March 2019 SCHEDULED HIKES
Mar 2 – *****CT Stinging Fork State Natural Areas along Soak Creek.
This new section of Cumberland Trail is mostly strenuous 7 miles but absolutely gorgeous. There is a one mile easy mile walking through the woods midway for a reprieve. Stinging Fork State Natural Area features a 35-foot waterfall and cascade. There are numerous feeder streams allow the way. You can expect Numerous elevation gains and descents, possibly slick rocks. Wear boots, bring lunch, water and snacks. Depart from Trinity Tabernacle Church, Rt 127 South, in Crossville at 8:00am CT. Carpool cost is $4. Pack water and snack. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb Westervelt, email plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
Mar 6 – ***Savage Gulf, Gruetli-Laager, TN – Collins Rim Trail.
Long Hike: This is a moderate 8 mile in/out hike with spectacular bluff overlooks and rock formations. Those wanting a strenuous hike can split off on the Collins West Trail down into the gorge to Horsepound Falls and back for 7 in/out miles. Short Hike: Hikers will turn around at the 2.5 mi mark. Depart Trinity Tabernacle Church at 7:30 am CT. Carpool cost $7. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb Westervelt, email plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
Mar 13 – ***Beckwith’s Point Trail, Piney Point, Shakerag Trail, Bridal Veil Falls, Sewanee, TN These hikes are 6 miles total. Rated moderately difficult due to a steep ascent up a cliff to Green’s View and areas of rocky footing. The hikes feature spectacular wildflowers, limestone bluffs, a great overlook at Piney Point, and a beautiful waterfall. Depart 7:30 am CT from Trinity Tabernacle Church on HY 127 South. Carpool cost is $10. Pack water, snacks and lunch. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb Westervelt, text/call 931-267-2243 or plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org.
Mar 14 – Plateau Chapter Meeting. This is a working meeting for the Annual Conference. All committees will report on status. Bring your ideas for fundraising and speakers. Potluck dinner, please bring a dish to share along with your drink. Meet at 5pm CT at First United Methodist Church Annex, 69 Neecham Street,Crossville. Contact Bruce Whitehead, 941-716-3620 or email plateau@tennesseetrails.org for information.
Mar 16 – Short Springs Natural Area (NA), Tullahoma, TN.
We will wind our way around the Short Springs NA to Busby Falls and Machine Falls on a multitude of trails one of which is the Wildflower Loop. This is a 6 mi moderate hike that include creeks, waterfalls and beautiful views. We can add another nearby hike if we choose. Depart 7:30 am CT from Tractor Supply West Ave and Emerson in Crossville. Carpool cost is $10. Pack water, snacks and lunch. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb Westervelt, at plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
Mar 20 – ****Norris City Watershed Park.
Long Hike: This is 8 mostly easy miles combining Clear Creek, White Oak and Cliff trails. The Cliff Trail is moderate due to elevation changes with views of Norris Dam, the river and lots of wildflowers. Short Hike: Hikers will turnaround at the 2.5 mi mark. We will start at the Grist Mill next door to the Lenior Museum on the Clear Creek Trail and follow it past an old weir and stream gauging station, the "kissing tree", G. Taylor Mill site, an old millrace, some stream crossings (may need water shoes), a large spring inside a fenced concrete structure, and other weir stations. Watch for wild flowers along the way. A wildlife watering hole and CCC foundations are also there. The museum is open on Wednesdays and is fascinating. Bring water, lunch and snacks. Depart from the Crossville Outlet Center at 7:30am CT. Carpool fee is $7.00 For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb Westervelt, via email plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
Mar 23 –**** Smoky Mountains National Park, Cosby, TN - Porter's Creek Trail. This is a moderate 8.5 mile hike with a 1500' climb over 3.5 miles to a campsite and then return the same way back. This is a great spring wildflower hike with 60' Fern Branch Falls in the Greenbrier section of the Smokies. The forest floor can literally be carpeted with bloodroot, hepaticas, white fringed phacelia, violets, white trilliums and many other varieties. There are several old stone walls that are remnants from the Elbert Cantrell farmstead, who settled in the Porters Creek community in the early 1900s. We will also visit Ownby Cemetery, which also dates back to the early part of the 20th century. A short spur trail takes you to John Messer farm site, which includes a cantilevered barn that was built by John Whaley around 1875 and a cabin that was built by the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club in the mid-1930s. Depart 7 am CT from Outlet Mall, Interstate Drive, Southwest parking lot. Carpool cost is $10. Pack water, snacks and lunch. We’ll stop for dinner on the way home. To sign up contact the hike coordinator Deb Westervelt, via text/call 931-267-2243 or email plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org.
Mar 27 – Standing Stone State Forest, Hilham, TN. - Join us on a 5 mile wildflower hike around the Lake. Option: We can add one of the other short trails in the park. The park takes its name from a 12 foot tall rock standing upright on a sandstone ledge, which was supposedly used as a boundary line between two Indian nations. When the rock fell, the Indians placed a portion of it upon an improvised monument to preserve it. The stone is still preserved in Monterey. Depart 7:30 am CT from Cracker Barrel. Pack water, snacks and lunch (option: eat late lunch in Cookeville). Carpool cost is $6. For additional information contact the hike coordinator, Deb Westervelt, via email plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
