Friday & Saturday, May 18 & 19, 2012 Bike Ride -- Virginia Creeper Bike Trip

We will meet at Memorial Baptist Church (across the road from the Cumberland Playhouse road), and depart on Friday the 18th at 2 pm. Each person should make their own lodging reservations. The Super 8 motel in Abingdon, VA is working with the group to provide a special “Tennessee Trails” rate. We will take the shuttle at 9:00 or 10:00 on Saturday morning. The cost to ride the shuttle van is $12.50. You can rent a bike (which they will transport on a trailer for you) for another $12.50 or you can bring your own bike. It will take approximately 3 to 4 hours to ride the trail depending on your pace. There are A LOT of scenic places to visit along the way. There is only one place to stop on the way down to eat. It's called the Creeper Trail Cafe. The shuttle shop closes by 6:00 pm so if you rent a bike it has to be checked back in before they close. If you take your own bike, there is no certain time you need to be back. Dress in layers and take gloves. It can be cold at the top but gets warmer as you ride down. Helmets are not required but a lot of people wear them. They do not rent helmets so you will need to bring your own. There also walking trails. For more information and to register, contact Candy McNeeley at 931-335-0282, or Cheryl Heckler at thehecklers@charter.net or 931-456-6437.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012 Hike -- Fall Creek Falls

We will hike a few of the Fall Creek Falls trails for about 6 mi in fairly typical terrain with one exception. There is an optional cable assisted climb down to the bottom of Cane Falls. It's a short climb, but almost straight down. So if it is not for you, you can sit it out. It doesn't take long for the other hikers to finish it. Depart from Tractor Supply at 8:00am. Let's call gas $5.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 Hike -- Cumberland Trail Mullens Cove

This is a new hike for us, and is part of the Cumberland Trail in Prentice Cooper. The Mullens Cove Loop is a 10 mile hike over mostly level terrain. We will have great views from Snoopers Rock after veiwing the Indian Rock House. Bring plenty of water for a full day. Hike is rated moderate to strenous due to length. We will depart Trinity Church on Hwy 127 at 7am. Call Don Taylor at 615-973-1814 for additional info. We plan to arrive in Prentice Cooper around 9am CT, if anyone wants to meet us at trailhead. Gas cost is $9.

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* COMPLETED HIKES with PHOTOS (SEE BELOW) *
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Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Hike -- Cumberland Trail Possum Creek

This 5 mile short shuttle hike is on the 3 gorges section of the Cumberland Trail. We will start at the Retro Hughes trailhead  parking lot. The hike is predominately a pleasant walk in the  woods. We will cross a concrete bridge and hike down to Imodium Falls with a plunge pool where you can swim. The  Moutain Laurel and Rhododendrons may be in bloom. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Depart from Trinity Tabernacle Church at 8:00 am. Gas cost is $7.

Saturday, May 12, 2012 Hike -- Devils Breakfast Table Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, Crossville, TN

We will hike 7 miles (4 mile of Cumberland Trail) into the Daddy’s Creek Gorge and arrange for a 1 mile car shuttle so that we do not have to retrace our steps. The trail is difficult due to the elevation change and lots of rock steps. From the trailhead, the trail proceeds down "a thousand steps" through Daddy's Creek gorge under sheer bluffs. After a mile, the trail rises out of the canyon and remains on the top of the bluff. There are a couple of overlooks that provide a view of the gorge before the trail goes back down into the gorge on the way to the junction of Daddy’s Creek and the Obed River . This year we have added another mile of Cumberland Trail with some extra trail features we think you will enjoy seeing. This also lets us use a Forest Service road to get back to our shuttle vehicle. This road also allows us to have an easier climb out of the river gorge. Wear good hiking shoes or boots; bring water, lunch and snacks.  Depart from Cracker Barrel on Highway 127 at 8:00am CT. Gas cost is $3. Those in the Fairfield Glade area may join the caravan at 8:25am at the 4-way stop at the intersection of Peavine Road and Stonehenge Drive. Contact Curt Thomas to register or for more info at: curtethomas@frontiernet.net or Phone: 931-260-2140.

Wednesday May 9, 2012 Stroll -- Chattanooga Riverwalk

Our stroll is about 8 miles of paved track and sidewalks along the Tennessee River from the Chickamauga Dam to downtown Chattanooga, TN. Jeans and sneakers are good as this is basically a walk. There are birds, greenery, bridges, and historical markers along the way, along with ample drinking fountains and restrooms. An easy walk other than for distance. We will have lunch at our final destination downtown where TGI Fridays, Rio Picante Mexican, Big River Brewery, and others are available. A shuttle is required. Depart Trinity Tabernacle Church on Rt 127 south at 7:00am CT (NOTE SPECIAL TIME ). Gas cost is $9.00. Photos: Pat