Upcoming outings
​

Sunday, June 4, 2023
Virgin Falls, Sparta TN

Location: Virgin Falls State Natural Area
Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes from Chattanooga Meeting Time at Trail Head
Virgin Falls in Central Time Zone
Distance: 9+ miles including 8.4 mile lollipop loop and a couple short side trails
Rating: Strenuous
Elevation: 1000+ ft. (up on the way out)
Pace: Standard/Fast
Trail Conditions: Rocky, uneven at times, cable crossing.

Explore the beautiful and mystical Virgin Falls on this strenuous 9+ mile journey. There are three other falls: Big Branch, Big Laurel and Sheep Cave. Virgin Falls seems to originate and disappear with no visible water source though we’ll hike up and around to peek into its subterranean source: a cool (literally and figuratively) cave on top. This is one of the best rated hikes in Tennessee but make a note that it is strenuous so please be prepared. At this time, I don’t have backup for both a fast and slow group so we
will keep a pretty fast pace on this. With lunch at bottom, I’m estimating at least 6- 7 hours. I will pre-hike a few days before to see if trail is accessible so you must RSVP for updates. Hike leaders: Shelly Lewis and Novi Morales RSVP by text to Shelly: 925-683-6095
​

Sunday, June 11
Cloudland Canyon State Park - Ascalon Road Trailhead

Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 700'
Rating: Moderate
Pace: Standard 2.0 mph

We'll hike a meandering loop beginning with the beautiful Can't Hardly Trail which connects to Cloudland Connector Trail, then ATLATL Trail, back to CCT for a short distance before connecting to Kindergarten Trail, back to CCT and parking lot. Each vehicle needs to pay $5 exact for parking, or annual GA Parks pass. Contact Jenny Hopkins at jenhop60@gmail.com to register and get the exact location and time.

Saturday, June 17, 2023
Noland Divide Trail and After Hike Picnic

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Distance: 11.6 miles
Rating: Strenuous
Elevation Change: Ascent 800 feet, Descent 4800 feet
Pace: Standard
Accommodations: On your own though many plan to stay at the Ridge Top Motel, 390
Arlington Ave, Bryson City, NC 828-488-6335 on Friday night. Some may stay Saturday
night as well and make a weekend of it. Deep Creek Campground or other area motels
are alternate options.
​
Join Ken Smith as he completes his map and becomes an official member of the 900
mile club. For those coming over on Friday, we will meet for a group dinner at
Pasqualino’s Italian Restaurant in Bryson City at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, we will leave
Bryson City at 8:00 am and head up to the trailhead on Clingmans Dome Road. The
hike is mostly downhill with only one steady 600 foot climb over 1.7 miles.
After the hike we will have a celebration picnic at the Deep Creek Picnic Area which
Che will be coordinating. (Thanks Che!) Ken wants to thank all the club members who
have helped and encouraged him to get his map complete and hopes many can join in
on the celebration. Come join the festivities even if you elect not to hike, you are
encouraged to come for the picnic as Ken steps off his final trail into the picnic area.
Please RSVP to Ken Smith at KenSmith323@gmail.com or text or call at 864-809-1800.
Details for the picnic will be finalized about a week prior with those attending.

Saturday June 24, 2023
North Chickamauga Gorge Trail
(Barker Camp Rd to Montlake Road TrailHead with Shuttle)

Hike: CT from Barker Camp Road to Montlake road with Upper Hogskin Branch Loop)
Location: Soddy-Daisy
Driving Time: 20 min from downtown (followed by 25 min one way shuttle)
Distance: 8.5 miles
Rating: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 1000 Ft
Pace: Approx. 2 mph
Trail Conditions: Numerous Creek fords, some rugged ascents, ladders, some overgrowth, short sections with narrow footing.
​
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 the "Strip Mine Falls" then climbs a wood staircase to an Old Mine Road, which affords 1.2 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, two reasonably easy creek crossings, (unless recent rains cause more runoff) arriving at the cars at the southern trail head. When I checked it out on 5/6, some overgrowth was beginning but the trail was passable and water flows in creek crossing were manageable. Some may wish to bring watershoes. Use of TWO walking sticks and long sleeves/bloused trousers is definitely recommended. Hike Leader is Dan Garner.
Please register with me at garnerd6739@gmail.com or text me at 615-498-0560.

​

Saturday, July 1, 2023
Mt. Cammerer

Location: Great Smoky Mountains
Driving Time: 2.5 hrs.
Distance: 11 miles out and back
Rating: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 3000 ft
Pace: Standard (about 2 mph)
Trail Conditions: some rocks, but mostly good trail

This is a beautiful hike starting on the Low Gap Trail from the Cosby Campground, and
then following the Appalachian Trail to the side trail for Mt Cammerer. At almost 5000 ft, the tower here provides for outstanding 360 degree views. With a clear day, this is one
of those "crown jewel" hikes of the Smokies. And if the day is not so clear, we still get a
beautiful, steep and challenging climb for 3 miles up the Low Gap Trail, and then enjoy
a somewhat easier 2 miles along the famed Appalachian Trail. There are overlooks
along the way. The tower is a wonderful stone structure (built by the CCC)making it
easy to get onto the platform - no scary 100 rickety steps to climb. Mt Cammerer is
named after a national park director that was instrumental in establishing the Smokies
as a national park. This is a difficult climb, and while we will have rest stops and will not
hike at a fast pace, participants need to have experience with similar mileage and
elevation gain. Hike leader is Susan Faidley. Please register a susanf.chchiker@gmail.com.
**There will be a limit on this hike.
**We have the added issue of securing Smokies parking permits for all drivers. 
​

Saturday July 15, 2023
Spence Field Day Hike

Great Smoky Mtn National Park
Total Mileage : 13.5 miles
Elevation Gain : 3000 ft.
Rating: Strenuous
Pace: Standard
​
Some of the nicest views of the Smoky Mountains are from Spence Field, which is an
Appalachian grassy bald. The Appalachian Trail runs right through it, and and there are great views of Rocky Top and Thunderhead, which are two well-known peaks. This has long been a club favorite! Beginning in Cades Cove, we will pick up the Anthony Creek Trail and begin our 5.2 mile climb. After a nice rest and lunch in the beautiful soft grass, we then follow the Appalachian Trail 2.9 miles to Russell Field. Our descent to complete our loop will take us down Russell Field Trail. We might have to add a little mileage to our hike along the roads of Cades Cove to reach our trailhead and return to the parking. This is a strenuous hike, both for mileage and for elevation gain. However, we will hike it at a standard hiking pace of approximately 2 mph with extra time included for climbing . We will leave town early to ensure a nice long day is available for
hiking. The driving time from Chattanooga is 2.5 hours one way. Leader Susan Faidley. Please register at susanf.chchiker@gmail.com