Big Frog Dayhike, Saturday, July 10, 2010
Cherokee Natioinal Forest, Ocoee Ranger District, TN
Rating: Strenuous
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,060 feet
Pace: Standard, with the climbing being slower
Drive time (one way): 1.25 hours
This hike is an up and back hike on the Big Frog Trail in the Big Frog Wilderness. The elevation is gained in a moderate and steady manner, with few steep sections. We will see a wide range of trees and shrubs, and some summer wildflowers, as we climb through different types of terrain. There will be several overlooks to see the surrounding hills. At the top, we will take our lunch/snack break, then head back down. There are no stream crossings. I plan to get an early start from Chattanooga to get on the trail before it gets too hot. Do bring plenty of water and some food. Hike leader is Doug Cooper
Meigs Creek\Meigs Mountain Dayhike, Saturday, July 17, 2010
Great Smokey Mountain National Park, TN
Rating: Strenuous
Distance: 9.5
Elevation Gain: 1200 up/down
Pace: Fast
The Meigs Mountain Trail connects Elkmont to Tremont, but we will not go that far. We will start at the Meigs Mountain Trailhead at the end of Elkmont and go for 4.1 miles, past the Curry Mountain trailhead for another 1.9 miles and go down Meigs Creek to our car at The Siinks. There are 19 moderate or small creek crossings on the Meigs Creek Trail. The total elevation gain is around 1200 feet going up and down. There is no great elevation gain on any stretch. Hike leader is Wayne Chambers.
Cumberland Trail Dayhike, Saturday, July 24, 2010
Piney River segment, near Spring City, TN
Distance: 8.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1500 feet?
Rating: Moderate
Pace: Moderate
Driving Time: 1 hour
This has become another of my favorite area hikes, and after doing it uphill last spring, I think I actually like that direction better. You get better views of the river that way, and the climb is rarely very steep. The trail is never very far from the river, so if you like hiking next to water, you'll love this. Lunch will likely be at Logging Camp, right by the river with some nice rocks to sit on and even to lean back on. Later on we'll probably drop down off the trail to Spider Den, if everybody is up for it; it's a pretty steep climb back up, but it's short. We'll have to do a car shuttle, so there will be a little delay before we actually hit the trail. Hike leader is John Rowland.
Savage Gulf Dayhike, Saturday, July 31, 2010
Savage Gulf State Natural Area TN
Distance: 10 miles
Rating: Moderate/Strenuous
Pace: Standard
Driving Time: One hour
We will begin our hike at the Savage Gulf Ranger Station. From there, the Savage Day Loop Trail will connect us to the North Rim Trail and North Plateau Trail - which are connected by the Mountain Oak Trail. There are many scenic overlooks along the way. This loop hike is only considered strenuous because of the 10 mile distance. Hike leader is Wendy Gunn.
Gee Creek Dayhike, Saturday, August 14, 2010
Gee Creek Wilderness, Etowah, TN
Distance: 4+ miles
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Max No. of Participants: 12 (Wilderness)
The Gee Creek Trail near Gee Creek Campground in Polk Co. follows an old forest road about one-half mile before entering the wilderness to trace the creek for a total of approximately two miles to a dead end. Although near the campground and the busy Hiwassee River area, this is a place where you’ll feel isolated and refreshed. While we can’t guarantee it will be cool this time of year there is plenty of water and shade. Out and back is 4+ miles with minimal elevation gain. Hike leader is Steve Barnes.
Sugarland Mountain Dayhike, Saturday, August 14, 2010
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Rating : Strenuous
Distance: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,700 Ft
Driving Time: 2.5 Hrs
You will have a choice of climbing this trail or descending this trail! Either way it is a most beautiful hike. This trail has exceptional vistas from several points as well as some old-growth forest and a splendid diversity of forest types. Hiking the trail for its entire length is a wonderful way to spend a whole day outdoors in the Smokies! Hike leader is Jerry Wright
Trail Maintenance, Saturday, August 21, 2010
Prentice Cooper State Forest, TN
Driving Time: 30 minutes
Using swingblades, loppers and/or clippers, we will work on removing growth along part of the Pot Point Loop Trail which is currently without a hiking club steward to oversee it. (We currently have 3 sections needing a steward. Any volunteers? Please.) Additionally, we will attempt to remove any fallen trees or limbs blocking the trail. This is work is necessary and beneficial to keeping this beautiful trail accessible and enjoyable. (It is also a way to say thank you to those who have built and maintained trails we enjoy.)
Bring boots, gloves, lunch, and water. Contact Donald Box to sign up.
Distance: 8 Miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Pace: Standard
Driving time: One hour
This will be a good hike for the dog days of Summer. This trail is a gentle hike through the forest of the Cumberland Mountain State Park near Crossville, TN. We will wind over the plateau near Byrd Creek and Three Mile Creek. We will start and end at the park office. For those who want a little more to do, there are other trails in the area, and the State Park rents canoes, john boats, and paddle boats. If you are interested, please contact Doug Cooper
Last updated: 21 July 2010