Wednesday December 29, 2010 Exploration -- Devil Step Hollow

We will be assisting the rangers with GPS work and exploring around their Headquarters. It will be a fun hike that will start at the Head of Sequatchie at 8 AM CST and should return before 12 noon. We will hike to the back field area of the valley site to GIS some of the rock walls and take pictures in that area. The hike will be in fields and in woods with no trail. Time will decide how many of our formations that we will be able to GIS. At least two GPS units and one digital camera will be provided. Ranger Anthony Jones will lead the group. Depart from Trinity Tabernacle Church at 7:30am CT. Gas cost is $4.00. See Ginger and Jim's photos.

Wednesday December 22, 2010 Hike -- The Hemlocks

Near Christmas, we will stay close to Monterey. A couple of waterfalls, approximately 5 miles, and moderate to difficult due to steep climb on the way out. Depart Tractor Supply at 7:45am CT. Cost $3.00.See Bill E, Cheryl, Ginger and Jim's photos.

Saturday December 11, 2010 Hike -- Gilbert Gaul Loop Fall Creek Falls State Park

This is the newest trail in the Park. It features a 4.5 mile loop. Leaving from the trailhead at Group Camp #2, the trail leads into an open field, close to the site of the Gilbert Gaul homestead. Gaul was a painter who moved to the area in 1881 when he was in his twenties and completed several paintings while in residence. The return loop goes along the lake. Since this is a fairly short hike, we will plan to add stops at Fall Creek Falls overlook, Buzzard Roost overlook, Piney Falls & Piney Falls overlook after we finish with the hike. Meet at Tractor Supply at 8:00 AM CT. For more information or to pre-register for the hike, contact Cheryl Heckler at 931-456-6437 or thehecklers@charter.net Photos: Cheryl and Jim

Thursday December 9, 2010 -- Chapter Christmas Party at First National Bank of TN, Crossville (4:30 PM – 7:30 PM)

Fun and fellowship for all at our Plateau Chapter Christmas Party. Party starts at 4:30pm. Not sure if Santa will show up this year, but if he does, he will be looking for a hug from the ladies. Please bring an appetizer to share while socializing with your hiking buddies. Bring a gift if you want to participate in the “dirty Santa” gift exchange. Lastly, please be considerate and bring money to tip our hosts who donate their time so that we may use the facility.

Wednesday December 8, 2010 Hike -- Obed River Gourge

Approximately 6 miles of scenic overlooks and cliffs. Moderate to difficult due to rocky terrain. Depart Vanity Fair at 7:45am. Gas cost $5.00. Photos:Ginger, Bill E, Jim, Cheryl

Saturday December 4, 2010 Hike -- Cummins Falls Hike (Northwest of Cookeville)

The Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation has the one-time option to purchase 186 acres at Cummins Falls, Tennessee's largest privately owned waterfall. At 75 feet in height, it's the eighth largest waterfall in the state in magnitude of water and its "dramatic topography" helps protect flourishing wildlife.

The hike will be about 3 – 4 miles in length depending on the amount of interest in walking above and below the falls. This is a moderately difficult hike both due to the elevation change from the parking lot to the falls and due to the fact that there will be some rock scrambling as we explore the area around the falls. We will park and walk about 1 mile down a gravel road to reach the waterfall. Meet at the trail head at 10:00 AM or at the Cracker Barrel in Crossville at 8:30 AM to car pool. Wear sturdy shoes/boots, bring water and snacks. To pre-register, please RSVP by December 1 to Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation at 615-386-3171 or to Carolyn at cardan@frontiernet.net or 931-260-6674. For planning purposes, pre-registration is required. An optional trip to Burgess Falls will be offered after the hike at Cummins Falls. See Ginger and Jim's photos.

Wednesday December 1, 2020 Hike -- Savage Gulf Greeter Falls to Big Stone Door

Greeter Falls to Big Stone Door with scenic overlooks along the way. Approximately 7 miles. Moderate. Cost $7. Depart from Tractor Supply at 7:45am CT. Photos: Russ, Bill E, Cheryl.