Chapter Hike Schedule

APRIL 2024

Sunday, April 28- Nashville Urban History Hike. 6-8 miles, on mostly level terrain. Joint hike with the Nashville chapter. We will meet just before 9:00 A.M. CT at the north end of the Bicentennial Mall. Free parking is available near the Tennessee State Museum and the Farmer’s Market. Our starting point is at the circle of carillon bells (close to Jefferson Street, north end of Bicentennial Mall) Our hike will lead us along the wall of state history. We will next hike uphill to the State Capitol with an opportunity to admire its architecture up close. We then visit War Memorial Plaza to salute our veterans and walk east to City Hall and Public Square Park. Next, crossing Woodland Street Bridge admire the river and contemplate the future East Bank development, then walking south along the East Bank Greenway reaching Cumberland Park. We’ll cross the river via Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and traverse a section of the honky-tonk district on lower Broadway, then left onto John Lewis Way and right onto Demonbreun, leading us past Bridgestone Arena and Music City Center. At 10 th Avenue, we turn right (north) past Frist Art Museum and Union Station, then continuing along

Nashville Yards via Platform Way to 10th and leading toward Farmer’s Market, where ice cream and/or lunch awaits. Some history remarks will be offered along the way. Register with hike leaders Tom Vickstrom 615- 405-6713 or Tony Jones 615-397-4463.

MAY 2024

Thursday, May 2 – Fiery Gizzard North and Dog Hole Trail. South Cumberland State Park, near Tracy City, TN. 8.5-10 miles depending on how many overlooks and waterfalls we include and rated difficult. Early morning start, exact time determined closer to the hike date. All day and expect around 7 hours hiking. The Fiery Gizzard Trail portion is about 4.5 miles long, with steep, uneven steps up the

cliff. There are boulder fields to cross where we will be walking across uneven, very large rocks with awkward, uncomfortable footing for a considerable distance. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes and hiking poles are strongly recommended. Dog Hole Trail is 2.8 miles. These two trails make a loop, the day loop is the beginning for both. Raven’s point overlook adds .8 mile. Plus side: Lots of water along the

lower section, bring your filter if you like, but do carry a minimum of 2.5 liters of water. When we leave the creek area, water for filtering is uncertain. Probably water crossings a few inches deep. There are flowers and shade. There are waterfalls and beautiful scenery. The tougher part is the Fiery Gizzard section. The Dog Hole trail is much easier but not as interesting. We will eat our lunch at a

scenic viewpoint, probably Raven’s Point. In the Avenza App, download South Cumberland State Park trail map to have a look at the route and elevations along the way. The elevation gain in vertical measure is around 200 feet, but it’s not a ladder so up/down many times along the way. The footing is challenging on the lower section, so it seems much longer than it is. Bring lunch, snacks, electrolytes,

water, and clothing layers for the weather. Please meet me at Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead where restrooms are available. The parking lot is small and may be crowded, please arrive early. Extra parking is available but it’s an extra walk of several minutes. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Jane Reyling at 702-279-7805 (text preferred) or email at JRYL76@gmail.com

Saturday, May 11 – Prater Place and Hemlock Falls Trail, Fall Creek Falls State Park Spencer, TN. 6 miles out and back rated moderate due to some rocky areas and creek crossings. Joint hike with the Highland Rim chapter. This trail has a total elevation gain of 649 ft and waterfalls, rock formations and caves. This is one of the newer Fall Creek Falls State Park trails. It is located outside of the park’s north entrance just off Hwy 30 on Hwy 285 in Van Buren County. Bring water and lunch. For more information or to register contact Joe Campbell at 903-237-9581 or rjoecampbell@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, May 14 – Chapter Meeting – 7:00 P.M. CT. Barfield Crescent Park Wilderness Station. This is our hike planning meeting for July through December hikes. Bring your calendars to schedule hikes you want to lead or ideas for hikes. If you cannot attend and want to lead a hike, contact hike coordinator Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com.

Tuesday-Friday, May 14-17, 2024 – Great Smoky Mountain Camping and Hiking Trip. Joint event with the Highland Rim chapter. Camping at Cosby Group Campsite, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hike Schedule: Tuesday – Sutton Ridge Overlook by way of the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail. 3.6 miles out and back. 400 ft. elevation change rated easy. Views of Gabes Mountain, Cosby Valley and Gilliland Ridge. Wednesday – Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower via Low Gap, Appalachian and Mount Cammerer Trails.11.2 miles out and back., 2,780 ft. elevation change rated strenuous. Features streams, ridgeline, geologic interests, summit, spectacular panoramic views. Thursday – Ramsey Cascades Trail. This trail was recently restored. 8 miles round trip, 2,000 ft elevation change rated strenuous. Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the most spectacular. Friday – Hike to Hen Wallow Falls via Gabes Mountain Trail. 4.4 miles round trip rated moderate. Tuesday we will share a potluck dinner and one evening, we will have dinner at Carver’s Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant in Cosby. Each camper must purchase a parking tag, which is available online. There is a limited number of spots in the two group campsites reserved, so sign up early. Register with Joan Hartvigsen, 931-636-2914 or jhartvigs@comcast.net.

Saturday, May 25 – Natchez Trace Parkway - Meriwether Lewis and Devil's Backbone Loops, Hohenwald, TN. 7.7 miles total rated moderate. The Meriwether Lewis Loop is 4.5 miles and follows the Old Natchez Trace for a mile down to Little Swan Creek and loops back to the Meriwether Lewis Monument area. Then we’ll travel north on the Natchez Trace Parkway to hike the Devil’s Backbone Loop. It’s 3.2 miles and the hike starts off on a ridge then goes down to a creek hollow. It’s an easy stroll through the woods, with water features and beautiful hardwood trees. For carpool information from Murfreesboro or to register, contact Sara Pollard at 615-714-3610 or sarabpollard@gmail.com