Our spring quest to find the best wildflowers has begun! I expect a favorite with all is the Piney River Trail and indeed we were not disappointed. The Trout Lillies, White Trillium, Phlox, Anemone, and Hepatica were there to greet us, but the most amazing were the Blood Root. Never have we seen them so plentifull and the blossoms so large! Debbie Lambert knows where she has seen Jack in the Pulpit on this trail and she checked out the spots. We were just too early this week for the "Jacks". The recent hard rains filled the river and the cascades and waterfalls were running fast and furious. Our lunch break was taken by the river at the campsite. There was sunshine, foot soaking, and pesky gnats. Hikers were: Jennie and Dick Chandler, Frank White, Val Hargis, Bobby Wilbanks, Richard Park, Maria Lubkowitz, Gwen Brimer, Freda Keener, John Rowland, Bill Kinnamon, Cecile Shenouda, Margaret Reisman, and Che Carico.

The end of March is a perfect time to go to the Walls of Jericho! Bobby Wilbanks got a hint of what it would be like in North Alabama along the Tennessee line because he had visited the Pocket at Pigeon Mountain (North Georgia) and the wildflowers were splendid there. Remember you should go on this hike when the forecast does not contain threats of rain because Turkey Creek can flash flood and trap you on the "other side" of the creek. March 28 was just such a day: no rain, temperature to reach 69, and rain in the previous week to feed the creeks and waterfalls. So many of our hikers had not been here and were delighted with the two bowls formed by the rock at the end of the canyon and the waterfalls in each. And indeed the wildflowers were out in this area: Phlox, Fire Pink, Saxifrage, Trillium, Trout Lilies, Hepatica, Blood Root, Twin Leaf, Bell Wort, Virginia Blue Bell and Anemone. Some removed socks for soaking their feet in the COLD water and others just kicked back and relaxed at lunch. I have a splendid map from the trailhead kiosk which shows the various routes to Walls of Jericho. The map shows lots of ways to cut across from Hwy 72 to 79 and cut the driving distance. I will be glad to share with anyone who heads that way. Hikers were John Rowland, Val Hargis, Sharon Hogan, Nancy Hoover, Debbie Lambert, Stormy McGauley, Richard Park, Bill Kinnamon, Bob Rahn, Gwen Brimer, Patti Giles, Bobby Wilbanks, and Che Carico, reporting.

What a day!! The sky was blue, the temperature just perfect, and 12 of Freda Keener's hiking friends from Maryville and Knoxville came to hike with us. The Chattanooga and Signal Mountain hikers placed cars at the end of the trail on Suck Creek Road then transported everyone up Signal Mountain from the Burger King to Point Park. The first leg of the hike was from Signal Point to the bridge at Rainbow Lake. After checking out the rushing water coming over the dam the hikers climbed up to access the Bee Branch Trail, completed that loop back to the Rainbow Lake bridge, then continued on to Edward's Point. Lunch was leisurely and Bob Rahn had carried in his pack the chocolate/toffee cookies Freda's mother had made - enough for all 27 hikers. There was barely enough room up there for our group picture! Our journey then continued on to Mushroom Rock, down into the gorge, over the swinging bridge, and over the little mountain back to the waiting cars on Suck Creek Road. The visiting hikers really enjoyed "playing in our back yard" and the day ended with them on their way safely home. Chattanooga hikers were: Eric Anderson, Bob Rahn, Nancy Hoover, Don and Ima Stewart, Bobby Wilbanks, Debbie Lambert, Ray Myers, Dick and Jennie Chandler, Karen Ramsey, Val Hargis, Bill Kinnamon, Richard Park, Gwen Brimer, and Che Carico.

March 5, 2008 About 15 years ago Boodie Fox took me on the Lower Loop Overnight Trail at Fall Creek Falls. It was one of those about which I said at the time "I will never do that again!" On this day the Wednesday Hikers followed in Boodie's footsteps as he had led a hike here several Saturdays ago. This time we hiked clockwise with John Rowland in the lead and it wasn't as bad as I remembered. The trail began as we walked toward Piney Falls which sounded like a freight train as we approached. Recent rain filled Piney Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Cane Creek, and Cane Creek Cascades. After carefully making our way into the gorge (only two minor slips) we ate lunch by the creek (river today!). Then while hiking out we enjoyed the sound of the rushing water all the way to the top! The trail had many little water crossings which John said had not been there two weekends ago. Enjoying cool temps and clouds which gave way to bl ue skies and warmth were: Debbie Lambert, Stormy McGauley, Ray Myers, Patti Giles, Bill Kinnamon, Richard Park, Alice Coffman, Bob Rahn, Val Hargis, John Rowland, and Che Carico.

February 20, 2008 The Wednesday Hikers have come to love the Sand Hill Cranes through the enthusiasm of Ken Dubke. So on this blue sky day as we began our hike up Richland Creek we were thrilled when waves of cranes in formation flew over our heads calling out with their unique sound. There had been rain recently so there was lots of water in the creek and Laurel Falls could easily be seen from the Snow Falls Trail as we climbed the mountain toward Buzzard Point. What fun to once again run into hikers from Pikeville - what a coincidence to have met up with them again in this spot where we first met a year ago. Enjoying the blue skies, cranes, and the replenished water were: Stormy McGauley, Bob Rahn, Val Hargis, Richard Park, Patti Giles, Marlene Blewett, Debbie Lambert, Tom Blewett, Che Carico reporting.

Another cold blustery day predicted so the Wednesday Hikers planned a hike close to home. We met at Craven's House and bravely started up the Rifle Pits Trail. This trail led to the Upper Truck Trail and from this trail we began the climb up Gum Springs Trail. We turned left on the Bluff Trail, and hiked on to and past Point Park where the Mountain Beautiful Trail begins. It has been a long time since we have hiked this trail because it has been so grown up with poison ivy in the summer. The Mountain Beautiful Trail passes under the incline, continues on, then bends back and down to the Hardy Trail. The Hardy Trail also passed under the incline and brought us back to Craven's House. John Rowland added up the distances for the trail segments and gave us a total of 5.7 miles. The rock formations along this trail were magnificent! This is truly a gem in our own back yard. Surviving this very cold d ay and hike were: Jennie Chandler, Patti Giles, Bob Rahn, Gwen Brimer, John Rowland, Nancy Hoover, Debbie Lambert, Vicki Armour, Sharon Hogan, Val Hargis, Margaret Reisman, and Che Carico.

This was an extremely cold day and when I stepped out of the car at the Grundy Forrest Trailhead I thought we had indeed lost our minds! The wind was blowing and the temperature was about 24 degrees not factoring the wind chill factor. Soon we began to warm up as we took to the trail going clockwise down to the first swinging bridge and on over the ridge to Sycamore Falls. I resist hiking Dog Hole and Fiery Gizzard as a loop except when the wildflowers are in bloom so we agreed to hike Dog Hole to Ravyn's Point and back the same way. The ice formations were so very beautiful: long icicles and frozen cascades. The sky was clear and the sun out brightly so we were quite comfortable when we stopped at Ravyn's Point for lunch. It was such fun to be taking John Rowland on this trail for the first time! Other hikers were Debbie Lambert, Bobby Wilbanks, Bill Kinnamon, Val Hargis, Richard Park, and Che Carico, reporting.

The Blue Moon is a 70 foot luxury boat which takes individuals and groups on tours of the Tennessee Gorge and the Hiwassee Preserve. The lower deck of the boat is enclosed and comfortable during cold or rainy weather and has a wonderful open upper deck for wildlife viewing. 26 hikers and friends of hikers took the tour of the Hiwassee Preserve on this Wednesday and what a treat! There were at least 15 bald eagles sited, egrets, sandhill cranes, blue herons and more. The cruise owners provided hot coffee, bagels, fruit and binoculars for everyone. Historical facts about the river and the towns that thrived along the river were shared by Captain Dave. To look into this trip check out www.BlueMoonCruises.org. Che Carico reporting.

The forecast was for freezing temperatures all day on this day so we chose a morning only hike avoiding the chill down of lunch on the trail. The Savage Gulf dayloop was perfect with a good bit of water rushing over the waterfall and icicles hanging all around it. The ground was dry and not slippery which was good for the new hikers Marlene and Tom Blewett who have just moved here from Florida and haven't purchased their hiking boots yet. After a reasonable time spent eating healthy snacks, chocolate, and admiring the waterfall/icicle scene, we completed the loop and made a quick trip down the mountain to have lunch at the Cookie Jar. There were 21 hikers: Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Patti Giles, John Rowland, Margaret Reisman, Karen Ramsey, Gwen Brimer, Maureen and Tom Beau, Sharon Hogan, Carole Klimesch. Vicki Armour, Ray Myers, Maria Lubkowitz newly returning to hike and her friend Anna Dennett (also a new hiker), Nan cy Hoover, Debbie Lambert, Jennie Chandler, Stormy McGauley, Bill Kinnamon, and Che Carico.

Happy to be back on the trail after the holidays and the cold and frozen Wednesday the week before, we chose to hike to Edward's Point on Signal Mtn. The hike began at the Ohio Avenue trailhead entrance, continued on to the Bee Branch Loop which brought us around to pick up the trail to Edward's Point. The day was crystal clear with sunshine and blue skies so lunching at Edward's Point was quite comfortable. Recent rains put some water back into the little creeks, Rainbow Lake, and several waterfalls were dripping along the way. Basking in the sunshine were Bobby Wilbanks, Val Hargis, Ray Myers, John Rowland, Gwen Brimer, Nancy Hoover, Liz Benton, Pam O'Neal, Bill Kinnamon, Bob Rahn, Richard Park, Stormy McGauley, Cecile Shenouda, Debbie Lambert, and Che Carico. On the return trip most of the hikers completed the loop back to the cars via Rainbow Lake, but Debbie, Richard, Val and Bob lengthened their hike continuin g from Rainbow Lake along the trail to Signal Point and returning to their cars by the road.

The Wednesday Hikers returned to the Pot Point House for our Christmas covered dish lunch the plans for which were made by Stormy McGauley and Richard Park. Our very special guest was Bill Brown of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust who shared a bit of history about the Pot Point House and the Trust. We enjoy these social days because friends who can no longer hike with us come for a reunion and to meet the new hikers who have begun hiking on Wednesdays and often on Saturdays. Richard brought trash bags and gloves for all who hiked the loop trail and we brought back soooo many bags of garbage picked up along the way. The Wednesday regulars greeted former hikers Doc and Janet Moon, Martha Myers, Mary Hannon, Vicki McCoy, Freda Keener and Karen Rahn.

Thanks to Boodie Fox and a wonderful book entitled Go Take a Hike by Mary Priestley and John Benson I am getting to know the Domain of Sewanee much better. Once again the pledge has been made to do all sections of this area until all have been covered. This will be easier with the map inside the book which is far more detailed than any map I have ever had and it is in color. On this rather blustery day we began our hike at the Equestrian Center, hiked to KA Point, turned left and followed the Perimeter Trail past the Forestry Cabin and began the loop back when we came to Brakefield Road near the trailhead to Soloman's Temple. We did hike down the trail to Soloman's Temple, but a storm forecast for the afternoon seemed to be moving in and we abandoned our search for the caves as described by Boodie. We think our hike was at least 7 miles and we did finish just in time for the rain to come pouring down. "Working on a patch for the Sewanee Domain" were: Nancy Hoover, Bill Kinnamon, Ray Myers, Richard Park, Ann and Ross Campbell, Bob Rahn, Val Hargis and Che Carico.

The Ocoee Whitewater Center now has a beautiful map of the Tanasi Trail System with trails beginning at the Center. The Wednesday Hikers have "taken on the challenge" of hiking all of these trails as they are now carefully mapped and marked. Do you suppose there is a patch once this system of trails has been completed?! On this day we chose to hike the Bear Paw Loop (one side going and one side coming back), then a portion of the Chestnut Mountain Loop to the River View Loop, and back making a total of 6 miles.We could see the river from high above, but it would not be visible during spring and summer due to leafed out trees. Lunch was in a sunny spot along the trail. There were no remarkable water falls, creeks, overlooks or geology, but we had fun marking the map and planning to come back to see what is along the other trails. Enjoying this day: Richard Park, Sharon Hogan, Vicki Armour, Freda Keener, Bill Kinnamon, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Cecile Shenouda, Ray Myers and Che Carico.

November 14 The Wednesday hikers traditionally have their Thanksgiving covered dish lunch the Wednesday before the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. This year the lunch was held at Debbie and Jack Lambert's home on Signal Mountain. Prior to enjoying an amazing feast we prowled the trails which begin right behind Debbie's house. This area could be rich for hiking if ever opened up to the public. Pam O'Neal said you could hike all the way down to Suck Creek from Kell Road! These covered dish lunches are special for us because many folks who can no longer hike join us for food and shared memories of past hiking days.
November 21 A new tradition may now be to walk the River Walk on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving as those who weren't already cooking did this year. Our walk ended at the Boathouse and it was warm enough for Margaret Reisman, Carole Klemisch, Debbie Lambert, Bob Rahn, Stormy McGauley, Anne Rittenberry, and Che Carico to have lunch on their porch. Hikers were Stormy McGauley, Freda Keener, Debbie Lambert, Bob and Karen Rahn, Patti Giles, Val Hargis, Vickie Armour, Sharon Hogan, Richard Park, Carole Klemisch, Pam O'Neal and Che Carico.

Thanks to Donald Box I led a hike on an unfamiliar to me section of the Pot Point Loop as if I really knew where I was going! With his instruction to drive on down Tower Road, go through the gate, and look for the Cedar tree and sign on the right, we found the trail where it crosses over Tower Road. We took the trail to the left and hiked that section which took us to the Natural Bridge for lunch and on to end at Snooper's Rock. This shortened the hike to about 7 miles along a beautiful section with great overlook opportunities and natural formations. Praise was given all along the hike to the members of the Chattanooga Hiking Club who help maintain this section. Frequent Wednesday hikers welcomed Faye and Melvin Nunez and recently newly added hiker Patti Giles. Regulars were Richard Park, Nancy Hoover, Don and Ima Stewart, Debbie Lambert, Bob Rahn, Bill Kinnaman, and Che Carico.

What a glorious day as the air was clean and crisp and fall colors were coming out. We tried to maximize the beauty of the Gahutti trail while shortening just a bit so hikers could return home before the trick or treators arrived at their doors! The hike began at the top of the mountain as we followed the Gahutti around and down, enjoyed the overlooks, were shaded by the tunnel of Rhododendron, eventually crossed the road at the park entrance, and lunched at the overlook with the park bench and long range view of the Georgia mountains. Our loop was completed by leaving the Gahutti, following the Gold Mine then Red Leaf trails, circling the lake, catching the nature trail, and rejoining the Gahutti back to the top. We think this made for a 7 mile hike rather than 8.9 and everyone made it home before the Halloween goblins came around. Don Stewart's pictures are splendid and he always shares! What a day for Gwen Brimer, Alice Coffman, Ray Myers, K ray Kelly, Debbie Lambert, Richard Park, Bill Kinnaman, Nancy Hoover, Jennie Chandler, Pam O'Neal, Stormy McGauley, Margaret Reisman, Val Hargis, Don and Ima Stewart, and Che Carico.

Many years ago Jim Puckett took me for the first time to the Estelle Mine trail. On this day we were reacquainted with this interesting trail by Jenny Chandler, Tommy and Robbie Hise, and Ben Woffard from LaFayette. Before beginning the trail we took a side trip to the TAG railroad tunnel where flashlights were a must as it became pitch dark inside the tunnel. Coming out on the other end our history lesson continued as Tommy took us to the site of a spring high on the mountain. The pipes there were the beginning of a gravity flow system which brought water from the spring down to holding tanks which supplied water for the steam engines. Returning to the Estelle Mine trailhead we bushwacked a bit to get to the concrete structures built into the side of the ridge which were the hoppers used to separate ore before loading onto the trains. Since we had explored for several hours, Robbie took a car to the other end of the trail at the pocket, and we hiked just one way on the trail, ending up at the pocket and having lunch on the boardwalk. Hikers were: Vicki Armour, Patti Giles, Ray Myers, Richard Park, Sharon Hogan, Tommy and Robbie Hse, Ben Woffard, Jenny Chandler, and Che Carico reporting.

Little Frog is a favorite of the Wednesday hikers and on this day we were eager to hike the trail even though we expected our creekside lunch to be without any sign of running water. The usual plan is to leave one car at powerhouse # 3, ride up to Rock Creek trailhead, lunch by the creek and hike out via Lick Log trail. The drought has not wiped out the Astors and the Golden Rod which colored the forest with lavender and bright yellow. Once again we were pleasantly surprised by the running water in the creek! Spreading out in that peaceful spot and enjoying lunch were Richard Park, Gwen Brimer, Stormy McGauley, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Ray Myers, Ginny Chandler, Barb, Cathy, Susan Schott, Bil Kennaman, and Che Carico.

It has been quite a long time since I led a hike to Horsepound Falls so many of our current hikers had never been there. We weren't surprised to see the Copperhead warning sign on the trail and stayed on the alert. Suter Falls were dry - just an occasional drip. However, as we approached the cutoff to Horsepound Falls we could hear water running! Imagine how grateful we were to have lunch by running water and a little bit of the waterfall dropping water for our pleasure. New hikers were Cathy from Colorado, Barb from Cleveland, and regulars Gwen Brimer, Richard Park, Don Stewart, Ima Connelly, Stormy McGauley, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Ray Myers and Che Carico.

Back on the trail! Our first hike was the Rock Creek Loop up off of Leggett Road. We parked at the lower parking lot and hiked the left hand side of the loop. Upon coming out on top we took the side trail out to the point for a leisurely lunch then finished the loop before the sun got too hot as this drought and heat continue. Enjoying a back yard trek were Don Stewart, Ima Connelly, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Cecile Shenouda, Vicki Armour who knocked down more than her share of cobwebs, Sharon Hogan and Che Carico.

Ima Connelly knows the Chickamauga Battlefield and the backroads to Chickamauga, GA like the back of her hand! She made us ride at least 20 miles one hot morning and the only thing I know for sure about where we were is that I was at one time on Turnipseed Road and we ate marvelous barbeque at Choo Choo Barbeque in Chickamauga (the pulled chicken is to die for!) before returning to the park. Riders were Ima Connelly, Don Stewart, Alice Coffman, Gwen Brimer, and Che Carico.
When you can plan a trip to the Kangaroo Preserve near Dawsonville (7 miles from Amicalola State Park). This visit far exceeded our expectations for presentation, beauty of the facility, and lessons learned about kangaroos. Newly informed about kangaroos are Gwen Brimer, Val Hargis, Susan Westmoreland, Mary Hannon, Cecile Shenouda, Bob and Karen Rahn.

We tried to beat the heat this day by going on a sea kayaking trip on Chickamauga Lake led by Chattanooga Outventure. These boats are quite stable and not easily tipped over except I did manage to tumble out of mine while trying to get in at the beginning of the trip. I got a little better at entering and exiting (they said the design of my boat made it more tipsy) but only because someone held onto one side to help stabilize. Since the sky was almost cloudless everyone else remarked a bit about the heat - everyone except me - I was cool since I was soaking wet from having fallen out of my boat! The lake was beautiful and the most interesting sight to be seen were the ruins of the old town of Harrison which was covered when the dam system was built and the lakes created. Under the water could be seen old paved roads, foundations for homes, and concrete steps and rock walls where homes used to be. The picture was taken on an island where we ate lunches we had carried with us.
Birthday boys were Richard Park and Bob Rahn who had birthday balloons attached to their boats. What a great "outventure" for Richard Park and grandsons William and Richard, Susan Schott, Nancy Hoover (trip planner), Gwen Brimer, Don Stewart, Bob Rahn, Ima Connelly, Betty Holder and Che Carico.

It has been at least 15 years since I have been to DeSoto State Park and felt it was time to see how much it may have grown. On this very hot day, the Wednesday hikers went there and hiked about 1 1/2 hours exploring this lovely park. We discovered much much more to check out when we go back in the fall or spring including caves on the way into the park, and the Little River Canyon.
If you haven't been in a while, I suggest you go - could hike entire area (about 8 miles of trails in the park) in one trip. Hiking in spite of the heat and enjoying a great lunch at Katy's Katfish Restaurant in Rainesville, AL were: Bob Rahn, Richard Park, Don Stewart, Ima Connelly, Nancy Hoover, Gwen Brimer, and Che Carico.

This section of the Cumberland Trail from Hwy 111 over the wooden steps and along Board Camp Creek in the direction of Hot Water Road is one of my favorites of the new sections being developed. The bonus for this day, even though quite hot and dry, was finding the blackberries along the highway and the first part of the trail. Richard Park lingered to pick enough for his cereal the next day. The rest of us mostly nibbled along the way. When the dinner bell rang (we had planned a morning only hike) we turned tail and raced back to our cars to go on over to the Cookie Jar in Dunlap - one of our favorite "meat and threes". Enjoying the hike and lunch were: Don Stewart,Sharon Hogan, Bill Kinnarian, Richard Park, Ima Connelly, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Gwen Brimer, Debbie Lambert, and Che Carico.

You know the Wednesday Hikers often go astray in the summer and on this day we certainly did. Nancy Hoover, Gwen Brimer, Ima Connelly, Don Stewart, Richard Park, Alice Coffman and Che Carico took bicycles and rode the Comet Trail from Hiram to Rock Mart and back. This is a must do for those of you who also enjoy bike riding - the rails to trail is paved, has bathroom and water facilities along the way, grand tunnels, lots of shade, and the town of Rock Mart is small and quaint with a great sandwich shop on the main street. Access to the trail from lots of places allows lengthening or shortening the distance you ride. On this day we rode 47 miles.

On this hot and dry Wednesday we planned to hike from Indian Rock House in Prentice Cooper to Snooper's Rock and back via the same trail. However!!, we misplaced Bob Rahn at a major intersection and soon could hear him calling from way above us. He had taken off following the little orange flags that mark the Stump Jump Race trail. After bushwacking he rejoined us and we continued on to lunch at Snooper's Rock. Bob then convinced us that those orange flags must come out somewhere near Snooper's Rock, so we walked up toward Tower Road and did find them at the first jeep road we came to. We turned right on the jeep road and followed the orange flags for at least a mile (or so) until they turned sharply down to the right on a narrow foot path, eventually coming back to the intersection where Bob had started following them earlier. This then made a bit of a loop out of this trail and lucky for Bob we didn't have to wring his neck!! Happy to find the trail back to Indian Rock House were Bob Rahn, Gwen Brimer, Ima Connelly, Don Stewart, Jill Hope, Alice Coffman, Lee Holloman, and Che Carico.

We hit Chilhowee Mountain in the midst of the most incredible bloom of Mountain Laurel! I never realized how much there is on that mountain - we were amazed. Ray Myers selected a sequence of trails for us beginning at Lake McKamy, turning right on Slickrock Trail and up a ridge to a wildlife field, bearing right and circling on around on the Slickrock long route, skirting another wildlife field and eventually picking up the Clemmer Trail, then on to lunch at Benton Falls. This was our first time back there since the bear tragedy. After lunch we crossed the creek at the top of the falls, climbed up through the Laurel and stepped out onto the Clear Creek Trail heading on around to pick up the Azalea Trail and back to our cars. The thrill of the day was the Laurel and a new sequence of trails. You have to see the Laurel blooming at this time to believe it was all through the forest as far as you could see. Hikers were: Val Hargis, Richard Park, Bob Rahn, Ima Connelly, Don Stewart, Che Carico, and Ray Myers.

Happy Birthday to Ray Myers! And his dream was fulfilled! Ray had asked months ago if as many as could would hike up LeConte via Alum Cave with him on his 75th birthday. The Wednesday hikers drove to Gatlinburg the 15th, had dinner and birthday cake at the Cherokee Grill, slept at the Clarion, and met Ray at the Alum Cave trailhead at 8:30 on his very special day, May 16. This was Ray's first trip to the top of LeConte and 15 of us went with him! Lunch was eaten huddled around the stove in the LeConte Lodge as the temperature was @42. It was overcast so Ray didn't get a good view from the top, but his joy could not be contained! The last two miles of the hike were in pretty strong rain, yet our spirits were not dampened. Ray's wife Martha could not hike but she led the first group of Wednesday hikers up this trail about 15 years ago!
Making memories on this day were Ray Myers, Karen Ramsey, Margaret Reisman, Vickie Armour (her first time, too), Sharon Hogan, Freda Keener, Debbie Lambert, Cecile Shenouda, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Don Stewart and Ima Connelly as first timers, Gwen Brimer, Richard Park, Stormy McGauley, and Che Carico.

Black Mountain remains one of my favorites!! So this clear, cool, May day was just the best. There were only a few pink lady slippers, but oodles of yellow trillium, larkspur, and more jack in the pulpits than we have ever noticed on this trail. It was quite warm on the exposed rock were we lunched, so much so that Ray Myers actually zipped off the bottom of his hiking pants. This was a first for Ray! And his antics were celebrated with "attaboys". Debbie had to instruct Ray to "scrunch" his socks. Upon stopping at the Sonic on the way home we found we were there during "happy hour" (4-6) when the drinks are half price! Hiking this trail for the first time was Frank White in the company of Richard Park, Ray Myers, Gwen Brimer, Val Hargis, Debbie Lambert, Bob Rahn, Alice Coffman, and Che Carico.

Mickey Walls and Gary Smith led the Wednesday Hikers on the Caney Creek Trail and included a wonderful history lesson about the community that thrived there during the building of the dam system. We sat on the old foundations of the homes and looked at pictures brought by Mickey. We climbed a bit to the top of the ridge then turned around to go back to our cars and move down river to the Clear Creek Trail Head. Many had not been out to No Name Falls and this short trail and beautiful water falls proved delightful. Here bloomed more wildflowers than we had seen all spring - must have been protected or late bloomers. Enjoying this combination hike, exploration, and history lesson were: Ray Myers, Mickey Walls, Ima Connely, Alice Coffman, Gwen Brimer, Tabitha Nelson, Bob Rahn, Jenny Chandler, Don Stewart, Gary Smith, Val Hargis and Che Carico.

On this beautiful April day we hiked through the Great Stone Door beginning at the Greeter Falls end, going down into the gorge and out to Ranger Falls for lunch, then back out and up through the Stone Door. The wildflowers were not at their best as the freeaing weather killed so many spring beauties. However, the sky was blue and the temperature just right for the climb out. A special treat this day was Richard Park's friends from Arizona, Roberta Miller and Barbara Soehnlen. As the terrain on the Cumberland Plateau is vastly different from Arizona, their appreciation and enjoyment were gratifying! Stretching out on top for naps after the hike were: Richard Park, Val Hargis, Don Stewart, Bob Rahn, Nancy Hoover, Alice Coffman, Sharon Hogan, Ima Connely, Vicike Armour, Ray Myers, Carole Klemisch, Stormy McGauley, Gwen Brimer, Roberta Miller, Barbara Soehnlen, and Che Carico.

On April 4 our plan was to hike in Prentice Cooper - just the 3 mile trail from Indian Rock House to Snooper's Rock and back. However, there was a "big game hunt" to quote the ranger going on and we could not enter the area. As an alternative, we went back to the Suck Creek Road, parked, and hiked over the mountain to the swinging bridge and on up to Mushroom Rock where we had lunch.
This was only a 4 mile hike but several hikers had never been on the trail and everyone seemed satisfied to finish up a little early and get on with other daily responsibilities. This is a good trail for those times when you only have a short amount of time, a short break in the weather, or a hot summer day when you want to be off the trail before the hottest part of the day. The Buckeyes were quite numerous and bloomed out on this trail today. Hiking were Vickie Armour, Bob Rahn, Richard Park, Ray Myers, Gwen Brimer, Sharon Hogan, Don Stewart, Margaret Reisman, Sharon Gollop,, Stormy McGauley, and Che Carico.

This day was special because we met a group of Freda Keener's new hiking friends from the Smokey Mountain Hiking Club at the trailhead. We had planned the meeting for this hike because Freda still loves to hike with the Wednesday hikers even though she has moved to Maryville and has a whole new group of hiker friends. There were 22 hiking and enjoying the amazing trout lillies and white trillium. We may have seen a few dwarf iris and one jack-in-the-pulpit. Our favorite lunch spot has become the campsite area by the water where stone seating has been created around the fire ring.
Margaret Reisman always takes advantage of the river edge here for soaking her foot! Bob Rahn whipped out his folded up backpackable fishing pole and wet his hook. It was a race which we didn't win to beat it out before the rain came. Most had rain gear and others shared their extra ponchos. Some times we forget to "always be prepared". Chattanooga hikers were Frank White, Richard Park, Bob Rahn, Nancy Hoover, Bob Rahn, Gwen Brimer, Debbie Lambert, Val Hargis, Margaret Reisman, Freda Keener, and Che Carico.

This was a two for one day!! The Wednesday Hikers were in the Chattahoochie and Cherokee National Forests, hiked along the Conasauga River and Jacks River on the Conasauga River and Jacks River Trails, and were in the states of Georgia and Tennessee all in one trip. Mickey Walls led us on an 8 mile trek to give us this " two for one" experience. It was beautiful with a river beside us all along the way and we were pleased to see the beginnings of the spring wildflower show with hepatica, blood root, pink trailing arbutus, and of all things bright clumps of fire pink. Hiking were Mickey Walls, Val Hargis, Gary Smith and his granddaughter-in-law Tab Nelson, Debbie Lambert, Ray Myers, Ima Connelly, Don Stewart, Bob Rahn, Frank White and Che Carico.

Gary and Mickey know the Ocoee like the back of their hands! I would never have found this 7 mile trek including Lick Log (and thanks to all club members who help maintain LickLog!), Rough Creek, and Benton McKaye.
There was a lovely streamside lunch spot, mountain sides covered with Rhododendron, hints of wild flowers yet to come into full bloom, and two owls calling out to one another. Since the hike required a short shuttle, while the cars were being rounded up, Debbie, Richard, and Stormy hiked another 3 miles to Thunder Rock camp ground. We picked them up there. Thanks to Don for the wonderful pictures he makes on our hikes and for sharing them so generously with us. Hikers were: Mickey Walls, Gary Smith, Don Stewart, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Stormy McGauley, Gwen Brimer, Ima Connelly, Richard Park, Alice Coffman, Ray Myers, and Che Carico.

Pat and Tom Cory describe Turtletown Creek in their Scenic Chattanooga and Beyond book, page 21. The Wednesday Hikers explored this trail and found it to be an amazing hidden gem!

It is a long drive to Turtletown from Chattanooga and on a warmer day we would have added some miles on the upper portion of the John Muir to our outing. As it turned out, the trail was sooo beautiful for its 3.7 miles (loop) and it was sooo cold when we returned to the parking area, we decided to build another Gary Smith fire, eat lunch by the creek, and return home. The trail is rather easy while deep in the Cherokee National Forest. This may be hard to believe, but all hikers agreed with Ray Myers observation: "For all the trails we have been on in the last 12 years, these were the two prettiest waterfalls I have seen!"

I made notes about how to get there, so if you are going that way call me, get directions, and hike this lovely trail. Hiking were: Vicki Armour, Sharon Hogan, Ray Myers, Gary Smith, Val Hargis, Bob Rahn, Freda Keener, Gwen Brimer, Richard Park, and Che Carico, reporting.

Photo of Falls by Ray Myers.

The Wednesday Hikers enjoyed the incredibly beautiful trek from Ohio Avenue entrance to Rainbow Falls, on around to Edward's Point, the rim to Mushroom Rock, the descent to the swinging bridge and the hike over the little mountain to Suck Creek Road. This involved a car shuttle easily put in place by the Signal Mountain hikers.

Don't overlook this wonderful trail which includes waterfalls, overlooks onto the Tennessee River, and evergreens revealed as the leaves have fallen from the hardwoods. Debbie and Richard added an extra mile to their hike by beginning at Signal Point.

Hikers: Caroline Woerner, Ima Connelly, Don Stewart, Stormy McGauley, Richard Park, Ray Myers, Debbie Lambert, Gwen Brimer, Val Hargis, Karen Ramsey, Nancy and Sophia Brown and hike leader, Che Carico.

,Picture is of the breathtaking view from Edward's Point taken by Don Stewart.

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