Wednesday, June 19, 2013, Hike -- John Litton Loop, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

The John Litton loop is about a 6 mile long hike with some small waterfalls and some rock formations along the way. The trail is named for John Litton who settled in the area around 1900 and his dwelling and outbuildings are still standing.  The hike is rated moderate. Depart from behind the Cracker Barrel at 7:00 am CT. Gas cost $6.00.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013, Hike -- Whites Creek near Rockwood

The Whites Creek trail begins along the shoreline and continues as a woodland walk along the ridge tops overlooking the Watts Bar reservoir of the Tennessee River. The hike is rated moderate due to its short (about 3.5mi) length, but has several hill climbs to get your heart pumping. We will also stop at Fort Southwest Point in Kingston for a short walk and some exploring. This is the only federal era 18^th Century Fort in Tennessee reconstructed on the original foundation. Depart from Trinity Tabernacle Church at 7:00am CT. Gas cost $5.

Saturday, June 29, 2013, Hike -- Old Settlers Trail, GSMNP, Gatlinburg

This is a car shuttle hike rated moderate due to its 17 mile length and some up and down elevation with a total elevation gain of 900.  It is less rocky and smoother than most Smoky hikes and is known for its historical landmarks.  Stonewalls, home sites, chimney, and a cemetery dot the trail along what was one of the most heavily populated sections of the Smokies. Several hundred families lived here in the Greenbrier area before the state of Tennessee started buying up land for the national park.  One of the stone piles is from the Lona Mae Parton home place, country singer Dolly Parton’s great aunt.  Bring water, snack, lunch, hiking boots and water shoes for the possible 6 water crossings.  Since it is a long hike bring a flashlight just in case.  Depart from the southwest corner of Vanity Fair Outlet parking lot in Crossville at 6:00 AM CT to car pool. For information and to register contact Cheryl Heckler at thehecklers@charter.net or 931-456-6437 or Larry Marchese at lmarchese2@gmail.com.   Gas $14

Wednesday, July 3, 2013, Hike -- Welch's Overlook

If you want to hike on the 3rd of July, we will do a close, short hike to Welch's Overlook, Joe Holloway Rockhouse, and Yellow Bluff for 4-5 moderate hiking miles. Depart Tractor Supply at 7:00 am CT. Gas cost $3. If you do not want to hike, have a Happy 4th of July.

Saturday, July 6, 2013, Hike -- Lead Cove/Bote Mt/Finley Cane, GSMNP

This is a 7 mile moderate hike since the first trail has a steady ascent for 1.8 miles. The rest of the hike is a gradual downhill with some mild rolling humps. The hike features quiet walk in woods, old homestead sites, sporadic views of surrounding mountains, and hopefully blooming rhododendron. Bring water, snack, lunch, and hiking boots. Depart from the southwest corner of Vanity Fair Outlet parking lot in Crossville at 7:00 AM CT to car pool. For information and to register contact Cheryl Heckler at thehecklers@charter.net or 931-456-6437.  Gas Cost $11

Saturday, July 13, 2013, Hike -- Twin Arches Loop Hike, Big South Fork

A 5 mile moderately strenuous hike due to the flights of stairs and the continual climb from Charit Creek.  These two arches are the largest arches in the Big South Fork and quite possibly in the Eastern United States. The South Arch is the highest at 100 feet. After visiting the arches, we pass through several huge rock houses along the base of the cliffs as we wind our way to Jake’s Place, the remains of a mid-1800’s house and farm. Then, we follow the creek to Charit Creek lodge where we will eat lunch. We ascend 500 ft. in almost a mile as we climb from Charit Creek past the arches and to the trailhead. Bring water, snack, lunch, and hiking boots.  Depart the parking lot behind Crossville Cracker Barrel at 7:00 am CT. For information and to register contact Bill Harris at 931-484-9152. Gas Cost $5.

Saturday, July 20, 2013, Hike -- Waterfall hike featuring Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls State Park

First, we’ll travel to Burgess Falls and enjoy the views of three waterfalls. At the end, we'll optionally climb down to the bottom of the largest waterfall, then take the strenuous walk back up. To finish, we'll retrace our steps back to the cars. Next we'll drive to our newest state park, Cummins Falls. We’ll visit the overlook, and walk down to the base of the falls (you’ll need water shoes). Swimming will be an option. Bring water, snack, lunch, hiking boots and water shoes. Given the summer heat, we’ll depart early at 7:00 am CT from Tractor Supply, Crossville. A carpool will be arranged in Crossville and Larry Marchese will travel from Mt Juliet meeting the Crossville group at Burgess Falls. Please confirm with Larry at lmarchese2@gmail.com or 615-681-2295. For carpooling contact Evelyn Kornreich at evie417@gmail.com  or 931-287-0097. Gas Cost $6.