Wednesday, May 31, 2017, Hike -- Cloudland Canyon

This is about 7 miles of moderate hike with nice overlooks, waterfalls, and possibly several wildflowers. Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in Georgia. We will do a car shuttle. Depart from Trinity Tabernacle Church at 7:30am CT. Carpool cost is $10. There will also be a $5 per vehicle charge to enter the park.

Friday, June 2, 2017, Hike -- Coke Ovens History Hike, Dunlap, TN

To get a guided tour of an area where there were 268 coke ovens requiring a minimum of 10 people, we will do a joint event with the Plateau Chapter of Tennessee Trails Association and Uplands Village hikers. As we walk about 2 miles we will listen to the story of the Dunlap Coke Ovens by Historian Carson Camp. The historian will open the museum for us to explore during our stay. Carpools depart at 8:45am CT from the Trinity Tabernacle parking lot to begin the tour at 10:00 am.  The Uplands Hikers will meet Plateau Chapter hikers at the Coke Oven Museum. We will eat our sack lunches at the picnic tables after the tour. Carpool cost is $5.

Saturday, June 3, 2017, Hike -- National Trails Day Cumberland Trail, Morgan County (details below)

The hike starts at Daddy’s Creek South Trailhead on Firetower Road at Devils Breakfast Table. There is parking for about 15 cars. Trail is in the Catoosa Wildlife Mgmt Area so it is recommended hikers where orange shirt, vest or hat. From the parking lot, cross the one lane bridge walking up the road about 200 ft. The trail is off to the left. The trail consists of a lot of rock stairs, stream crossings, waterfall, small stone door, and overlook. The overlook is at 1.2 miles, the stream at 2.4 miles will eventually have a bridge but we will retrace our steps from here for a total of 4.8 moderate miles. We will depart the Crossville Outlet Center West parking lot on Interstate Drive in Crosville at 7:30am CT and meet the hikers in Fairfield Glade at 7:45am CT at the 4-way stop parking area in Fairfield Glade Resort. Carpool is $3. For more information and to register contact Cheryl Heckler at thehecklers@charter.net or 931-200-7436.

*****************************************************
* COMPLETED HIKES with PHOTOS (SEE BELOW)    *
*****************************************************

Wednesday, May 17, 2017, Hike -- Window Cliffs

Window Cliffs is a new TN Natural Area located near Burgess Falls. The new trail is in-and-out for a total of 5.4 strenuous miles. The trail features 9 stream crossings each way, a few small cascades, steep slopes, narrow ledges, and a 20-ft waterfall along Cane Creek. Water shoes are highly recommended. Depart from Tractor Supply at 7:30am CT. Carpool cost $5. Photos: Clark, Pat1, Pat2. Video: Pat

Saturday, May 13, 2017 -- CT Retro Hughes to Imodium Falls, Cumberland Trail State Park, Sale Creek, TN

This is a moderate 8.5 mile hike to Imodium Falls. Be prepared for a creek crossing that could get your feet wet following a rain. Features on this trail include Little Possum Creek, Coalbank Branch, and Little Possum Creek Falls (aka Imodium Falls). Bring your lunch to eat at the falls before retracing our route. For more information and to register contact Cheryl Heckler from Plateau Chapter 931-200-7436 or thehecklers@charter.net. Depart at 8:00am CT from Trinity Tabernacle. Carpool cost $5.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017, Hike -- CT Hebbetsburg Trail

This is a 7 mile hike on the CT.  Includes river side walk, nice rock formations, and rock houses. Car Shuttle required. Moderate only because of mileage. Non-FFG hikers depart from VF Mall west parking lot at 7:30am CT. Carpool cost $3. FFG hikers meet in FFG at the 4-Way STOP at 7:45am CT, where they will meet the hikers from Crossville. Photos: Clark

Friday-Sunday, May 5-7, 2017, Overnight Hikes -- NW Georgia (Helen, GA)

This is a 3 day hiking and two night hotel stay trip in the Helen, Georgia area. We plan to hike the following trails: on Friday, May 5, we will hike a trail named Springer Loop. It is located near Dahlonega, GA, and is about 5 moderate miles in length. On Saturday, May 6, the hike will be on the Appalachian trail from Hog Pen Gap to Neels Gap. It is 6 miles in length and is rated difficult due to elevation changes. On Sunday, May 7, our final hike will be in Tallulah Gorge. This will be a 5 mile total hike including two rim trails and a descent into the gorge. This is rated strenuous due to the steep descent and ascent into the gorge and a 2 mile hike along the gorge with limited trails. If interested in joining us you will need to make your own overnight accommodations, but can meet us for the hikes and dinner afterwards. For more information and to register contact Bruce Whitehead at trailwalker80@gmail.com or 941-716-3620. Depart from Trinity Tabernacle at 7:00am CT. Negotiate carpool cost with driver.

Sunday, May 7, 2017 -- 23rd Annual Coal Mining History Fair, Bon Air, TN

1:00pm to 5:00pm free admission. BondeCroft Elementary School. Sack lunch and drink available, exhibits about coal mining and railroad history. Free bus tours starting at 1:00pm to Bon Air, The Rock House, and Camp Belle Air.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017, Hike -- Cumberland Mt./Tri State Peak Trail

Travel distance is 115 miles one way (near Virginia). The hike is approximately 5-6 moderate miles, and will be a combination of trails, possibly including the Wilderness Rd. Trail, Fort Foote Trail, and the Tri State Peak Trail. Depart from the VF Mall west parking lot at 7:30am CT. Carpool cost $10. Photos: Clark, Pat1, Pat2