 17, 2020
Chester Frost Park; Wednesday June 10, 2020
​Lookout Mountain; Wednesday June 3, 2020
​Enterprise South; Wednesday May 20, 2020
​​Cedar Mountain; Wednesday May 13, 2020
N Chick Greenway/Spangler Farms; Wednesday May 6, 2020

(At this point we put club hikes on hold for a while due to COVID-19)

Sitton’s Gulch; Wednesday March 18, 2020
​Johnston Woods, McDonald, TN; Wednesday March 11, 2020
​Virgin Falls; Saturday March 7, 2020
​​Cloudland Canyon Sitton Gulch; Saturday February 29, 2020
Prentice Cooper Ransom Hollow Overlook; Saturday February 22, 2020
CT sections, Signal Mtn schools to Signal Point; Wednesday February 19, 2020
Stringers Ridge; Saturday February 15, 2020
Len Foote Hike Inn overnight; Wednesday-Thursday February 12-13, 2020
Little Soddy Creek Gorge; Wednesday January 29, 2020
​Smokies Shuckstack Loop; Saturday January 25, 2020
Laurel Falls, Laurel/Snow Pocket Wilderness; Wednesday January 22, 2020
Mullins Cove Section of CT; Wednesday January 8, 2020
​Prentice Cooper, Snooper’s Rock/Ransom Hollow; Wednesday January 1, 2020

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​Reports from the Field, 2020
​

Craven’s House to Point Park, Sunset Rock
Wednesday December 30, 2020
We had a pleasant day to explore the trails along the side of Lookout Mountain, to take in some great views, and to discuss what it must have been like to be scramble up the side of the mountain as a Civil War soldier. We first climbed the Craven’s House Trail to the Bluff Trail, then turned left and eventually climbed to the overlook at Point Park. Then we took the Bluff Trail in the other direction to ultimately climb to Sunset Rock. Then we returned to Craven’s House via the Bluff Trail and Craven’s House Trail. Some veterans and some newcomers made up the group: Beverly & Barry Ligon, Donna Bloh, Steve & Susan Boone and their son, Renaud Courbiere, Jehan Haddadin, and John Rowland leading and reporting.

Pictures from Steve Boone

Atlas Trail, Enterprise South
Wednesday December 9, 2020
The Atlas Trail is one of the newer trails in Enterprise South and was originally built for biking only. Recently it has been opened to hikers and has carefully placed signs indicating which direction each (hikers and bikers) should take on any given day. It is a popular moderately rated (blue) single track easy to follow and well marked. The distance is 6 miles. Bill Kinnaman introduced the Hiking Club members to the trail and carefully pointed out the direction hikers should take on this day. He pointed out the trail would wind all the way to within site of interstate 75 and loop back. The trail featured moderate ups and downs, easy for the most part, and passes through pine forest with pine needles underfoot and hardwoods. No waterfalls or bluff views, but tranquil woodland! Hiking along today were: Patti Giles, Wanda McCarter, Bob Shafto, Pamela Gonzelas, Linda Keown, Tom Carter, Shelly Lewis, Cecile Shenouda, Susan Garrett, Charlie Breeding, Teresa Dean, Mac Dean, Jean Dickinson, Jo Jo Ciervo, Linda Benton, Jason Gaylor, Che Carico reporting, Bill Kinnaman leading.

Picture from Teresa

 Furnace Rock and access to CT at Cain Creek
Wednesday December 2, 2020
Don Deakins first brought us to Furnace Rock after the Cain Creek bridge was finished. It is a mighty feat of engineering constructed to cross the creek and allow the Cumberland Trail to pass through here. Historically the bridges at this site had been low enough to be washed away in the spring by the rushing waters of the creek. The height of this one prevents that from happening. There is ample parking outside the gate at the end of Barker Camp Road. Hiking from the gate to Furnace Rock and the bridge is 3.4 miles round trip. Crossing under the huge overhanging Furnace Rock is tough as boulders are quite large and the path between them narrow. Today's hikers defied the morning temp of 25 degrees and found it a perfect sunshiny day to be standing on the new bridge. A few of the more adventurous crossed the bridge and followed the trail to the left, looked around the huge rock, and took a look at this new section of trail as it takes off toward the trailhead on Hall Road on Signal Mountain. Happy to have been out on the Cumberland Plateau and then seeing the section of the Cumberland Trail that heads south toward Signal Mtn. were: Betsy Parson, Charlie Breeding, Janna McKenna, Jo Jo Ciervo, Joy Ward, Suzanne Dorough, Tom Carter, Wanda McCarter, Wayne Chambers, Patrick McKenna, Shelly Lewis, Greg Clark, Linda Benton, Reggie Jay, Renaud Courbiere, Che Carico reporting and Susan Garrett leading.

The Cain Creek bridge on the Furnace Rock trail:
​Suzanne Dorough’s son, John, helped to put that bridge in place. He said it was the most technically challenging project he has ever done! Many thanks to him and all the others who had a hand in that installation! To the right are John’s pictures that Suzanne shared with us.

Denny’s Cove
Wednesday November 18, 2020
This trail is one of the newer trails in the South Cumberland State Recreation Area. We were taken there the first time by Bob Butters: trail builder, educator, and publisher of Nick-a-jack Notes as the Nick-a-jack Naturalist. There had been a request by Debbie to return and so we did. You can find the trail and directions online. The parking lot is quite large, so our massive number fit right in! Starting off gently, the trail forks right to an overlook. The left fork continues on to the amazing waterfall at its end. Along the trail here you will find a downhill pitch and large rocks for carefully stepping around. The waterfall was rushing as well as the stream below. On our last trip here, we found wildflowers now replaced by bursts of fall color. This will surely be a great wildflower trail in the spring. The return trip along the bluff was quite challenging with rocky narrow passages. Despite this, the entire group was enthusiastic and enjoyed the variation and beauty experienced along the entire loop. Joyfully trekking today were: Beverly Ligon, Barry Ligon, Bill Kinnaman, Derryl DePriest, Doug Graydon, Joy Ward, Janna McKenna, Joyce Campbell, Patti DePriest, Steve Barnes, Suzanne Dorough, Wanda McCarter, Renaud Courbiere, Shelly Lewis, Milla Lijanen , Michelle Ferrandes, Konrad Motzek, Aun Salonen, Susan Garrett and Debbie Lambert leading. 

Chickamauga Battlefield
Wednesday November 4, 2020
Today we trod on hallowed ground. The National Battlefield contains monuments memorializing the battle between the North and South, the lives lost, remnants of homesteads present during that time, and stirring legends about families, their way of life and their valor. Led on this gorgeous fall day by Tony Cook (historian, educator, storyteller extraordinaire!) we walked the route he had chosen listening to the stories he had chosen about the tremendous suffering those families endured. Notable names not to be forgotten were: Elizabeth Elliot, Eliza Glenn, Deborah Thedford, Adaline Brotherton, Mary Jane Snodgrass, and the McDonald and Mullis families.
Our route totaled 6+ miles across fields and along woodland trails. It is one section of many historical routes Tony has in his "file folder" and we will soon follow him again. Blessed by the sharing of this man's knowledge and good cheer were: Barbara McCollum, Betsy Parson, Bill LaRoque, Bill Kinnaman, Derryl DePriest, JoJo Cierjo, Joyce Campbell and grandson Everett, Larry Parks, Linda Keown, Mac Dean, Patricia DePriest, Susan Garrett, Suzanne Dorough, Teresa Dean, Tom Carter, Wanda McCarter, Wayne Chambers, Angela Evans, Rebecca Beckham, Shelly Lewis, Reggie Jay, Michelle Fernandes, Konrad Motzek, Milla Lijinen, Rebecca Chapman, Charlotte McNabb, Bob Hutchison, Janna McKenna, Renaud Courbiere, Mac Dean, Che Carico reporting and Tony Cook leading.
Pausing at significant landmarks Tony handed note cards to "volunteers" who read the words out loud in memory of each of the families. At the very end of the hike a card was read in memory of Elizabeth Elliot who experienced tremendous suffering herself, and whose books and videos have given hope to others who have experienced tremendous suffering in their lives. The card read: "To Elizabeth Elliott and family - we know about your tremendous suffering. We are sorry there is nothing we can do to change it. But we can use it to make our lives better, because ' suffering is never for nothing' . And for this we are forever grateful."
Elizabeth Elliott (1926-2015) Christian Missionary and wife of missionary Jim Elliot who was speared to death by Auca Indians in Ecuador on January 8, 1956. He was 28 years old. He and Elizabeth had been married for just 3 years. Their daughter Valerie was 10 months old when her father died. Author of 25 books including "Through Gates of Splendor” and "Suffering Is Never for Nothing”. And a documentary, “Beyond the Gates of Splendor” which is available on YouTube.

Picturesfrom Teresa

Lula Lake
Wednesday October 21, 2020
On a beautiful warm morning with early fall foliage, 24 members of the CHC were given private access to Lula Lake Land Trust. After a brief history of the property from Patrick Kelly, LLLT Land Manager, we set off on a 6 mile loop which included the scenic South Creek Trail and Bluff Trail. We then worked our way back down from the bluff to Lula Falls, and some with extra energy descended to the base. After backtracking a bit to enjoy stunning Lula Lake itself, we returned to our cars. Hikers included: Barbara Miller, Barry & Beverly Ligon, Betsy Parson, Bill Kinnaman, Cecile Shenouda, Charlie Breeding, Debbie Lambert, Donna Bloh, Carolyn Brannon, Janet Hale, Joyce Campbell, Kathy Seymour, Maria Gonzalez, Richard Park, Susan Garrett, Suzanne Dorough, Tom Carter, Wanda McCarter, John Prescott, and Patti & Derryl DePriest, and Jenny Hopkins, leading and reporting.

Pictures from Jenny

Reflection Riding
Wednesday October 7, 2020
It was a fine fall day, and many came out to enjoy it. We met at the parking area (proved too small this day) at the trailhead for the Kiddie Trail. The route took us up to the Skyuka Trail which we followed "putting our heads together" as there are many turns away from this trail as it makes its way to Skyuka Springs. We were looking for the turn down to the gazebo at the end of the Garden Road loop. The final leg of the loop followed Lookout Creek back toward the Nature Center. Notable sights were the Cherokee Eye and the Bamboo Garden in addition to many wildflower varieties. Our hopes to walk the boardwalk were dashed as there has been much storm damage and it is closed. An up close look at the Tree House (architectural design by hiker Bill Kinnaman), walking the boardwalk, and entering the animal area was not possible. Did not get to see the wolves either. Making the best of it, all returned safely to cars having made new friends and celebrating the beautiful day. Maintaining social distancing for the most part: Betsy Parson, Bill Kinnaman, Bill LaRoque, Boe Rudder, Charlie Breeding, Jennie Chandler, Karin Dering, Patti Giles, Silvia Peixoto, Tom Carter, Brae Snowman, Renaud Courbiere, Charlotte McNabb, JoJo Ciervo, Rebecca Beckham, Janna McKenna, Ned Giles, Donna Bloh, Derryl DePriest, Patti DePriest, Che Carico reporting and leading with help from Boe, Donna, and Charlie.
FYI the little parking lot at the trailhead is owned by Reflection Riding and a fee for parking is now in order. Need to check that out for day use. Thanks to Ned Giles for using his tact and getting us past the fee of $15 per person and securing free parking for today.
Recommended app shared by Janna is SEEK by I Naturalist, and is easy to use and accurate for plant identification. Free!

Picture from Joy

Pot Point Nature Trail
Wednesday September 16, 2020
It was an amazing day ! A bit of a chill in the air as 15 hikers met at the upper parking lot at the Pot Point House on River Canyon Road. Susan led the hikers to the trail below the house and proceeded along the river through the butterfly garden where fall bloomers were splendid. The trail then entered the deeper woods and carried on for a total of 2 miles. Curving uphill and to the right the trail crossed the road and started more steeply uphill. We ran into Elliot Berz from the TN River Gorge Trust who is building camping platforms on a spur off of the trail above the road. The Trust has preserved this property, built and maintained the trails in the area and has marked them with sturdy trail signs including a kiosk at the trailhead. Switchbacks and a more strenuous footpath uphill led the way to a high point, straight and flat for just a bit, then downhill completing the loop back to the parked cars. Total distance 4.1 miles. It was refreshing hiking the trail clockwise and I think the better choice. First time for most of us. A gorgeous day in the gorge for: Suzanne Dorough, Tom Carter, Patti Giles, Ned Giles, Bill Kinnaman, Silvie Peixoto, Cecile Shenouda, Renaud Courbiere, Tristan Carico, Mac Dean, Teresa Dean, Charlie Breeding, Joy Ward, Che Carico reporting, Susan Garrett leading. The Ritchie Trail also starts from this parking area. 10 stopped at River Drifters for lunch on the way home - outside dining and delicious!

Picture from Teresa

Picture from Joy

Picture from Joy

Edwards Point from Signal Mtn schools
Wednesday September 9, 2020
Maybe it was a little cooler than previous days, but something brought out 14 hikers today! This trail immediately begins in the heavy shelter of overhanging leafed trees. There is a kiosk at the beginning with a map that shows the colors of the trail sections which change as you progress to the point. Even though blazed, the trail is a bit difficult to follow as so many spurs cross over the main route. Especially in the last mile down to the point, look carefully for yellow blazes. This is the time of year for the emerging mushrooms of varied size, shape, and color that can be found along the trail. The trail ends as it intersects with the Cumberland Trail and a beautiful view of the Tennessee river below the bluff. As always it is a great pleasure to take new hikers on these treks. They make new friends and they seem to love learning of the trails. Enjoying a bit cooler and less humid day were: Bill Kinnaman, Donna Bloh, Patti Giles, Doug Graydon (finally off the medical list just in time to unravel our confusion as we took a wrong turn), Janna McKenna, Spears McAllester, Suzanne Dorough, Wanda McCarter, Cecile Shenouda, Wanda Budan, Wendy Gunn, Joyce Campbell, Che Carico reporting, Susan Garrett leading. PS. If you hike this trail, on the return watch carefully for yellow blazes and then the yellow ribbon tied around a big tree on the right that indicates the turn from the jeep road back into the woods onto the footpath.

Possum Creek Gorge
Wednesday September 2, 2020
Heiss Mountain road to Perkins Point and back. The forecast was for temp to reach 100 degrees but 5 hikers came out today!! We had been warned this is one of the hardest sections of the CT. Yes, rocks and roots, ups and downs. The highlights were the new bridge over Big Possum Creek, bright yellow daisy-like flowers, an interesting white “blossom” that grew on fallen branches like lichen, a 3 tiered waterfall, great rock walls and cavelike overhangs, red berries of the many jack in pulpits, and a massive blowdown the coordinates for which we sent to CTC. Trudging along drinking lots of water were Charlie Breeding, Debbie Lambert, Donna Bloh, Che Carico reporting and Susan Garrett leading.
​Quotes for the day: “not much flat on this trail “ Don Deakins. “We’ve gone up this mountain 4 or 5 times!” Charlie Breeding.

CT Rock Creek Loop
Wednesday August 26, 2020
On a hot, muggy morning six energetic folks met to hike the upper trailhead of the Rock Creek Loop on the Cumberland Trail. We hiked counterclockwise from the upper trailhead, making a loop back up and including the spur out to Leggett Point and back. The distance was 4.4 miles when including the spur to Leggett Point. It was a surprise to meet Teresa and Mac Dean on their way from the lower trailhead as we crossed paths! Enjoying the hot and humid outing were Bill Kinnaman, Charlie Breeding, Susan Garrett, new hiker Donna Bloh, and Patti and Ned Giles. The hike was led by Bill Kinnaman with Patti Giles reporting.

Hiwassee Float Trip
Wednesday August 12, 2020
It was a perfect bluebird sky day for floating the Hiwassee! Lots of water was being released, so the river was full and swift - not so many places to get stuck on rocks. A group of 13 drove their own cars to Webb Brothers Float Service in Benton. Most rented single duckies and 1 portaged his canoe to the put in with the help of Barbara and Greg. Yes, we did ride in the "cattle truck" from Webb's to the put in, but everyone wore masks for this part of the trip. Social distancing was easy while on the river! Wildflowers bloomed on the riverbanks. It was sad when we floated past our usual picnic site at Big Bend - missed the great food and other great friends. The virus situation had made us wary of stopping and gathering there even though in wide open space. Instead we "kept on rolling, rolling, rolling down the river" to the bridge, gave up our boats, changed into dry clothes, and drove across the bridge to Flip Flops for lunch. Easy to social distance here also as spacious pavilion with large picnic tables and benches lend to spreading out. The menu is limited as they specialize in burgers and fries! Enjoying the float were: Betsy Parson, Silvia Peixoto, Noel Holcomb, Terri Holcomb, Joyce Campbell, Gary Petty, Judy Petty, Carolyn Brannon, Barbara McCollum, Greg McCollum, and Che Carico reporting. John Rowland and Bill Kinnaman hiked up the Clemmer trail and John joined the river rats for lunch.

Picture from John

Emery Creek Falls
Saturday August 1, 2020
Today’s hike was eventful for several reasons: we celebrated Tim’s 70th birthday, it was the first Saturday hike since March 7th , and we found a yellow jackets nest! Emery Creek Falls is located in north Georgia’s Cohutta Wilderness which has 37,000 acres and 90 miles of hiking trails. Most of the trails are difficult to access because of lengthy drives on forest service roads. However, the Emery Creek Falls trail is easy to access and provides a stunning waterfall. We all did our part to social distance and enjoyed a total of 20 stream crossings for the day. Before crossing the eighth stream, Tim and Barbara were the victims of a yellow jackets nest being stirred up by several hikers about 5 minutes ahead of us. Arnita and Morris were stung at least once. The cold stream water provided some much-needed relief and the others were warned to cross further downstream. We enjoyed a nice snack and photo break at the Falls and then returned to our cars for a birthday celebration with cupcakes from Honeymoon Bakery in Rome, Georgia. Enjoying an eventful day on the trail were new club members, Arnita Gray and Susan Holmes, guests Gayle Monk, Jana and Morris Collins, Anne Moore, and seasoned veterans Boe Rudder, Tim Chomyn, Noel and Terri Holcomb, and Barbara Emery Creek Falls pictures from Barbara McCollum, leading and reporting.

South Chickamauga Creek
Wednesday July 22, 2020
Thirteen folks hiked the South Chickamauga Creek trail, starting at the trail head at the Riverpark. Most of the hikers including Cecile Shenouda, Joy Ward, Patti Giles, Ned Giles, Richard Park, Suzanne Dorough, Monty Simmons, Karin Dering, Tom Carter, and Charlie Breeding chose to turn around at the Sterchi Farm trailhead and hike 5 miles. Joyce Campbell, Betsy Parson, and Mark Parks continued on to the trail’s end to get a 9 mile hike. The weather was warm, but some cloud cover made it tolerable. Charlie Breeding leading and reporting. 

Elsie Holmes Nature Park
Wednesday July 15, 2020
On a hot, muggy day 18 eager hikers gathered to enjoy the outdoors and to social distance with friends close to home. In 1997 Ben Holmes donated 66 acres of land along S. Chickamauga Creek for the creation of a nature park in memory of his late wife, Elsie. He didn't want to see the property cleared for housing use. He chose to keep it preserved for the good of the county. The nature park is made up of five winding trails. Benefitting from Mr. Holmes' generosity were Joy Ward, Jennie Chandler, Che Carico, Bo Rudder, Joyce Campbell, Bill Kinnaman, Betsy Parson, Cecile Shenouda, Monty Simmons, Charlie Breeding, Silvia Peixoto, Bill LaRoque, Luther Killian, Wayne Chambers, Susan Garrett, Tom Carter, Ned Giles and Patti Giles, reporting.

Cross-country Trail Complex, Covenant College
Wednesday June 24, 2020
Susan had tried to scout this area but not successful on the day she went by herself!! She was joined by Debbie on the hike day to guide hikers as they arrived to the turn in from the main highway. The trail head and kiosk can be seen from the power lines. These trails were new for the majority of the hikers. They are not well marked but with all heads put together, no one got lost. There is a kiosk and online map that is not very clear. The trails were nice and wide for keeping social distancing. It was a pleasant hike in the woods providing plenty of shade. A few flowers were on the trail as we crossed the power lines, and blackberries for nibbling. Lots of berries but not quite ready for picking. Not certain about miles but just enough to be among good friends. Enjoying the new hike were: Betsy Parson, Bill Kinnaman, Charlie Breeding, Debbie Lambert, Joy Ward, Joyce Campbell, Mac and Teresa Dean, Patti and Ned Giles, Richard Park, Suzanne Dorough, Tom Long, Wanda McCarter, granddaughter Savannah, and Susan Garrett reporting and leading.

Picture from Joy

Picture from Teresa

Shackleford Ridge Park (Blue Loop) with spur to Mushroom Rock and North Suck Creek
Wednesday June 17, 2020
Twenty three hikers joined to hike the Shackleford Ridge Trails on Signal Mountain. There was a joyful, “happy to be in the woods” feeling within the group. Some chose to hike the 2.7 mile blue trail around the schools. Others continued on to Mushroom Rock adding an additional 2.2 miles. And a few chose to hike down to North Suck Creek from Mushroom Rock which added an additional strenuous mile. Although the wildflowers and flame azaleas were few in number, the lushness of the woods surrounded us, and abundant "fields" of ferns spread throughout the forest. It was a perfect hiking day with friends old and new! Those "set free" to enjoy the woods and each other at a socially acceptable distance were: Gary Petty, Susan Garrett, Suzanne Dorough, Wanda McWherter, Cecile Shenouda, Monica Bestawros, Marie Loisy, Sylvia Peixoto, Boe Rudder, Joy Ward, Charlie Breeding, Autumn Carico, Ellie Carico, Emery Carico, Wendy Gunn, Wayne Chambers, Tom Carter, Patti Giles, Ned Giles, Che Carico, Joyce Campbell, Susan Garrett, Debbie Lambert leading and reporting. Bill Kinnaman and JD Dickinson created their own trek on this varied and beautiful property.

Picture from Joy

Chester Frost Park
Wednesday June 10, 2020
This beautiful park has remained open during the virus crisis and has saved the lives of many hikers, walkers, bikers, and boaters! Today's walk/hike began at the parking lot just past the entrance sign to the park (left turn). The walk/hike began here and continued around the lake, past the ranger station, and into the area for campers. There is a campers' loop which we hiked once and then returned to the parked cars giving a total of 6 fast miles as mostly paved trail. The park boasts safe vantage points for fishing, green grasses, woods with tall trees, squirrels, blue herons, Canada geese, deer, and a variety of songbirds. Enjoying this "place of beauty and solitude" were: Cecile Shenouda, Merry Boggs , Diehl Boggs, Mark Parks, Barry Ligon, Beverly Ligon, Wayne Chambers, Ellie Carico, Emery Carico, Weston Carico (unexpected ride in the boat with a friend and yes he caught a fish), Che Carico, and Joyce Campbell reporting and leading. Then it was off to Frazier's Produce in Sale Creek for strawberries picked that very day!

Lookout Mountain
Wednesday June 3, 2020
Fifteen hikers assembled at Cravens House in the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee/Georgia. We hiked the 4.5-mile Cravens House Loop which included the following trails: Cravens House, Bluff, Gum Spring, Upper Truck and Rifle Pits. Most everyone enjoyed the side trail to Sunset Rock for a stunning view and a nice cool breeze. For some Chattanooga residents, this was their first time to Sunset Rock! The flora and fauna did not disappoint with a few wildflower sightings including Indian Pink, Fire Pink, Skullcap, Jack-in-the Pulpit and Flame Azalea. As we descended to the lower elevations on the Gum Spring and Upper Truck trails, the humidity began to intensify which made the final Rifle Pits trail a bit more challenging. Happy to be on the trail, but missing hugs from our hiking friends were Bill Kinnaman, Charlie Breeding, Joy Ward, Larry Parks, Mac and Teresa Dean, Richard Park, Susan Garrett, Suzanne Dorough, Tom Carter, Wanda McCarter, Wayne Chambers, Karin Deering, Che Carico, and Barbara McCollum leading.

Picture from Joy

Enterprise South
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Enterprise South has created a wonderful system of trails for "Our Town"! Now they have added a new short piece to the equestrian trail. To cover the entire 16 mile trail (which now includes the 3.5 miles of new) you must hike 16.5 miles. The configuration is a lollipop so the first 6.5 miles must be hiked 2 times. In and out distance choices are also there for you. The trail is called Summit Knob. It includes a nice bathroom, a kiosk, maps, plenty of parking, wide trail, and strong markers. Bill Kinnaman had said he had found a "nice new trail off of Hwy 58" and Elizabeth O'Conner said the trail had "saved her life during the virus closings". She walked there every day!! Google takes you right to the trailhead. Almost beating the rain today were: John Searcy, Susan Garrett, Wayne Chambers, Monty Simmons, Che Carico reporting, Elizabeth and Bill co-leading.

Cedar Mountain
Wednesday May 13, 2020
A few hikers met at the Cedar Mountain Trailhead near Nickajack Dam to take advantage of the well maintained trail which is a short drive from Chattanooga. When we arrived, we were surprised to find several vehicles at the lot, as well as a light sprinkle of rain which wasn’t in the forecast. Never the less we proceeded around the loop counterclockwise. The light rain cooled things down and the thick canopy helped keep us relatively dry. Although the wildflower season had peaked earlier we noted trillium, dwarf iris and fire pink along the way. As we started the short ascent after a half hour stroll we were met by the other half of our CHC contingent. They had left a little earlier and took the counterclockwise option. In spite of the minor confusion we enjoyed the short stroll and camaraderie after weeks of Corona confinement. The early birds were Maureen, Tom, and Wayne. Those on schedule included Karen, Charlie, Joe, Boe, and Steve Barnes reporting.

N Chick Greenway/Spangler Farms
Wednesday May 6, 2020
Our first attempt at a Wednesday hike seemed to go off quite well. We circled all around the property, staying safely separated from each other and from people we met along the way. Most stayed for an enjoyable picnic lunch in the shade - almost a bit chilly! Those venturing out to see if their legs still worked were Betsy Parson, Bill Kinnaman, Bob Shafto, Charlie Breeding, Delores Ladd, Merry and Diehl Boggs, Jennie Chandler, Joe Teringer, Joy Ward, Larry Parks, Patti Giles, Tom Long, Wayne Chambers, and John Rowland reporting. 

Pictures from John

Sitton’s Gulch
Wednesday March 18, 2020
​Our group of 14 hikers met at the Sitton's Gulch trailhead in Trenton and did our best to maintain social distancing while hiking along the creek to Hemlock Falls, which was gushing after the previous day's rain. Many beautiful wildflowers were blooming, with more to emerge. One lone jack-in-the-pulpit was spotted by eagle-eyed Barbara McCollum. We also saw bellwort, violets, mayapples, trout lilies, foamflower, hepatica, rue anemone, star chickweed, toothwort, purple phacelia, trillium, and more! A handful of hearty hikers continued climbing the stairs to Cherokee Falls, and some even added in the West Rim Loop! Hiking on this unseasonably warm morning were Susan Basch, Susan Garrett, Terri Holcomb, Bill Kinnaman, Barbara McCollum, Richard Park, Betsy Parsons, Bob Shafto, Monty Simmons, Ed Stokes, Joy Ward, Beverly and Barry Ligon, and Jenny Hopkins, reporting.

Johnston Woods, McDonald, TN
Wednesday March 11, 2020
​Google Johnston Woods for complete information about the features of this 375 acre pristine property up the road towards Cleveland. It is an event site that offers shelters and picnic tables for group events, a wedding venue, catered meals for special events, a small kitchen for use by those who might want to hold a more informal event on the property, a lake, and hiking trails!! We drove up a winding road surrounded by woods only to come out into the open at the parking area and trailhead. There is a well-designed kiosk showing the trails that lead out from that spot in two directions forming a figure 8. The 4 mile offering is easy to follow and easy underfoot with minor ups and downs. No wildflowers just yet but surely there will be some later in the spring. Glad to have had a little more warmth and a new adventure close to home were: Gary Smith, Todd Roeder, Carla Schunk, Patti Giles, Wanda McCarter, Bill Kinnaman, Suzanne Dorough, Gary Petty, Stormy McGauley, Bob Shafto, Donna Mahrous, Betsy Parson, Diehl Boggs, Merry Boggs, Tom Long, Maureen Brock, Charlie Breeding, Joy Ward, Mary Anne Langevin, Betsy Darken, Teresa Dean , Mac Dean, Kathy Seymour, Ed Stokes, Renee Grace, Che Carico reporting, Bob Shafto leading.

​Virgin Falls
Saturday March 7, 2020
Spring Fever or maybe cabin fever was the motivation for 16 hikers to take on a 9-mile strenuous hike to Virgin Falls near Sparta, Tennessee. The temperatures were in the high 30’s when we started hiking with some wind, but it turned into a beautiful sunny day with a high in the low 60’s. The cable creek crossing at 1.5 miles was easily navigated and it was on to Big Laurel Falls for a few photos and then to the beautiful Virgin Falls where we enjoyed lunch. Some of the Virgin Falls virgins hiked the spur trail to the top of the Falls to see the cave where it actually begins. On the return out of the gorge, several stopped at the Sheep Cave for a “look see” and then it was just a slow trudge to the trailhead. Everyone agreed the hike was strenuous, but also readily agreed that Virgin Falls was worth the difficulty. Six in the group opted to stop at a club favorite, The Cookie Jar in Dunlap, but a 45-minute wait didn’t sit well on our empty stomachs, so we moved on to Steve’s Landing in Soddy Daisy for a delicious dinner. A huge slice of Italian Cream Cake, purchased at The Cookie Jar, was divided six ways and enjoyed by all. Enjoying a spectacular day on the trail were club members: Ed Stokes, Jenny Hopkins, Joe Teringer, John Rowland, John Wayne, Joyce Campbell, Mary Ann Langevin, Mary Ann Pawlowski, Renee Roeder, Rita Pendergast, Susan Basch, Tim Chomyn, Todd Roeder, Susan Holmes (newly joined) and James Hall (prospective member). Of note, ten of the six hikers hailed from north Georgia and all agreed that Tennessee offers some amazing hiking. Barbara McCollum, reporting.

Picture from Tim; video below from Barbara

Cloudland Canyon Sitton Gulch
Saturday February 29, 2020
Today’s hike was an impromptu hike due to the forecast of a beautiful day and no RAIN! Diehl and I decided to plan a hike for Feb 29th, and we thought we should share with our hiking friends with Chattanooga Hiking Club. Thank you to Che and Gary for sharing the details of this hike. Seven hikers met at the Sitton Gulch Trail head for a Saturday morning to view the Cloudland Canyon waterfalls along the Sitton Gulch Trail. We were not disappointed. The waterfalls were beautiful as the picture shows. The weather was perfect. We met many hikers along the trail. Everyone was excited to have a sunny day. Surprisingly, there was no ice anywhere along the trail. Thank you to the hikers who participated in today’s hike. We enjoyed meeting new friends, and all had fun visiting and talking along the way when we were not taking pictures. Hikers in attendance: Diehl and Merry Boggs, Monty Simmons, Wayne Chambers, Rita Pendergast, Carol and Tom Baker. 

Picture from Mary

Prentice Cooper Ransom Hollow Overlook
Saturday February 22, 2020
With all the recent rain, I scratched the original plan to do a one-way from the CT parking area to Ransom Hollow Overlook, and then out to Tower Rd for a car shuttle. Instead we started at the Tower Rd parking area up from Snooper’s Rock, and did an out-and-back to Ransom Hollow Overlook. We made the short side trip down to Hemlock Branch campsite just to check out the creek crossing, and it did look like it would have provided plenty of excitement! It was still a nice day and an enjoyable hike, with the great view provided by the overlook. Joining me were Rita Pendergast and Joe Teringer. On the way back out Tower Rd, Rita and I stopped to climb the tower. You get great views from up there; I recommend it to anyone on future trips to Prentice Cooper. John Rowland, leading and reporting.

CT sections, Signal Mtn schools to Signal Point
Wednesday February 19, 2020
The clouds parted and the rain stopped for this hike. The meetup place was Signal Point on Signal Mountain, the southern terminus for the Cumberland Trail. We shuttled to the soccer fields below the Signal Mountain Middle High School. Stepping onto the blue trail and then the pink trail, we hiked around the property until we met the yellow/orange trail and then the orange trail (turn left) leading down into the gorge. Watch carefully to follow the orange trail as it turns right into the forest and runs alongside the Middle Creek. If you walk too far you will run into Middle Creek having gone too far! Today we followed the orange trail to the Rainbow Lake swinging bridge after walking under steep bluffs that showered us with dripping water. This was the case with the many rock hops and waterfalls along the trail - plentiful "falling" water! After the snack/lunch break at the Rainbow Lake campground, Charlie and Susan led most of the hikers along the CT back to Signal Point. A few chose to go upstream, find the trail up the "mountain", hike out at the Ohio Avenue trail head, and road walk back to Signal Point. This trail is challenging with rocks and roots, moderate elevation gains, and rock bluffs typical of the CT. Glad to have been challenged on a hike so close to home were: Todd Roeder, Betsy Darken, Teresa Dean, Mac Dean, Betsy Parson, Renee Grace, Bill Kinnaman, Mary Ann Langevin, Donna Koeninger, Susan Basch, Jenny Hopkins, Gary Petty, Wayne Chambers, Barbara Miller, Joy Ward, Ed Stokes, Che Carico reporting, Charlie Breeding and Susan Garrett leading (good job with corn meal arrows as this sequence had many turns).

Picture from Todd

Stringers Ridge
Saturday February 15, 2020
What a beautiful day for a hike. The weather decided to play nice today. Eight hikers met at the Pinnacle Condos for the start of the hike. We hiked to the Stringers Ridge Trail head then hiked half of the trail to the Spears Road parking lot where we exited the trail. We added an urban hike as we walked to First Watch for breakfast/brunch. Bill Needham met us to eat due to the fact he is recovering from an injury. We had a wonderful breakfast/brunch with continuous laughter and conversations with friends. As always, the food did not disappoint. Thank you First Watch! After eating, we returned to finish the Stringers Ridge Trail. We hiked a total of 7 miles with a 1000 foot elevation change over the hike. We are already planning for another mixed hike that included an urban component, a trail component, and LUNCH! Thanks to our fellow hikers Tim and Elaine Chomyn, Joyce Campbell, Rita Pendergast, Susan Basch, Barbara McCollum, and Delores Ladd… Merry and Diehl Boggs, leading.

Pictures from Merry

Len Foote Hike Inn overnight
Wednesday-Thursday February 12-13, 2020
Only a hot shower, cheery fire, common room with puzzles and LRC, and a meal prepared by a 5 Star Chef could entice a vigorous band of CHC members to start up the trail to Len Foote Lodge with rain in the past few days and likely in the next two! Miraculously, only light rain (sprinkles) fell on us as we hiked to the Inn. Everyone had prepared for much worse with rain gear. We were warmly greeted by staff, hot water for tea and chocolate, coffee, and if you were lucky a chocolate brownie or piece of chocolate cake. Dinner did not disappoint - perfectly cooked pork loin, fresh and plentiful mixed salad greens, wild rice, green beans, delicious hot rolls, and cake. The program for anyone who would participate, was yoga instruction. Those not doing this retreated to the lobby to read, to the pot-bellied wood burning stove in the common room, took up places at the puzzle table, gathered around the table where new folks were taught how to play the whoopingly inspired LRC, or into a corner to tune the banjo, guitars newly purchased by the Inn, and voices! Before the night ended we had been greatly entertained by our two piece string band, vocals, and a stand-up comedian. New hikers were surprised and delighted along with all of us who actually knew what was coming. Wayne Chambers began this club hike tradition many years ago. The participation has grown from about eight to filling the house! By choosing January or February and filling the house, the charge for our stay was half the normal charge. A real bargain for food, comfort, friendly conversation, and "professional" entertainment we will never forget! And by the way, the banjo carried up to the Inn weighed 25 pounds. Sleep was mostly good except for the accidental setting off of the smoke alarm, maybe by nearby lightning and thunder! And yes, it did rain hard all night sparking fear of hiking out in such rain. Not so! The rain completely stopped by 8:45 and the hikers began their hike out at 9:00 after a hearty breakfast of eggs, grits, gravy, biscuits, and sausage. So, a perfect ending to another celebration of friendship! Che Carico, reporting Wayne Chambers, planning and leading.

Picture from Barbara

Picture from John

Little Soddy Creek Gorge
Wednesday January 29, 2020
A perfect day for a morning only hike as rain in forecast that afternoon. It was sprinkling as we met at Tractor Supply and rather chilly but no worse for rain as the morning went on. It was like herding cats to place cars for the trail heads on Mowbray Pike Road and then at Hotwater/Sluder Lane! "Got 'er done" and off we went into the moist and verdant woods. This trail is quite varied with ups and downs, smooth path, rocky path, rock hopping creeks, bridges, huge boulder structures typical for the Cumberland Plateau standing tall above our heads, bluff view of the Tennessee Valley from high plateau bluff, and barren stretches of forest showing off the rolling ridges. Great history of mining and mining families for this stretch of CT - google to read. This is a really pretty yet challenging stretch of the Cumberland Trail we intend to conquer section by section (5.6 miles). Choices were made as some headed for home, some lunched on the trail and some went to Scottie's in Soddy Daisy for lunch: Todd Roeder, Joe Tehringer, Edith Behringer, Boe Rudder, Renee Grace, Bill Kinnaman, Betsy Darken, Stormy McGauley, Barbara Miller, Ed Stokes, Tim Chomyn, Jean Dickinson, Teresa Dean, Mac Dean, Susan Garrett, Betsy Parson, Rachel Bryant, Suzanne Dorough, Wanda McCarter, Che Carico reporting, Stormy and Susan in the lead! 

Smokies Shuckstack Loop
Saturday January 25, 2020
Three hikers completed 15 miles and 3300 ft of climbing in near freezing conditions to the Shuckstack fire tower up the AT from Fontana Dam. We returned via Lost Cove trail and Lakeshore trail. We were treated to a nice light snow covering on the way up to Shuckstack but unfortunately heavy fog at the tower that did not permit much of a view. Lost Cove trail turned out to be a challenge with approximately six rather deep water crossings, which we completed by several techniques including crawling and sliding across logs and wading through the cold water! We did get several beautiful long range views including Fontana Lake, and finished off the day with a delicious dinner at Bojangles! Rick Glisson led the hike with Peter Williams and Celia Suarez also participating.

Laurel Falls, Laurel/Snow Pocket Wilderness
Wednesday January 22, 2020
So happy for sunshine on this cold start in the morning which promised a frozen spectacle surrounding a roaring waterfall and warming on the return trip. A huge group came out in spite of upper 20s temp. As usual the energy exerted warmed us up! The trail was beautiful with the tumbling sound of Richland Creek alongside, enormity of the rock bluffs on either side, and interest for the history of coal mining (coke ovens, rock walls, and tunnel openings into the mines). As the Cumberland Trail completion effort continues, today we found a new kiosk at the trailhead featuring new maps of the trails accessed here. The structure was built with room for more such signs planned for the future. Fresh white trail blazes make the trail easier to follow. Then there is the new fantastic bridge crossing Laurel Creek. Having a map of this area will help you follow the trail to Laurel Falls where it splits right at the intersection with the Snow Falls trail. As the trail is freshly marked with white blazes, avoid taking shortcuts along the way which only serve to increase erosion especially on the switchbacks. We will return to the Laurel/ Snow wilderness later in the spring when the amazing wildflowers begin to emerge. Safe and on the way home or to favorite eating spots in Dayton (Delias and Screen Door) were: Edith Behringer, Boe Rudder, Tom Baker, Todd Roeder, Suzanne Dorough, Wanda McCarter, Carla Schrunk, Bill Kinnaman, Teresa Dean, Mac Dean, Renee Grace, Jenny Hopkins, Susan Bausch, Tom Long, Joe Tehringer, Betsy Parson, Pam O'Neal, Neal Sneed, Wayne Chambers, JD Dickinson, Che Carico reporting and Susan Garrett and Debbie Lambert leading.

Picture from Che

Mullins Cove Section of CT
Wednesday January 8, 2020
Another amazing day in Prentice Cooper State Forest! Here you will find a web of beautiful and often challenging trails - some foot paths and some jeep trails. Distance today was 6.53 miles marked with white blazes. We began at the parking area at the trailhead to Indian Rock House (left side of Tower Road) and Mullins Cove going off into the woods on the right side of Tower Road and near the new and improved out house! A shuttle had been placed at the Snooper's Rock access road and parking. This trail has just the right amount (?) of ups and downs, rocks and roots, overlooks, huge rock structures typical of the Cumberland Plateau, and rushing creeks to rock hop. No wildflowers as of yet, but ferns undaunted! There are a couple of places when the blazes are not right in front of you and you may have to seek them out to follow the trail correctly. Having a map is really helpful. When you do come out onto Tower Road, take a little extra time to hike on down to the gorge overlook at Snooper's Rock. So happy to not have been denied this trail today because of bad weather were: Barbara Miller, Betsy Parson, Bob Shafto, Charlie Breeding, Debbie Lambert, Diehl Boggs, Edith Behringer, Ed Stokes, Hank Konigsmark, Joe Tehringer, Mac Dean, Merry Boggs, Richard Park, Stormy McGauley, Susan Garrett, Suzanne Dorough, Teresa Dean, Wanda McCarter, Tristan Carico, Todd Roeder, Hannah Wood, Micah Long, Julia Dooley, Che Carico reporting, Debbie Lambert and Susan Garrett leading. ​

Prentice Cooper, Snooper’s Rock/Ransom Hollow
Wednesday January 1, 2020
​Our traditional New Year’s Day trek was quite well-attended, and hopefully got us all started on a year filled with great hiking experiences. Everyone did the part from the Cumberland Trail parking area out to Snooper’s Rock and its magnificent view, then up to Tower Road. A few stalwart souls continued across the road and hiked out to Ransom Hollow Overlook for a second view of the river, before finishing farther on out Tower Road. Bright-eyed and with no evidence of hangovers, the hikers were Barbara McCollum, Betsy Parson, Betsy Darken, Bill Kinnaman, Bob Shafto, Che Carico, Merry and Diehl Boggs, Donna Mahrous, Edith Behringer, Faye and Melvin Nunez, JD Dickinson, Joe Teringer, Joy Ward, Joyce Campbell, Patti and Ned Giles, Renee Grace, Pam and Richard Park, Shelly Claiborne, Susan Faidley, Elaine and Tim Chomyn, Pete Williams, John Prescott, Rita Pendergast, and John Rowland reporting.

Picture from Barbara