Mt Cammerer Dayhike, Saturday, April 5, 2008
Cosby Campground, Great Smoky Mtns National Park, TN
Distance: 10.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2800 feet
Rating: Strenuous
Pace: Moderate
Driving Time: 2:45
Mt Cammerer lookout, a circular structure perched atop a rock outcrop at the northeastern end of the Smokies, offers one of the best 360-degree views in the park. And at this time of the year, we'll probably see some early spring blossoms along the way.
We'll get the tough part of the hike out of the way right off the bat, climbing 2000 feet in 2.7 miles from Cosby campground to the AT on the Low Gap trail. This especially is where the pace will be moderate, if not a little on the slower side. From Low Gap we'll turn north on the AT, ascending more gradually for another mile, before leveling off the rest of the way. Lunch will be at the lookout, preceded and/or followed by much picture taking. And hopefully we can bask in the warm sunshine as we sit on the rocks.
If there are at least three people who want to come back down the long way via Lower Mt Cammerer trail (a total of 15+ miles for the day), I'd be willing to offer that option if someone will act as co-leader.
On the way home, we'll make the mandatory stop at Dandridge Seafood, so we may not get home until late, but we'll be a full, satisified, and happy bunch!
Hike leader is John Rowland
Pot Point Loop Nature Trail Dayhike, Sunday, April 6, 2008
Pot Point House, Chattanooga
length: 3.5 miles
Pace: standard
Driving Time: 20 min
Elevation gain: 700 feet in the second half mile, but downhill/level from there!
The Point Point Loop Nature trail is an interperetive trail that is under the protection of the TN River Gorge Trust. It begins & ends at the Pot Point House, a historic 1890's cabin. The trail winds up to Azalea Point with an awesome view of the TN River below (and the gorge in either direction). We will pass some turn-of-the century stone walls (remnants of homesteads), and the remains of a moonshine still (non-operational) before we descend to walk along the banks of the river itself, thus closing the loop. To join in on this enjoyable stroll, contact Caroline Woerner.
Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 ft.
Driving Time: 60 minutes
Rating: Moderate
Pace: Standard
We will be hiking to the Jack’s River Falls without having to wade across the Jack’s River. But you must promise to keep our clever little trail a secret. Along the way we will see some big, beautiful beech trees. We will also stop and pay our respect to Abraham and Isaac, a couple of big hemlocks standing next to each other in proud repose. Along the way we will even see the largest trailside colony of Asimina triloba (aka “custard apple” and “wild banana”) in the Cohutta-Big Frog combined wilderness. The main event of our hike will be enjoying a springtime lunch at the 80 ft high, 3 tiered Jack’s River Falls. This is the first in a series of “Transformational Trails” hikes. We will do some close-to-nature activities that will take away our stresses and soothe our weary minds. Hike leader is Tony Cook.
Smokies Dayhike, Saturday, April 19, 2008
Great Smoky Mtns National Park, TN
Length:12.6 miles
Pace:Standard
Rating:Streneous
Driving Time:2.5 hours.
We will start our hike from one of three places. The trailhead, if we can drive across Fontana Dam, Rest area of the Dam, or the AT reroute below the dam. The Dam has been closed and opened several times this year. If we park below the Dam or the rest area, we need to add an extra mile to our total. We will climb 2000 feet on the AT, make a side trip to the Shuckstack Tower. Hopefully the weather will be good to make the views spectacular. From the tower, you have a 360 degree of the Fontana area and back toward Eagle and Hazel Creeks. We will descend Lost Cover for 2000 feet. With some many water crossing and damp areas, the wild flowers should be great. Lost Cove is the steepest trail per mile in the Smokies. We will level out on the Lakeshore Trail, which will go up and down slightly for several miles. After the hike, we will change clothes and go to Fontana Village for festival for outdoors people called Hiyak: Another Dam Festival. It will last all weekend with lectures, bands and food. Hike leader is Wayne Chambers
WELCOMING THE EARLY WILDFLOWERS IN THE SMOKIES BACKPACK, Friday-Sunday, April 25-27, 2008
GSMNP, TN
Distance:24.3 miles
Rating: Strenuous
Driving Time(one way): 3.5 hours
After driving to the Cataloochee Valley in the North Carolina portion of the park, we will backpack 10.8 miles to the rationed backpacking site #38 on Mt. Sterling using the Pretty Hollow Gap, Cataloochee, Long Bunk, and Mt. Sterling Trails. We will enjoy the wonderful views from the firetower on Mt. Sterling. On Saturday, we will hike all the way to the Balsam Mountain Trail near the Laurel Shelter. We can stash our packs near Pretty Hollow Gap to just dayhike the 7.8 miles from the gap to near the shelter and back. After returning to Pretty Hollow Gap, we will backpack 3.7 miles on the Pretty Hollow Gap Trail to site #39. Saturday's total mileage (dayhiking and backpacking) is about 13.5 miles. Sunday will also consist of dayhiking and backpacking. After a short 1.6 mile backpack to the trailhead along the Pretty Hollow Gap Trail, we will return to Cataloochee Valley and hopefully enjoy an early morning rendevous with the American Elk herd that resides there. Then, we will drive to the Cataloochee Divide Trail and do an out-and -back dayhike of 9.2 miles on this park boundary route.
Note: If work schedules permit, we can drive up Thursday night and camp another night at site #39 (this is a very short walk from the trailhead) Hike leader is Kurt Emmanuele
Snowbird Creek Dayhike Dayhike, Saturday, May 3, 2008
Rating: Strenuous
We will begin our hike on the lower end and walk up to the middle falls area or farther if time permits.Located in the Unicoi Range this is a prime example of a youthful stream carving its swath through the landscape. Native Americans hid and lived in these rugged mountains as their ancestors were sent west. Many still live in the surrounding Qualla Reservation. Join us for a delightful walk along a Southern Applachian stream. Be prepared to get wet. Hike leader is Trey Baldwin .
Reflection Riding Dayhike, Sunday, May 4, 2008
Distance: 3 miles(
Rating: Moderate/Strenuous
From just off Highway 68 we will follow old logging roads for about two miles to Windless Cave into which a creek flows. From there to the top we will follow a newly cut trail(2007) There we will encounter some awesome boulders with a stone stairway passage to the top. We will then follow a mountain top loop to the east and on to more huge boulders overlooking Grassy Cove and mountains to the east. We will eat lunch there and then continue around the loop north and west before descending the stairway and returning to the cave and on to our cars. The forest floor should be covered with wildflowers including trilliums and May flowers. Hike leader is Boodie Fox (423) 842-1178.
N Chickamauga Creek Dayhike, Sunday, May 18, 2008
Driving Time: 20 minutes
The North Chickamauga Creek pocket wilderness was set aside by Bowater for hiking enthusiasts to enjoy this beautiful gorge. We will be hikig past a coal tipple,(the first part of the trail follows the old railroad grade) a couple of mine openings,unusual rock bluffs, rock houses, and enjoying the view from the Roers Creek/Boston Branch overlook. The wildflowers should be n full bloom, so bring a camera. To join in on this hike, call Caroline Woerner.
Battlefield Dayhike, Saturday, May 24, 2008
Distance: 9.1 miles
During the Battle of Chickamauga, eight brigade commanders (4 Union and 4 Confederate) made the ultimate sacrifice while leading their troops. To commemorate their memories, pyramids were constructed of artillery shells at the site where each received his mortal wound. This hike is dedicated to these brave gentlemen, and will go to each pyramid. Along with the memorial pyramids, we will see other monuments and informational plaques. Hike leader is Kendra Cross.
Edwards Point Dayhike, Saturday, May 31, 2008
Driving Time (1 way): 20 minutes
Mileage: 12 miles
The hike to Panther Creek Falls has it all - a creek side trail, a wet river crossing, an 85 foot waterfall, a breath-taking bluff view, a splashing cascade, a 20,000 year-old boulder field, impressive old growth trees and wild flowers. No wonder it is the most popular journey to the heart of the Cohutta Wilderness. We will begin our hike on the Hickory Creek Trail and make a gradual descent to the Conasauga River. After crossing the river (bring your water shoes and hiking sticks) we will crisscross Panther Creek 11 times and then climb up the boulder field to the top of Panther Creek Falls where we will enjoy an open air lunch with a view. This is the second in a series of “Transformational Trails” hikes. We will extend our hike another mile above the falls to see some old-growth trees. Hike leader is Tony Cook.
Rather than our usual Trail Maintenance day clearing and working on an existing trail, we will be doing something new, educational, and rewarding. Joining with the Benton MacKaye Trail Association (and people from other area hiking clubs), we will help build a new segment of the John Muir/Benton MacKaye Trail near the Hiwassee River. We will learn the mechanics of properly constructing a treadway and actually get involved in the digging and building of it. When done, we will be able to look with pride at what has been created through our work (and what most hikers will use in the coming years without ever considering how the trail got there).
Overseers/Stewards Needed
The Chattanooga Hiking Club maintains the Pot Point Loop Trail in the nearby Prentice Cooper State Forest. This beautiful 11.9-mile trail has been divided into 11 segments of approximately a mile in length, each with a club member as the overseer or steward for that segment. The responsibility of the steward is to inspect his or her segment of the trail 2-4 times a year, clipping/removing vegetation, removing downed branches, and other necessary work to keep the segment open and easily passable. It does not include major tread/trail revision or repair or removal of large downed trees or branches. (The need for this type work is to be reported to the Forest Service.)
Distance: 9.0 miles
Gregory Bald during azalea time is an absolutely spectacular sight! These pictures from last year should tell you all you need to know:
http://nationalparkschat.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=413
Robbinsville, NC
Distance: 12-15 miles
Drive Time: 2+ hrs
Lookout Mountain, TN
Rating: Easy (for beginners)
On May 4th the CHC will team with Outdoor Chattanooga to lead a 3 mile hike for beginners at Reflection Riding. If you know of anyone that might be interested in taking those first steps on the trail, please contact Ruthie at 643-6888.
Pace: Standard
Elevation Gain: 1000 ft
Distance: 10 miles
Drive Time: 1+ hrs
Signal Montain, TN
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet in the second mile
Pace: Standard
Chickamauga Battlefield, GA
Elevation gain: minimal
Pace: Standard
Prentice Cooper State Forest, TN
Rating: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft.
Driving Time: 90 minutes
Rating: Strenuous
Pace: Standard
This event will be sponsored by the Cherokee National Forest’s Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District, and is a great way to participate in National Trails Day. You will need to bring water, food, gloves, and work shoes or boots. To avoid being embarrassed in front of the other organizations, we (the biggest and most active hiking club in the area) need a decent turn out. – Donald Box 423: 892-6754.
There currently are 5 segments in need of an overseer. Would you be willing to be one of them? - - None of the segments has been neglected and all are therefore in reasonably good shape.
It you would be willing to adopt a segment, please contact Donald Box (Donaldbox@bellsouth.net or 423: 892-6754).
Elevation Gain: 2100 feet
Rating: Strenuous (but just barely because of the climb)
Pace: Moderate or slightly less
Driving Time: (see below...)
Last year for the first time in several years Parsons Branch road was re-opened; it's a one way dirt and gravel road going out of Cades Cove into NC. We'll hike from Sam's Gap about half way out that road, taking our time on the way up. If this distance and elevation gain is maybe on the outer edge of your ability, or if you're worried about a fast pace, talk to me! I don't want to get anyone into more than they can handle, but I really want to give anyone who's not been there a decent chance of making the hike with a reasonable comfort level.
Because Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to cars until 10AM on Saturdays, I'll want us to be among the very first cars in line at the gate; that will mean an early departure from Chattanooga, or it may mean some folks may want to spend the night in Townsend and meet us as we come through. Carpooling will still be important, since parking space at Sam's Gap is not plentiful.
Plans are being formed to take the Wednesday group up on Thursday or Friday of that week to avoid waiting until 10AM to enter Cades Cove, which is also a Wednesday rule. And I wouldn't at all mind making another trip on Sunday the 22nd if enough folks expressed an interest. Dodging the 10AM rule could put us on the trail at least an hour earlier, and make the day a lot more enjoyable.
In any case, we'll return home via Robbinsville and Murphy NC, stopping for dinner somewhere along the way.
Hike leader is John Rowland