Wednesday 1/4/2012 Hike -- Cardwell Mountain

Cardwell Mountain is a detached piece of the Cumberland Plateau that rises 1000 feet above the scenic Collins River. A part of the historic Trail of

Tears, the trail climbs to the massive bluffs and boulders atop the mountain. It is a 5.5 mile loop hike rated moderate. Depart from Tractor Supply at 8:00am CT. Gas cost $6. Photos: Cheryl Ginger Jim

Wednesday 12/28/2011 Hike -- Mowbray Trail Head to Hotwater Rd

This scenic 5 mi. easy to moderate hike will have views of the TN river valley and the cooling towers of the Sequoyah Nuclear PLant. The trail passes through the "little stone door" and the remains of the Soddy Coal Co. dating back to 1866, one of the first tunnel mines in TN. Depart from Trinity Tabernacle Church at 8 am. Gas cost $6. Check the blog Tuesday night after 6pm for changes or cancellations. Photos: Cheryl 

Wednesday 12/14/2011 Hike -- Rock Creek Loop in Big South Fork

This is 7 mile hike and is rated moderately difficult due to the steep climb at the end of the hike. The trail follows the banks of Rock Creek, a tributary of the Big South Fork River. It also overlaps parts of the John Muir and Sheltowee Trace Trails. The trail follows part of the old Stearns Logging Railroad along Massey Branch. Depart at 8:00am CT behind the Cracker Barrel. Gas cost $6. Photos: Cheryl

Saturday 12/10/2011 Hike -- Cumberland Mountain Segment of the Cumberland Trail, Cumberland Gap, TN

The Cove Lake Hiking Club Chapter is leading a hike on the CT beginning at the Northern Terminus of the Trail. The hike begins at the historic Iron Furnace Works in the quaint town of Cumberland Gap. The trail ascends steeply 600 feet to the intersection with the Tri-State Marker Trail (TSM). The TSM pavilion marks the spot where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia meet. The CT begins at the TSM. From the TSM, the trail passes through a Civil War earthworks site and rises and falls with the curves of the ridgeline for two miles out to the historical boundary of the Cumberland Gap National Park. Scenic views abound, eastward into Tennessee and Virginia, and westward into Tennessee and Kentucky. Total distance: 8 miles round trip. The hike is rated moderately difficult due to the elevation change and the distance. Depart from Vanity Fair parking lot at 6:30 AM CT. For more information and to register, contact Cheryl Heckler at thehecklers@charter.net or 931- 456-6437 for additional information. Gas cost is $12. Photos: Cheryl

Saturday December 3 Hike-- Fort Loudoun

Garrison weekend at Fort Loudoun State Natural area, Vonore. For details visit Fort Loudoun.com. Hike will start at 9CST at Fort Loudoun in the visitor center parking lot. Levonn Hubbard will lead a 5 mi hike around the lake.If there is enough interest we can stop at a restaurant after the hike. The car pool from Crossville will depart at 8 CST from Crackerbarrel.Stop by at 7 if you want to enjoy an informal Crackerbarrel breakfast beforehand.For more details and to register contact Levonn Hubbard at lhhubbard@gmail.com or 707 1020.