Wednesday, April 16, 2014, Hike -- Injun Creek Trail, Great Smoky Mountain National Park

This is a 6-7 mile moderate hike along a creek, through woods, and is very scenic with small waterfalls, cemeteries, bridges, and lots of foliage. This area was full of homes at one time. There is also the site of a train wreck where the engine is still in the creek. Possibly, there will be spring wildflowers. This is a good historic and scenic trail. A short shuttle will be needed. We will stop for dinner, probably in Maryville, on our way back. Depart 7:00 am CT from Vanity Fair. Carpool is $13.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014, Hike -- Collins West

This is a strenuous 6 mile hike with spectacular scenery such as waterfalls, bluff overlooks, and rock formations. There should also be diverse and abundant wild flowers. Depart Trinity Tabernacle Church at 8:00 am CT. Carpool is $8.

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:


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.

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.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014, Hike -- Burnt Mill Bridge To Honey Creek Trailhead

This is a 6-7 mile moderate hike over most of an area that we have not hiked before, so it may be an adventure. A shuttle is required. Depart Cracker Barrel at 8:00 am CT. Carpool cost $6.