Saturday-Sunday, April 26-27, 2014 Overnight Hike - NE Georgia Waterfall Extravaganza Trip, Helen GA.

We are a "GO" for the waterfall hike in Helen Ga. on Saturday the 26^th and Sunday the 27^th of April. The itinerary is as follows:


NOTE: Since the Saturday waterfall hikes are on easy trails, some of them paved, you do not need special hiking gear. On Sunday the trails are mostly flat dirt trails with possible wet areas, so hiking boots are recommended. On both days carrying water is also recommended. Carpool is $25, which includes the trip to Helen, GA and return plus the local driving to the various waterfalls.


7:00 am CT Saturday leave Trinity Tabernacle for Amicalola Falls State Park for the first waterfall and checking out the views from the Lodge.
Leave for Dahlonega. Have lunch and visit the town square if time allows.

Proceed to Helen and check into the hotels.

Then visit Duke's Creek Falls (1 mile in, then out).

Next we'll proceed to Unicoi State Park and visit the Anna Ruby Falls (0.7 miles in, then out).

This will end the falls for the day, but Helen is an Alpine style Village so you have time to explore and have dinner in one of many restaurants around.

On Sunday morning we'll meet at a place to be determined and head over to 3 more Falls: Minihaha Falls, Panther Falls, and Angel Falls. We will also have some options for further exploration depending our time left. We will be done around Noon on Sunday, so those options will be left up to you.

10 rooms are blocked at the Super 8 Hotel in Helen for Saturday night (phone 706-878-2191). When you call, tell them you are with the Tennessee Trails Hiking Club. Rates are $69.00 + tax, and sadly they only have king bedrooms with a sleeper sofa until the 15th of April due to a Lil Miss Helen Pageant. If you call after the 15th, there should be rooms with two queen sized beds. There are also many other hotels in Helen. Another hotel choice is the Quality Inn (706-878—2268). The Senior citizen daily rate is $76.49 + tax (regular rate is $84.99). Should you have any additional questions please call Bruce Whitehead at 941-716-3620.

FRIDAY OPTION: Some hikers are leaving Friday morning the 25^th for a 2 night stay to explore more of the area.  If you are interested in doing this, let Bruce know.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014, Hike -- Scenic Coal Mining Hike (This is a hike change)

Hike Change:

We have been given permission to do a moderate 5 mile hike on private property off the Sparta Highway in White County. This hike has some great bluffs, waterfalls, coal mines, tipples, coal mining history, and possibly still some wildflowers. Depart Tractor Supply at 8:00 am CT. Carpool cost $4.

Saturday, May 3, 2014, Hike -- Greeter Falls, Savage Gulf State Natural Area

This is a 7 mile moderate hike. A shuttle will be required. The hike will start at Greeter Falls and then continue along the Big Creek Rim. We will end at the Stone Door Ranger Station. Depart from Tractor Supply at 8:00 am CT. To register or for additional information, contact Bill Harris at 931-484-9152, or Jim Lamb at 931-484-5991 or jameslamb@frontier.com. Carpool cost $TBD.

Sunday, May 4, 2014, Tour -- Bon Air Mountain Historical Society Annual Coal Miners History Fair

This year's tour will take us through Bon Air, the Rock House, and Camp Belle Air along with other historical sites in the area. First buses will leave at 1:00 pm CT. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, and desserts will be available at the Bondecroft School from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. Coal mining exhibits will be on display in the school gym. We will depart from in front of Tractor Supply at 12:15 pm CT or meet at Bondecroft School by 12:45 pm.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014, Hike -- Buggy Top and Natural Bridge, Sewanee

This is a moderate to difficult 6 mile hike to Buggy Top cave. The cave has an impressive mouth carved out of a 50 foot cliff. On the way back, we will make a short walk to Natural Bridge, a 27 foot natural sandstone bridge. We will visit University of the South Campus including its beautiful chapel, and the 100 year old Dutch Bakery in Tracy City. Bring snacks, water, lunch, and hiking boots. Depart Trinity Tabernacle Church at 8:00 am CT. Carpool is $12.

Thursday, May 8, 2014, Chapter Meeting -- Potluck Dinner at Meadow Park Lake (Note: 5:00 PM earlly start)

Meet for dinner at 5:00 pm CT. After dinner, If there is enough interest, we will explore the new area of trail that is under construction. To register or for additional information, contact Cheryl Heckler at 931-456-6437 or thehecklers@charter.net.

Saturday, May 10, 2014, Hike -- Brady Mountain Trail Maintenance, Crossville

This is moderate maintenance hike. The Plateau Chapter is an adoptee of the Brady Mountain section of the Cumberland Trail. Bring gloves, water, snacks/lunch, and tools to trim back brush and briers. The trail across Brady Mountain is 8 miles, so be prepared for a hike of that length. Depart Trinity Tabernacle Church at 7:30 am CT.  For more information and to register, contact Bruce Whitehead at trailwalker80@gmail.com or 941-716-3620. Carpool cost $TBD.