September 2019 SCHEDULED HIKES
Sep 4, Wednesday – Big South Fork, Laurel Fork Creek Trail, Jamestown, TN. Long hike: This an easy to moderate 7 mile in/out hike starting from the Jack's Ridge Loop Trailhead then East on Laurel Fork Creek Trail and return. Short hike: Hikers may stop anywhere along the creek to wait for the other hikers to return or head back to the trailhead. In case the creek is high, bring water shoes because we will crisscross the creek a few times. Also bring water, lunch and snacks. Depart 7:30 pAM CDST from the Crossville Cracker Barrel. Carpool cost is $6. For additional information, contact the hike coordinator, Deb Westervelt, email plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
Sep 7 – Saturday –Pickett State Park, Jamestown, TN - Pogue Creek, Jamestown, TN. This will be a 6.6 mile moderate hike in Pogue Creek Gorge to the Pickett SP picnic area which will require a car shuttle. Features include rock houses, rock bluffs and an overlook. Depart 8am from Crossville Cracker Barrel. Carpool cost is $5. For additional information, contact the hike coordinator, Deb Westervelt, email plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
Sep 11 – Wednesday – Daniel Boone National Forest, KY- Split Bow Arch, Bear Creek Ovelook, Big Shoals. This will be a moderate 7 miles in/out. After seeing the arch and overlook we’ll hike along the Kentucky Wild River to Big Shoals and return. Depart 7:30 am CDST from The Crossville Vanity Fair Outlet Mall West parking lot on Interstate Drive. Carpool cost is $10. Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen. Pack water, snacks and lunch. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb Westervelt, plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
Sep 12, Thurs – Plateau Fall Picnic at Meadow Park Lake. Hike Soldier Beach Trail at 4pm with picnic starting at 5pm at the marina pavilion. The grill will be hot and ready to grill your favorite meat or veggies. Also bring a dish to share and BYOB. Plates, plastic ware and napkins will be provided. Contact Carol Q if you have any questions at 787-9083 or Chapter Chair, Bruce Whitehead, 941-716-3620 or email plateau@tennesseetrails.org
Sep 18, Wednesday –CT Laurel Falls, Dayton, TN. We will hike the trail to beautiful Laurel Falls (past an old coal mine and over some small streams on bridges) to several options of your choice: 2.1 miles one-way on CT to 150-foot bridge; Laurel Falls spur 2.4 miles one-way; Bryan overlook is 3.3 miles one-wayThere are some short strenuous portions uphill. Depart from Trinity Tabernacle Church at 7:30 am CT. Carpool cost $6. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Howard Owen 931-484-1328 email plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org.
Sep 25, Wednesday – Big South Fork, Honey Creek, near Rugby, TN. Wednesday's hike will be Honey Creek. We'll pick a 4 or 6 mi version depending on how hot it is and the group's energy. The footing is significantly more difficult than our typical hike so either the 4 or 6 mi hike will be a good work out. Also a portion of the hike is in a creek bed, so if we get a bunch of rain in the next couple days, we'll pick another Big South Fork hike. A hundred yards or so of the creek bed is insanely slippery and must be hiked w/ extreme care. Meet at Crackerbarrel's rear parking lot at 7:30am. Figure $6 for gas. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb Westervelt, text/call 931-267-2243 or email plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org.
Sep 27-29 Fall Weekend Getaway – We will travel to Winchester , Kentucky with hiking in the Red river Gorge. Friday - 5 mile loop in the Natural Bridge State Park with option of spur trail of 1.5 mi in/out. Saturday is a 5 mi loop with optional 2.5 mi spur trail to double arches. Sunday will be a short hike before heading home. Please contact Cheryl Heckler email thehecklers@charter.net or 931-200-7436 no later than 15 Aug if you intend to go so motel reservations can be made.
