Cherokee Hiking Club Calendar
2023
Hike Difficulty Rating Scale (per Chattanooga Hiking Club)
CHC Hike Calendar for 2023 - good for printing
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Benton MacKaye Trail Assn Hike
Schedule
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info at 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST - Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
JANUARY 1, 2023 SUNDAY - FENTON FOREST ON BAUXITE RIDGE - COLLEGEDALE TN -We will leisurely hike the two-mile, easy picturesque Sabbath Trail loop and then, if we want to continue hiking, we will hike the one-mile Oak Hole Lane back to the main trailhead junction. There is a short steep uphill at the beginning to the trailhead junction (and downhill on the way back). A trailhead restroom facility was being built recently so we shall see if it's finished! Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for information on meetup time and place. Trip Report: We had a great group of hikers for our First Day Hike! The weather was foggy and atmospheric to start, then suddenly the sun burst through! We inspected the new pavilion being built at the trailhead; then we started hiking the Sabbath Trail, part of Southern Adventist University's trails system. It's an easy two-mile walking-only trail with picturesque bridges and views of pastures and the campus. We saw mahonia full of berries and many mushrooms. We finished by hiking one mile on Oak Hole Lane bike trail as we listened to the train whistle. It was a fantastic way to begin the new year! Visitors Kelly Ducham and Rebecca Parker joined members Jack and Margaret Callahan, Jennifer Schroll, Mitchell Schroll, and Hike Leader Judy Price. • Judy Price
JANUARY 5, 2023 THURSDAY - WHITE OAK MOUNTAIN TRAILS COLLEGEDALE TN - We will leisurely hike approximately three easy-to-moderate miles from Trailhead #1. Anyone who wants to continue hiking on the many trails is free to do so but will need to provide their own transportation. There are restroom facilities at the trailhead (if they are unlocked). Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for information on meetup time and place. Trip Report: Nine hikers (including one canine!) met at Trailhead #1 in Collegedale on a beautiful day. This is a complex trail system available to hikers, runners, and mountain bikers on Southern Adventist University's campus. There are map signposts at each trail junction (as on Fenton Forest on Bauxite Ridge). We began hiking on Dogwood Lane, walking along the creek, crossing bridges, and pointing out mushrooms, lichens, and wildflowers such as crane fly orchids. We took the trail to the end (Trailhead #2), then backtracked to the Six Shooter trail junction where several trails meet. One member of our group had sat there and waited on us, so we gathered back together and returned on Rolling Green. Jack pointed out wood ear mushrooms and a branch cut by a girdle beetle. Then, as the sun shone on us, we reached the trailhead after hiking about three miles. We had a wonderful group: Guests Lauren Thomas and River Hanberry; and members Kelly Ducham, Rob and Janet Coombs, Bob Dornfeld and Smoky, Jack Callahan, and Hike Leader Judy Price. • Judy Price
JANUARY 8, 2023 SUNDAY 2 PM -
ANNUAL PLANNING MEETING - ETOWAH TN SENIOR CENTER - Do you want to lead a hike or event? If so, bring your ideas to our annual planning meeting! Be sure to include all details in writing to turn in including date, time, description, hike difficulty, entrance fees, etc. If you cannot attend, you may email the information to cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com. See you there! Mtg Report: The club met at the Etowah Senior Center for the annual development of the event calendar. This year, we had a great turnout and a lot of interesting events were placed in the calendar. The year 2023 will be a great year with hikes, backpacking trips, a canoe trip, and several camping trips to local and neighboring state parks. This year, we will be adding a couple of birding events as we have birders in the club! There will also be numerous speakers at the club meetings and several slide presentations. The door prize this month at the meeting was won by Leslie Auriemmo. Don't forget to sign the signup sheet to be eligible to win! • Jack Callahan
January 19, 2023 THURSDAY Breakfast at Old Fort Restaurant Meet at 8:30 am. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 for additional information.
January 27, 2023 FRIDAY Westmore Church of God Game Dinner and Outdoor Expo. The expo doors open at 5:00pm. The Club will have a table displaying information about the Hiking Club and a series of slides via laptop to illustrate events that the club is involved in. At 6:00 pm the doors will open for the Game Dinner; cost is $20.00 per person. The dinner ticket also allows you to be eligible for the prize drawings, which include a wide variety of very good items. Some of the things given away last year included kayaks, tents, fishing gear, shotguns, and trekking poles, to mention a few. To purchase tickets, go to the Westmore Church of God website. Jack or Margaret Callahan and Jennifer Schroll will be staffing the club display table. For additional information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885. Event Report: Nine club members attended the event and everyone helped with the Club display table, talking to persons interested in the Cherokee Hiking Club. There was a lot of interest and we possibly picked up a few new members. From there, we attended the Wild Game supper, which included alligator, wild board, beef, and several other types of wild game. Following the meal, most of us joined in the prize raffle drawing. There were some great prizes including mountain bikes, kayaks, tents, coolers, fishing gear, shotguns, and first aid kits. Unfortunately, none of us won anything, but it was a fun evening! • Jack Callahan
January 28, 2023 SATURDAY Maintenance Day to work on the Childer's Creek Trail. We will be working on restoring some of the tread in an area about a mile or so in. We will be joined by others from the Benton Mackaye Trail Association to help complete this task. They will furnish the tools but you will need to wear boots, bring your work gloves, and at least two liters of water and snacks. They will furnish hard hats and safety glasses if you do not already have those. After work that afternoon, a volunteer will be serving us a meal. So please bring a $5 donation to help pay for that. We really can use your help, so I hope you will put this on your calendar. Also, I do need to know how many will be helping so I can turn in a number to the chef to ensure enough food is prepared. You may text me-James Anderson-at 423-715-8824 to let me know you will be helping. We will meet at the Big Bend parking lot at 9 am. That's on the road that goes from Reliance up to the Powerhouse and where trout fisherman often park. Trip Report: There was an amazing turnout of 32 volunteers who came to help with maintenance on the Club's section of the Benton MacKaye Trail/John Muir NRT known as the Childers Creek section. Of these volunteers, at least 11 were members of our own Cherokee Hiking Club. Thanks to all, we were able to rehab a section of the trail midway of the bluff area and saw out several large trees that had recently blown down. At this point, we can certainly say the trail is in great shape and hopefully will not need any significant attention until spring. In addition to these volunteers, we encountered a group of Scouts and their leaders who were hiking this section and picking up any litter they found. Much appreciation to Nelson, who is the new TN/NC Maintenance Director, for arranging this work day and for Chef Patty who prepared us a trailside lunch that was waiting on us when we finished. Also, a special thanks to our Club members in no special order: Jennifer, Doug, Leslie, Janet, Rob, Harry, Anne, Mary, Clare, Ed, and James. My apologies if I missed anyone. • James Anderson
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info at 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
February 3, 2023 FRIDAY Walk in the Woods, a walk using the two loops at the Johnston Woods Retreat off Highway 11 just south of Cleveland. The first loop is 1.2 miles and the second is 2.9 miles for a total of 4.2 miles if you walk both. It is considered easy with little elevation change. It passes through both pine and hardwood forests and provides a pleasant hike close to town. The hike leader is James Anderson. Text at 423-715-8824 if you want to be advised of any changes and/or hike cancellation. If that isn't an issue for you, then you can just show up at the trailhead parking area at the designated time. Meet at the trailhead at 10am.
February 9, 2023 THURSDAY Monthly Club Meeting Bring your favorite dish for the potluck dinner. The club will furnish drinks, cups, and eating utensils. The program is Navigation of Trails Part One (basics of reading a USGS topographic map, with a discussion on contour lines, map scale, and magnetic declination to name a few by Jack Callahan and a discussion on compass/map navigation by Jennifer Schroll). This presentation will be an introductory session for the upcoming club event on February 11 at Harrison Bay.
February 11, 2023 SATURDAY Harrison Bay Map/Compass Orienteering Course Put your map and compass skills to the test on this 1.5-mile orienteering course set up at Harrison Bay State Park. Depart from Cleveland Park and Ride commuter parking next to Mapco at I-75 and Hwy 60 at 9 am. Bring a phone to take a picture of the map on the kiosk and bring a compass to keep you "on course." This activity is rated easy, but beware there is not a trail, so some terrain will be rough. Contact Hike Leader Jennifer Schroll at 423-284-1256 or jennifergeologist@gmail.com. Trip Report: Jack Callahan, Anne Anderson, and Hike Leader Jennifer Schroll completed the orienteering course at Harrison Bay State Park. Club member Judy Price, trying out her new hip, and her friend, Cindy, were at the starting point to send us on our way. The course has 12 control points that you locate by orienting and then finding landmarks on your map. Control Point #3 marker is missing, but we found all the control points. Jack turned on his GPS at control point #6 and estimated that we walked over three miles. A little cold, but a great day. We stopped for a yummy BBQ lunch on the way home. • Jennifer Schroll
February 16, 2023 THURSDAY Breakfast at Old Fort Resturant, Cleveland at 8:30 am. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 for information.
February 18, 2022 Rock Creek Trail in Little Frog Wilderness - We will meet at the Thunder Rock Campground parking lot at 9 a.m. for the quick car shuttle to the trailhead. The hike is approximately eight miles beginning at the Rock Creek trailhead on Hwy. 64 and returning via the Dry Pond Lead Trail (Benton MacKaye Trail). There is a small stream crossing at Laurel Creek , which is usually easy, but crossing Rock Creek will require fording the cold-water stream. Water shoes and hiking poles for balance are highly recommended. Along the way there should be great views of the nearby mountains as the trail goes up the side of Panther Knob and into the beautiful Pressley Cove where Rock Creek is encountered. This hike is considered strenuous due to the length of the hike and several moderate climbs; it is not for beginners. The hike will be canceled in the event of snow/ice on the roads. Contact Hike Leader Randy Morris at 423-650-0485 if interested in attending. Trip Report: After a close-up view of the Ocoee River (which was still raging from recent rainfall) at Thunder Rock Campground, we decided to swap the planned Rock Creek hike (with what would have been a deep, and potentially dangerous, creek crossing) for a hike up Section 11e of the Benton MacKaye Trail. We trekked up to the BMT to the beginning of the West Fork/Rough Creek Trail and then explored other bike/hiking trails in the area, including Thunder Rock Express and Rhododendron Trails, on our way back to the vehicles. We briefly spoke with a group just returning from a three-day adventure on Big Frog where they had braved the rainstorm, which later turned to ice, and a chilly 19-degree morning at their campsite. We were glad we had not slept on the mountain and were instead enjoying a brilliant winter hiking day with beautiful clear blue skies and crisp temperatures. Enjoying the time outdoors were James Anderson and Hike Leader Randy Morris. • Randy Morris
February 27, 2023 MONDAY Rhododendron Trail at the Ocoee White Water Center Easy beginner hike of approximately 1.2 miles along the Ocoee River on a graded trail. For meetup time and location contact Clare Sullivan at 404-849-0872 of clare7982@gmail.com. Hike Report: Maryl Elliott, Judy Price, and Jack and Margaret Callahan, led by Hike Leader Clare Sullivan, enjoyed a stroll down the Rhododendron Trail at the Ocoee Whitewater Center. Along the way we searched for early signs of Spring. There were earthstars, puffballs, fiddleheads, and teeny-tiny mushrooms. We also found the American climbing fern, a threatened species in several states. The most unusual sight was a pair of shoes high up in a tree! Maryl brought along her ten-month-old dog, "Dolly Parton!" It was Dolly Parton's first time to explore a trail. She was delighted and so happy. For her first time since hip replacement surgery in January, Judy walked more than two miles. She's a trooper! A fun time, on a cloudy day, was had by all. • Clare Sullivan
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info at 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST - Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
March 5, 2023 SUNDAY Lula Lake Depart from Cleveland Park and Ride at 9:00am. There is a maximum of 12 spots for this hike and we must carpool in three vehicles. This hike is 4.5 mile, rated easy to moderate. About 700-foot elevation change, or rest near the lake, about 2 miles all flat. We will hike the classic loop, which includes Lula Lake, Lula Falls, and a bluff overview of the Chattanooga Valley. Bring snacks and water. Lunch stop in Chattanooga after the hike. Hike leader Jennifer Schroll 423-284-1256, Jennifergeologist@gmail.com. Hike Report: On a beautiful Sunday, a baker's dozen came out to hike at Lula Lake. Attending were Jack and Margaret Callahan, Judy Price, Janet and Rob Coombs, Meryl Elliot, Carol Guhne, Barbie Willis, Randy Morris, Kelly Ducham, Leslie Auriemmo, Ginger Pippenger, and Hike Leader Jennifer Schroll. We started from the parking lot at the entrance and hiked down into the valley along Rock Creek on the old railroad bed. We crossed over a nice bridge that gave us good views of the creek and a peek at Lula Lake. The trail follows on a high ridge above the lake on the old railroad bed. Great views of the lake and falls. Most of us took the steep trail, but not the cable trail, down to the base of Lula Falls. We returned to the railroad bed and then continued up to the ridge line on the Bluff Trail. We had a snack and enjoyed the great view of Chattanooga Valley and many mountain ranges in the distance. Then we followed the Middle Trail (should have been all downhill, but it was not) back to the picnic area where we regrouped and hiked back up the road to the parking lot. We stopped at Mike's Smokehouse on South Broad Street for fantastic BBQ and sides. Unfortunately, they were out of egg rolls and banana pudding but they did have their amazing mac & cheese. • Jennifer Schroll
March 7, 2023 TUESDAY Black Mountain, Tennessee, portion of the Cumberland Trail Approximately 9 miles with about 1600-foot elevation gain. Moderate to difficult due to the length. See a cave, great rock formations, old spring house and building foundations of a former residence. Meet at Spring City McDonalds at 9:00 am EST to carpool to the trailhead. Text Sue Robinson at 423-519-9751 if you plan to attend. Hike Report: It was perfect weather for ten of us to hike to the top of Black Mountain. Water was flowing nicely through the bat cave, and the giant boulders never cease to amaze one when reaching the top. The sky was clear for lunchtime mountaintop views! • Sue Robinson
March 9, 2023 THURSDAY Monthly Club Meeting Meet at the Etowah Senior Center, 435 Cooper Street, Etowah at 6:00 pm for a pot luck supper, and a brief business meeting, followed by a presentation by Ms. Savana Keeton. Ms. Keeton is the Operations Coordinator for the Cumberland Trails Conference. She will give us an overview of the CT, status of portions to be completed, and primary things going on with the trail. Mtg Report: After a delicious potluck dinner and business meeting (see minutes below), Savana Keeton, Executive Director of the Cumberland Trails Conference, gave a very informative presentation on the history, current trail building, and future of the Cumberland Trail. We appreciate her sharing her extensive knowledge with us. • Judy Price
MARCH 13, 2023 MONDAY - HIWASSEE/OCOEE RIVERS STATE PARK LOOP TRAIL Join us on this impromptu spring hike! We will leisurely hike the Gee Creek Campground Loop Trail at Hiwassee/Ocoee Rivers State Park. It is an easy 1.4-mile hike. We will see wildflowers and hike along the Hiwassee River part way. There are restrooms at the Visitor Center. Bring water and snacks. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details! Hike Report: Ten hikers—members Leslie Auriemmo, Jack and Margaret Callahan, Lucia Case, Jane Chastain, Kelly Ducham, and Hike Leader Judy Price, along with guests Mary Hendershot, Ellen Kimball, and Beth Mercer—met at Hiwassee/Ocoee Rivers State Park Visitor Center to hike the 1.4-mile Loop Trail around Gee Creek Campground. We were greeted immediately by a multitude of different wildflowers! Virginia bluebell (including white ones!), star chickweed, spring beauty, trillium, mayapple, trout lily, rue anemone, cut-leaved toothwort, wild geranium, and on and on. We crossed the road and picked up the trail next to the Hiwassee River, passing by the historic weir at the put-in (which was not visible due to the strong current). We went over the bridge to the interpretive trail and walked by the river until the trail looped back around the campground to the start. We finished by perusing the Gift Shop! Despite the chilly and mostly cloudy weather, we had a wonderful day! • Judy Price
Monday, Mar. 20 MONDAY - Caney Creek Trail Rating: Moderate/Difficult Length: 6 miles See the remains of the historically popular village of Caney Creek. The village was built by Eastern TN Power Co in 1918 for employees. Being very modern for 1918 – 1944, the village enjoyed public sidewalks, city water, fire hydrants, telephones, a lighted tennis court, plus public transportation via a trolley. Located on the Ocoee River, Hwy 64, Polk County. Contact Clare Sullivan at 404-849-0872 or clare7982@gmail.com Hike Report: Finding Artifacts. Kelly Ducham, Jack Callahan, and Hike Leader Clare Sullivan were supposed to be looking for artifacts from Caney Creek. To our surprise, the gate at Pace Gap was not open as it was supposed to be! We decided to explore the old CCC Camp Cleoga, near Sylco Campground in the Cherokee National Forest. We did discover some artifacts! The earthen dam over Sylco Creek that once formed the swimming pool was located. Other concrete foundations were also found but their purpose couldn't be determined. A piece of china, a metal pipe across a stream, and two large square holes were located. If anyone might know the purpose of the holes or the foundations, we'd love to know. • Clare Sullivan
MARCH 23, 2023 THURSDAY - RED CLAY STATE PARK - Join us on this impromptu spring hike! We will leisurely hike the short but moderate 1.7-mile Council of Trees Trail and walk the Blue Hole Trail and Cherokee Homestead and Council Grounds Interpretive Trail. If the Visitor Center is open, we can choose to check it out before we leave. There are restrooms at the Visitor Center. Bring water and snacks. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details! Hike Report: It was a perfect day to hike at this park with so much history. The weather was initially a little chilly and cloudy, but we were soon shedding layers as the sun appeared. (We were just plain hot by the end.) We started on the 1.7-mile Council of Trees Trail and hiked to the Overlook Tower. (There is a bit of a view in winter.) We saw many wildflowers: bluets, wood sorrel, violets, and hepatica. We also saw mushrooms such as witch's butter. We then hiked downhill and took the Connector Trail to the Blue Hole Trail, walking on a boardwalk through a wet area with bald cypress. (If you continue the Council of Trees loop you'll arrive at the amphitheater.) There, we visited the beautiful Blue Hole Spring. Along the pristine stream from the spring, we saw yellow and red trillium, spring beauty, and rue anemone; watercress was growing in the stream. We backtracked and walked the Interpretive Trail past the replica Cherokee Homestead and Council Grounds. Lastly, we visited the Eternal Flame which commemorates the people who suffered and died on the Trail of Tears and the reunion of the Eastern and Western Cherokee Nations at Red Clay. Before leaving, we stopped at the Visitor Center which has exhibits on Cherokee Nation, the Trail of Tears (ᎤᏲ ᎨᏥᎢᎵᏙᏄ ᎠᏂᎶᏔᎽ), and archaeological findings. Five hikers (including a doggo!) joined in—members Judy Cate, Bob Dornfeld and Smoky, Carin Taber, and Hike Leader Judy Price. • Judy Price
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
April 1, 2023 SATURDAY Walls of Jericho Hike Depart from Cleveland Park and Ride commuter parking next to Mapco at I-75 and Hwy 60 at 8:30 am. This is an eight-plus-mile hike, rated moderate to strenuous due to the elevation and an area of poor trail tread. After the trip to the area, we will do a short car shuttle to the TN Hiker Trailhead and descend approximately 1500 feet into Mill Creek gorge. We will cross over Mill Creek and Turkey Creek, passing through a campsite and old graveyard, and make our way along a difficult section of trail to the Walls of Jericho. The walls are a unique karst feature of appearing and disappearing streams and a natural amphitheater in the streambed made of limestone with numerous fossils. Picturesque water features abound. On our return, we will take the trail to the Alabama trailhead, approximately 2.5 miles of steep incline, Bring a lunch and plenty of water. Return time is 5 to 6 pm, or stop for supper on the way home. Contact Hike Leader Jennifer Schroll at 423-284-1256 or Jennifergeologist@gmail.com.
APRIL 2, 2023 SUNDAY - CLEVELAND STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE NATURE TRAIL Join us on this impromptu spring hike! We will leisurely hike the moderate less than two-mile Nature Trail. There are restrooms at the baseball fields that may be open. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details! Trip Report: Five hikers—guest April Flowers and members Jack and Margaret Callahan, Jennifer Schroll, and Hike Leader Judy Price—hiked this short multi-use trail with some uphills that will increase your heart rate! It was chilly in the parking lot, but the day warmed up as we hiked. Before the leaves fill in, you can catch views of Big Frog Mountain. Caterpillars were escaping their tents; dragonflies were swirling around us. We saw wildflowers and berries still in the bud stage: Solomon's seal, wood sorrel, trillium, blueberry, and little brown jugs. Jack and Margaret found southern adderstongue fern and mahonia. The white dogwood blooms stood out against the bright blue cloudless sky. It was a very enjoyable day! • Judy Price
APRIL 4, 2023 TUESDAY - WOLFTEVER CREEK/COLLEGEDALE GREENWAY - We will leisurely hike the easy approximately two-mile section of this picturesque greenway out-and-back for a total of approximately four miles. We will visit the Veterans Memorial Park. There are restrooms near the Dog Park by Nature Nook and at Imagination Station that may be open. Bring water and snacks. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details. Trip Report: We thoroughly enjoyed our walk along this very charming greenway. The forecast originally called for rain, but fortunately that changed and we had an overcast, warm day. We began at Nature Nook and walked by the railroad tracks past the Dog Park. Wolftever Creek Greenway meanders along its picturesque namesake creek, with whimsical signs, birdhouses, historical sites, and seating areas as you go. We saw wildflowers and wildlife! There is a significant bridge construction project in Collegedale and the path took us safely through the middle of it. We paid our respects at Veterans Memorial Park, then picked up Collegedale Greenway to our turnaround point at Imagination Station pavilion where we ate lunch. On our return, we were accompanied by a little kitty as we backtracked to Nature Nook, completing our four-mile walk. Hikers participating were club members Jack Callahan, Kathy Thelen, and Hike Leader Judy Price. • Judy Price
April 13, 2023 THURSDAY Monthly Club Meeting CHARLESTON TN CITY PARK PAVILION Bring your favorite dish for the potluck dinner. The club will furnish drinks, cups, and eating utensils. The program is To Hike or Not to Hike (Making the Most of Hiking in Our Senior Years) by Rob Coombs. Mtg Report: After a delicious potluck dinner (don't tell the rooster about the chicken livers!) and the business meeting conducted by Jack Callahan (see the minutes below), Rob Coombs gave a presentation, "Moving from Conquest to Quest: Lessons Learned in the Seventh Decade," that provoked some thoughtful discussion. Thanks to Rob for a wonderful program! • Judy Price
April 14, 2023 FRIDAY- FLETCHER PARK CLEVELAND TN - We will walk this easy less than 1.5-mile loop and have the option of hiking it back a slightly different way for a longer walk. At the end of the first loop, we will be at the parking lot for anyone who would like to leave or wait. We will see many unique features as we hike by Candies Creek. There are restrooms that may or may not be open. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details. Trip Report: Three hikers—Jack and Margaret Callahan and Hike Leader Judy Price—headed to Fletcher Park for a short but beautiful hike. The weather didn't fully cooperate and we walked in a light rain part of the time. The rain just made the wildflowers sparkle and Candies Creek flow clear. Wisteria hung from the trees. A disc golf course is set to open at the park soon. We had a fantastic morning! • Judy Price
April 17, 2023 TUESDAY Cloudland Canyon Hike Meet at the Cleveland Park and Ride at 9:00 am and drive to Cloudland Canyon. Will need two vehicles for shuttle when we arrive. Hike will include the trail along the West Rim with two very impressive waterfalls, then out to the Sidon’s Gulch trail. Total distance of hike is approximately 9 miles, rated strenuous, due to the distance and a long series of steps required to access the waterfall. Hike leader, Buddy Arnold, 601-415-3551, we_arnold@outlook.com. Trip Report: This was a great hike with four club members participating: Buddy Arnold, James Anderson, Leslie Auriemmo, and Charlene Sudore. The hike started about 10:15 in cool but sunny weather at the main parking area in Cloudland Canyon State Park on the Overlook Trail. The first part of the hike was about ½ mile or so on the Overlook Trail with beautiful views of the canyon and a nice waterfall on the opposite side. Below is a view looking at a large waterfall from the Overlook Trail with a total drop of about 300 feet. The hike then proceeded to the West Rim Trail which is about 4.5 miles long. There were great views of Trenton and Lookout Valley along the trail. The group stopped at a nice sunny overlook for lunch around noon about halfway through this part of the hike with temperatures in the 60's by then. With completion of the West Rim Trail, the hikers then started down the Waterfalls Trail, dropping about 400 feet in elevation via a series of steps and paths to view Cherokee and Hemlock waterfalls in the canyon. These are very impressive waterfalls both falling over 60 feet off sheer cliffs. There were tremendous flows due to previous rain and below left is a picture of the hikers at Cherokee Falls. We then made it to Hemlock Falls, just as impressive as Cherokee Falls. Above right is a photo of Hemlock Falls, which does have a number of nice hemlock trees nearby. After a long climb back up the stairs, the group completed the hike on the Overlook Trail about 3:00. • Buddy Arnold
April 20, 2023 THURSDAY Breakfast at Old Fort Resturant, Cleveland 8:30 am. Contact Jack Callahan 423-284-7885.
April 21-24, 2023 FRIDAY-MONDAY Old Stone Fort Archeological Park We will car camp at the park campground. (I have site 19) On Saturday we will hike the Shake Rag Hollow Trail on the campus of University of the South. Hike is about 5 miles rated difficult due to the elevation change and tread. This trail is an excellent walk through numerous wildflowers, rock outcrops and small waterfalls. Lunch and water required. On Sunday we will have a guided tour of the Old Stone Fork site by one of the Park interpretive specialists. This will be an easy walk, within a short distance of our campsite. We will have a campfire every night and possibly some Pie Iron cookoffs. There are several trail options at the park and at the University property, so we can add more if individuals choose to. Everyone is responsible for making their own campsite reservation, and I recommend you do so quickly if you plan to attend. Do not forget to utilize the veteran or senior discount. If you just want to make a day trip and not camp, you will need to contact hike leader Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 to confirm the meeting time and location for the days activities. Hike leaders Lucia Case and Jack Callahan. Trip Report: Our group met on Friday afternoon and gathered up firewood for a great evening of pie iron cooking and conversation. Pie iron items included pizza, lasagna, fajitas, and more. Saturday morning, the group assembled and drove the short distance to the trailhead of Shakerag Hollow and made a five-mile out-and-back hike. There were many varieties of wildflowers in bloom, including Jack-in-the-pulpit, trillium, and stonecrop to name a few. After the hike, the group drove to the University of the South campus and enjoyed a nice meal at the school cafeteria. Following lunch, former student Lucia Case gave us a tour of the campus and the inside of numerous buildings. Back in camp, the pie iron cooking heated up with chocolate monkey bread, apple pie, lemon pie, and more. A lot of wood was burned and, again, more great conversation. Sunday morning saw the cooking of breakfast in pie irons, with hash browns with ham and cheese, egg pastries, cinnamon rolls, and more. After breakfast, the group made a short drive to the trail system that provided access to Machine Falls. Several wildflowers, including anise and Jacob's Ladder, were observed. Afterwards, the group met at the museum at the Old Stone Fort Archaeological site for a great interpretive walk by Ranger Eric Collins, who is a graduate archeologist. He did a wonderful job of explaining the history of the area and pointing out all the many sites from 2000 years ago to the present day. He took his time, answering all our questions; and the 2.5-hour interpretative walk was outstanding. Back in camp, there was a major firewood collection, with Rob utilizing his electric chainsaw which made short work of cutting up downed timber. We enjoyed a nice warm fire and lots of great discussion. Monday morning, several people headed home early while some did another hike on the Backbone Ridge trail in the park. Members included Clare and Ed Sullivan, Janet and Rob Coombs, Lucia Case, Otis Pannell, Jennifer and Mitchell Schroll, and Jack and Margaret Callahan. • Jack Callahan
APRIL 26 - 29, 2023 WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY SPRING WILDFLOWER PILGRIMAGE GSMNP - The SWFP is an annual nonprofit event [that] features professionally-guided walks, exhibits, and other learning opportunities to explore the region's rich natural and cultural resources. Pilgrims from more than 40 states and several countries make the pilgrimage each year to learn more about fungi, ferns, wildflowers, trees and shrubs, medicinal plants, insects (terrestrial and aquatic), salamanders and snakes, birds, mammals (bats to bears), journaling, art and photography, and park history.
April 27-30, 2023 MONDAY-THURSDAY Backpack on the Benton Mackaye Trail from the Blue Ridge GA area to the Thunder Rock Campground on Highway 64. This trip crosses many of the ridges that can be seen from the Cleveland area. With the leaves still off the trees we should have some nice views toward both the west and east of the ridgelines. The trip is considered strenuous and will cover approximately 38-40 miles. More details will be released later in regard to proposed daily hike lengths and other logistical information related to shuttles etc. If you are interested please contact James Anderson the hike leader at 423-715-8824 so you can be included in any of those discussions. As we get closer to the anticipated hike dates, if the weather is forecasted to be especially rainy or cold, then we will make a decision about whether or not to cancel the trip.
April 29, 2023 SATURDAY Grundy Forest/Fiery Gizzard Hike Meet at the Cleveland Park and Ride commuter parking next to Mapco at I-75 and Hwy 60 at 8 am ET to carpool to the trailhead in Tracy City. Approximate drive time is 1.75 hours. Hike to Sycamore Falls on the Fiery Gizzard Trail, then return via the Grundy Forest Loop Trail through the former CCC Camp Interpretative Trail where there are many pink lady's slippers if the timing is right. Approximately six miles, moderate, with mostly good tread and moderate grades. After the hike, we will stop by the Dutch Maid Bakery for some treats to consume on the way home. Contact Hike Leaders Marrie Lasater and Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you plan to attend. Trip Report: Club members met at the Park and Ride and made the trip to the Fiery Gizzard trailhead in Tracy City, where we met Marrie Lasater to begin the hike. The group hiked down to Sycamore Falls, which was flowing quite well. Along the way we observed large patches of cucumber root, pink lady's slippers, and several Jack in the Pulpit. Returning back to the trail intersection, the group took the Grundy Forest portion and climbed the slope up to the site of the CCC camp, which is very nicely interpreted by the park. Plaques with original photos of the camp in action are located at the exact photo points, with descriptions of the activities ongoing. All through the site there are many pink lady's slippers. One can guarantee seeing them there every year at this time. Completing the hike, a total of approximately four miles, the group then made the short drive into town to the Dutch Maid Bakery which has been in continuous operation for over 110 years. After loading up on several low-calorie, sugar-free items, the group went their separate ways back home. Thankfully, the items were eaten in small bites to avoid a "sugar high." Members attending were Jennifer Schroll, Doug Lynch, and Event Leaders Marrie Lasater and Jack Callahan. • Jack Callahan
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
May 2, 2023 TUESDAY Flats Mountain Hike Approximately 6 miles, rated moderate, with some elevation gain. This hike will travel through an area with numerous pink lady slippers if the timing is right. Will need two vehicles for shuttle. Meet at the Tellico Plains Visitor Center in Tellico Plains at 9:00 am to set up shuttle. Hike leader Sue Robinson 423-519-9751 if you plan to attend. Trip report: Eight of us went on a beautiful spring day. We had hoped the thousands of lady's slippers there would be blooming, but I guess the higher elevation has held them off. We saw a few in bloom, though, as we descended the mountain. Many trilliums were still in bloom, and flame azaleas were showing off amongst the blooming laurels. The trees, not fully leafed-out yet, provided plenty of views of Indian Boundary Lake and the mountains. It was a great hike with friends with some of us going to Tellico Grains and Bakery afterward. Life can't get much better. • Sue Robinson
MAY 2,3,4, 2023 BIRD WATCHING AT RADNOR LAKE STATE PARK, WITH CAMPOUT AT CEDARS OF LEBANON STATE PARK We will camp or rent cabins at Cedars of Lebanon on the nights of the 2nd and 3rd, and travel to Randor Lake on the 3rd, spending the day there and bird watching on several of their trails as well as spending time in the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center. The center is a wheelchair accessible boardwalk and provides access to the birds of prey, as well as other animals. Marrie Lasater is very familiar with Radnor and will be our guide at the park. Kelly Ducham and Bob Dornfeld are club members with experience in birding and will assist us in the typical procedures of birdwatching and the use of appropriate phone apps for bird call identification. When we arrive at Cedars of Lebanon on Tuesday, we will hike some of the trails at the park. Radnor Lake is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Cleveland, so that is part of the reason for staying at Cedars of Lebanon, but if there are individuals who prefer to make it a one-day event, we will meet you at Radnor Lake. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 for additional information. THIS EVENT IS A VERY SLOW-PACED WALK, WITH A LOT OF STOPPING, LOOKING AND LISTENING INVOLVED. Event leaders include Marie Lasater, Kelly Ducham, Bob Dornfeld and Jack Callahan. There are several cabins currently available at Cedars of Lebanon, so if you plan to rent one, suggest you do so quickly. There are 117 campsites, and showers and sites with electricity are available. Trip Report: On May 2, Kelly and Bob Ducham and Jack and Margaret Callahan stayed in cabins at Cedars of Lebanon State Park, and left early the next morning for the drive to Radnor Lake State Park. At Radnor, we met Marrie Lasater, who had set up our group to join with the regular Wednesday birdwatching event. The local birdwatchers began arriving and the parking lot was soon filled with folks carrying binoculars and cameras. At about 7:30, the group began a leisurely walk to and around a portion of the lake. In all, there were about thirty in the group. Soon, individuals were calling out softly, "There is a Summer Tanager," or a certain this or that. It was quite an experience. Kelly and Bob helped keep us informed on specific birds and how to distinguish one from another. Bob took numerous photos with his telephoto lens, and shared several of them with us. The trail we walked is dedicated to birding, and no dogs or runners are allowed on this specific trail. The weather was beautiful, and we had a great and very informative walk. Marrie left us to make a longer walk on another trail and the Duchams continued with their birding. Margaret and I headed back to Cedars for a late snack and then several of us walked a few of the trails at the park. After another night in the cabins, we headed back to home base. It was a really great experience and both parks are very nice. Thanks to Bob, Kelly, and Marrie for all they did in arranging the event and sharing their knowledge. • Jack Callahan
May 5, 2023 FRIDAY Johnson Woods Walk The Walk in the Woods is actually a walk using the two loops at the Johnston Woods Retreat off Highway 11 just south of Cleveland. The first loop is 1.2 miles and the second is 2.9 miles for a total of 4.2 miles if you walk both. It is considered easy with little elevation change. It passes through both pine and hardwood forests and provides a pleasant hike close to town. The hike leader is James Anderson. Text me at 423-715-8824 if you want to be advised of any changes and/or hike cancellation. If that isn't an issue for you, then you can just show up at the trailhead parking area at the designated time of 9:00am.
May 6, 2023 SATURDAY Coke Oven Tour, Dunlap Tennessee Visit museum and tour the remains of the 268 beehive coke ovens at 350 Mountain View Road in Dunlap. The museum contains many items used in the mining of coal in the area, as well as the largest collection of coal mining photographs in the state. (If we have 10 attend we can get a guided tour of the museum at no charge.) This will be an easy walking event. There is no admission. Afterwards, we will eat lunch at a local restaurant in Dunlap or nearby. Meet at the Cleveland Park and Ride commuter parking next to Mapco at I-75 and Hwy 60 at 8:30 am to carpool to site. Contact Event Leader Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885. Trip Report: Seven club members made the journey to Dunlap to tour the Coke Ovens Museum and the remains of the 268 beehive coke ovens. After about an hour of touring the site around the museum, we met back and enjoyed a discussion by one of the members of the nonprofit organization that operates the site. The museum has an extensive collection of coal mining and coke oven artifacts and is full of history. Our guide gave a talk on the origin of the site and its history through the years. On display was one of the original canary cages that was used in the mines, as well as one of the seats that miners used to ride back down the 3800-foot rail to the coal tipple. We then drove the short distance to have lunch at the Cookie Jar Cafe, an interesting restaurant on a local farmer's property. We enjoyed the afternoon meal on the dining porch with great views of the valley. In attendance were Jim and Lettie Whisman, Karen Kocher, Jennifer Schroll, Judy Price, Margaret Callahan and Event Leader Jack Callahan. • Jack Callahan
May 10, 2032WEDNESDAY - BUCK BALD - Join us for some 360º mountain views! We will hike from Hwy 68 up the Benton MacKaye Trail. Moderate almost four-mile out-and-back. Bring water and lunch/snacks. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details. Trip Report: After a reschedule due to predicted thunderstorms, five hikers (Adriana Hernandez, Jack and Margaret Callahan, Lynne McPhail, and Hike Leader Judy Price) met at the trailhead on Hwy 68 on a warm sunny day. We met some Benton MacKaye Trail section hikers who kindly took our photo, and we were off! It was a gradual uphill with lots of shade. We saw many wildflowers—trillium, lily of the valley, wild geranium, milkweed—, mushrooms, and butterflies. The BMT joins the Unicoi Motorcycle Trail (thankfully no motorcycles this day), and we continued to the forest service road which we took to Buck Bald. We climbed the stairs to the bald and, behold! We had 360° mountain views! We took in the blue mountains and, with PeakFinder, Jack identified peaks in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. After a snack and photos, we made our way downhill to the trailhead. What a glorious day! • Judy Price
May 11, 2023 THURSDAY Monthly Club Meeting - Etowah Senior Center - Bring your favorite dish for the potluck dinner. The club will furnish drinks, cups, and eating utensils. The program is Navigation of Trails Part Two (Tips on Topo Maps, Geocaching, Phone Software, GPS Systems) by Rick Harris. Mtg Report: Members met at the Etowah Senior Center and enjoyed a delicious potluck supper and many scrumptious
strawberry desserts. Rick Harris gave a great presentation on handheld GPS devices as well as software for cellphones. This was a follow-up to the Navigation of Trails presentation several months ago, which discussed latitude and longitude and the use of a compass. Rick did an excellent job of discussing the options that are available, and talking about the benefits of the handhelds which allow for satellite emergency calls and short text messaging. It was a very informative presentation and created a lot of interest. • Jack Callahan
May 14-20, 2023 SUNDAY-SATURDAY Canoe Float trip on the Current River, Missouri
Current River is in southeast MO, near Van Buren, a portion of the Ozark National Scenic Waterways.
May 14-travel day approximately 8 hour drive from Cleveland to Two Rivers campground where we will camp the first night.
May 15-get with canoe rental at two Rivers and be shuttled with rental canoes to Baptist put-in approximately 50 river miles upstream. Float approximately 8 miles and camp on gravel bar. Many springs and caves at water level to explore in this section.
May 16- break camp and float approximately 10 miles. Spend night on gravel bar.
May 17-break camp and float approximately 8 miles to Pulltite Campground. Group Campsite reserved, with hot showers and flush toilets, electricity.
May 18-Break camp, float approximately 14 miles, camp on gravel bar. Stop at Round Springs along the way.
May 19-Break camp, float approximately 12 miles to Two Rivers, turn in canoes. Spend night at eagles Landing River resort (one room with two queen beds $130/night) Or elsewhere, your choice.
May 19-travel back to home base.
Canoe rental for two person canoe for 5 weekdays, $190, $40 to have outfitter shuttle your craft, Group campsite at Pulltite, $140, Approximately 900 miles round trip by road. Max number of floaters, 16. We will share the cost of the group campsite and fuel cost plus extra for drivers, rooms after float trip, on your own. Estimated cost per person (sharing room) about $230 plus meals. For more details contact Jack Callahan, event leader, 423-284-7885. If you are interested you must get on the list ASAP. When we have final numbers we can work out the details on drivers, etc.
Trip Report: Several individuals left on May 13 to split up the drive to Two Rivers Campground. Jennifer and Jack drove through the Land Between the Lakes, taking in the Lodge at Lake Barkley State Park and the bison/elk drive along the parkway. There were at least 35 bison observed, as well as three elk, an indigo bunting and turkey. We met up with Jerry Schneider and a friend of Jennifer's at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and had supper at Patti's 1880's Settlement Restaurant. The next day, the three club members stopped by the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site to tour the mound excavations. Arriving at Two Rivers in the afternoon, we met up with the rest of the group and set up camp for the evening. The next morning, everyone packed dry bags and gear for the shuttle to Baptist put in, about 50 miles upriver from Two Rivers. The weather radar showed a possibility of rain, but the group decided to chance it and go. Several members brought their own canoes and kayaks, and the rest rented canoes from the outfitter who took us all with our gear to the put in. We were on the river around 10 am and the water was crystal clear and fast-flowing. About two hours later, we encountered a severe thunderstorm with very heavy rain and lightning. We scattered around on a gravel bar waiting for the rain to move off, which it did not. Putting back in we floated about eight miles to the next put in and Cedar Grove, where we had to portage around a low water bridge. It had stopped raining by now but the river had risen and was not quite muddy. We were looking for a decent location to camp at the bridge when a volunteer with the Ozark Riverways Foundation stopped by in his pickup and talked to us about our trip. He drove Jack about ¼ mile downstream to a park service river campsite and it was a perfect location for us to overnight, which we did. The skies were somewhat clear and we had plenty of time to set up camp and eat supper. Jack had placed a marker at the water's edge to determine if the water was rising or falling. Sue walked down to her kayak to retrieve an item and noticed that the river had risen about two feet already. We quickly moved all the craft to higher ground, just as the rain and lightning began again. For another two or three hours it poured. Overnight, the river rose another two feet or so. We agreed to wait until around noon to begin floating. By around 11 am, the water level had fallen to about a foot above when we took out so we agreed to begin the next leg of our trip. Half an hour later, it began to rain again. We floated the eight miles to Akers Ferry takeout in two hours, as the river was moving quite fast. Arriving at Akers, everyone was soaked; and after Al talked to a park employee who was mowing (in the driving rain), he told Al the river was closed. We all agreed to have the shuttle service come pick us up and take us back to Two Rivers rather than camp and see what the river did. We were fortunate the shuttle service was very prompt and had us and gear back to our vehicles around 5 pm. We quickly loaded and drove to Eminence where we were able to move our lodging reservations back to that night. After some cleanup and dry clothes, most members ate supper at the adjacent restaurant. Wednesday morning, the group split up and headed their different ways home. The general consensus was that we would plan to come back to the river and try it again. Every one made it home safely. The Tenacious Ten Club members were Rob and Janet Coombs, Gayle and James Drummond, Al Johnson, Jerry Schneider, Michelle Ritter, Sue Robinson, Jennifer Schroll, and Event Leader Jack Callahan. • Jack Callahan
May 22, 2023 MONDAY McCamy Lake trail at Chilhowee Campground. Easy 1.2 miles around the lake. Contact Clare Sullivan 404-849-0872, clare7982@gmail.com for information on meeting time and location.
May 23-26, 2023 TUESDAY-THURSDAY Great Smoky Mtn Backpacking Trip Short backpacking hike to Walnut Bottoms campsite, then two day hikes out of camp to iconic vistas in the Smokies. Will require shuttle from Standing Bear Hostel for better vehicle security.
Day one Begin hike at Big Creek Campground, moderate hike to Campsite 36 or 37, approximately 5.3 miles with 1300 foot elevation gain.
Day two Strenuous day hike to Mt Cammerer, hike 2.5 miles to Low Gap, then 2.7 miles on AT to Cammerer, total of 10.4 miles with 2500 foot elevation gain.
Day three Strenuous day hike 4.0 miles on Shallow Fork trail to Mt Sterling Ridge trail, then 1.8 miles to Mt Sterling Fire Tower. Approximately 2700 foot elevation gain, 11.6 miles.
Day four Hike out to Big Creek Campground, 5.3 miles, 1300 foot elevation loss.
Hike leader Buddy Arnold, 601-414-3551, we_arnold@outlook.com, must contact to join in hike..limited number due to campsite restrictions.
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
June 2-3, 2023 FRIDAY-SATURDAY Virginia Creeper Bike Ride with Barter Theater Event Enjoy the theater on Friday evening, stay at a hotel and ride the Creeper on Saturday, then return home. We will ride from Whitetop to Damascus, 18 miles all the way downhill. Mostly gravel tread with lots of picturesque bridges and streams. Bring a lunch and small backpack with essentials for the ride. You must reserve your own motel room and purchase Barter Theater tickets. More information on hotel and Barter Theater show and tickets if you ae interested. Event leader Jennifer Schroll, 423-284-1256, jennifergeologist@gmail.com. Trip Report: Five club members−Jack Callahan, Ginger Pippenger, Kelly Ducham, Chris Schroll and Event Leader Jennifer Schroll−and six guests met in Abingdon, Virginia. We ate at a BBQ (yes, they had pork this time) place on Main Street and then walked up to the Barter Theatre. We saw "Skeleton Crew" on the Gilliam Stage. This play was not what I was hoping for, but it was well done. The play was a historical drama about a crew at an auto plant in Detroit, Michigan. The next day, we picked up bikes at Blue Blaze in Damascus and were shuttled to Whitetop Station at the uphill end of the trail. We rode 18 miles downhill back to the Blue Blaze shop. We stopped at the historic train station at Green Cove to look around. We went to Hellbender's Café in Taylor's Valley for a quick snack and beverage. The bike trail is built upon an old railroad bed; it meanders through green wooded areas along a river, passes over lots of bridges, and goes by some open grazing and farming lands. Very pretty. The Appalachian Trail crosses the bike path and joins together for a short distance. Nearing the town of Damascus, we stopped at the Wicked Chicken for lunch and live entertainment, then rode through town to a community park and back to Blue Blaze. Everyone had a great time. • Jennifer Schroll
JUNE 6, 2023, BIRD WATCHING EVENT AT ATHENS REGIONAL PARK, IN ATHENS TENNESSEE. We will meet at the Athens Regional Park off Highway 30, Approximately 1/2 mile east of I 75 and Highway 30 intersection. Immediately after you enter the park, take the first left to the small parking lot near the restroom facilities. We will meet there at 9:00am and begin our bird watching walk on the trails in the park. Bring lunch and water and binoculars if you have a pair, or we can share. This will be a slow, stop, look and listen event, so speed is not required. Event leaders Kelly Ducham, Bob Dornfeld and Jack Callahan. If you have any questions, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 Trip Report: This was an interesting walk led by Kelly Ducham and Bob Dornfeld. We learned about the domestication of mallard ducks and other water fowl. Our walk was quickly rewarded with several bluebirds and a huge great blue heron. A bit further along, Kelly identified a blue grosbeak. There was a wide array of other more common birds along the creek portion of the trail. Then we were treated to several pairs of nesting indigo buntings. Kelly and Bob really know their birds; they are very proficient at identifying bird calls and picking out the less common ones, then finding the birds in the foliage. It was a great morning and we look forward to the next birding event, again at Athens Regional Park. Participants included Otis Pannel, Lucia Case, Ruth and Clayton Pannell, Joanne Jackson, Carin Taber, Kelly Ducham, Bob Dornfeld, and Margaret and Jack Callahan. • Jack Callahan
June 8, 2023 THURSDAY Monthly Club Meeting Etowah Senior Center. Pot luck supper and brief business meeting followed by a slide presentation of a trip to Spain, by Karen Kocher. See the amazing architecture and county side of Spain. Mtg Report: We began the meeting with a fantastic potluck supper and many delicious desserts. After a brief business meeting, Karen Kocher gave a wonderful slide presentation of her and Fritz's trip to Spain. They visited numerous cities and did some interesting hikes along the way. Karen had slides of the interiors of some of the magnificent churches, mosques, and other structures. The ancient craftmanship was truly amazing. It was evident that Karen and Fritz maximized their time as they were constantly on the go: touring, hiking, and sightseeing. The photography was excellent. Karen put a lot of time into her presentation, and it was very professionally done. We all thanked her for an excellent program. The meeting ended at 8:30 pm. • Jack Callahan
June 12, 2023 MONDAY Falls Branch Falls Trail, off the Cherohola Skyway. Difficult but short 3-mile hike with the rewarding 80 foot waterfall and wildflowers, Trekking poles suggested. Meet at the Tellico Plains Visitor Center in Tellico at 9:00 am to carpool to site. Hike Leader Sue Robinson 423-519-9751. Trip Report: Once again, I missed the wildflowers that are beautiful here, but the waterfall remains spectacular. The group of seven hiked the slippery slopes to get to the waterfall and seven made it out intact. • Sue Robinson
June 15, 2023 THURSDAY Breakfast at Old Fort Resturant, Cleveland. Meet at 8:30 AM Jack Callahan 423-284-7885
June 16, 2023 FRIDAY Hooper Bald/Huckleberry Knob Two short hikes to the top of the balds, Hooper is about one mile total, and Huckleberry is about two max. Some elevation gain but not bad. We will hike to Hooper first , with hopes of seeing the wild azaleas in bloom, them hike to Hockenberry and have lunch and enjoy the view. Bring a lunch or charcuterie board, something comfortable to sit or lie on and relax. Hike Leader Jack Callahan 423-284-7885 if you plan to attend. Depending on who signs up we will determine the meeting location to carpool. Trip Report: The group met at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center and carpooled to the first stop, Hooper Bald. The short hike to the top was rewarded with several of the wild flame azaleas in bloom. We also saw balds covered with yellow buttercups. One interesting plant observed was the Blur Ridge carrion flower, which seems to be common at this location. Leaving Hooper, we made the short drive to the Huckleberry Knob trailhead and hiked the mile to the top. The weather was nice, with a slight breeze and temperature in the low 60s. This was quite a change from the low 90s in the valley. After a lunch on the bald, we began our walk back down to the vehicles, enjoying the spectacular views along the way. It was a great group, with lots of interaction about the plants and some interesting insects we saw along the way. The group included Maryl Elliot, Sandra Fenton, Sue Robinson and Zoe, Leslie Auriemmo, Danny Yarberry, Anne Anderson, Judy Price, Charlie Snow, and Event Leader, Jack Callahan. • Jack Callahan
June 24, 2023 SATURDAY Prentis Cooper State Forest Depart from Cleveland Park and Ride at 8am. This hike is easy to moderate. Milage depends on which option. More details later. Both options will hike to Snoopers Rock overlook and Indian Rockhouse/Stone Door. Option 1 is to continue along the trail to Lawson Rock overlook, then return to main parking for a car shuttle or return to the lower parking area. Option 2 is to hike from Stone door in a loop that will include Mullins Cove overlook and return to the cars at the lower parking area. Hike leader Jennifer Schroll 423-284-1256, jennifergeologist@gmail.com Trip Report: Four club members−Jack and Margaret Callahan, Judy Price, and Hike Leader Jennifer Schroll−met at the Park and Ride at 8 am on a great sunny day (first good day all week). We started our hike at the Cumberland Trailhead Hiker Parking Lot in Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area. We traveled a short distance to the mini stone door entrance to Indian Rockhouse. Really interesting formations. The Cumberland Trail takes off northeast from here heading toward Hwy 27. We went the other way and hiked through dense green forest. The trail crosses and parallels several small streams as it skirts along the ridgeline above the Tennessee River. We could catch glimpses of the river through the trees. We saw lots of unusual mushrooms and ferns. Finally, we popped out of the forest at Snoopers Rock. Snoopers has fantastic views of the Tennessee River as it flows through the gorge. We could see Signal Mountain to the northeast and Raccoon Mountain to the southwest. Snoopers Rock is named after the law enforcement officers that "snooped" on moonshiners in the valleys below. Hiking back toward the car we took Tower Road. Most of the road was in the sun and it got very hot, but we got to see a spring turned into a fake moonshine still, an old cemetery, and a fire tower on our way back to the car. • Jennifer Schroll
June 26, 2023 MONDAY BALD RIVER FALLS Because the Tellico River Rd will most likely be closed due to replacement of the bridge over Bald River, we will have to go to the south end of the trail along Bald River Road. We will hike down to the falls along Tellico River Rd, eat lunch, then return to our vehicles on Bald River Rd. Total distance will be about 9 miles, rated moderate with some rocky areas. This is a gorgeous hike going by several waterfalls along the way. There is one significant stream crossing (Pawpaw Branch), which may require wading. Leader Rick & Brenda Harris, harrisri@aol.com or 423-253-6358 Trip Report: We originally had 9 folks signed up but various issues dropped our group down to 4 (Rick & Brenda Harris, Clare Sullivan, and Brittany Alvarez). It had looked like it was going to be a stormy wet day, but we woke up to sunshine. It turned into a beautiful day. And with all the recent rain, the falls were spectacular. We feared we would not be able to cross Papaw Creek, so we changed our itinerary. We started at the Cow Camp Trailhead and hiked up over the ridge and back down to the Bald River Trail, then turned south to Papaw Creek. The water was low enough we were able to cross. So we did and hiked up to the last falls along the trail just before reaching Bald River Road. There we ate lunch with the roar of the falls for our musical entertainment. We then turned around and hiked back out the trail to the Bald River Falls, passing the several spectacular waterfalls along the way. Then we hiked up the Tellico River Road passing Baby Falls and 5 smaller ledge falls back to our vehicle. A kayaker was going over Baby Falls as we passed by. Total distance was 10.2 miles. What a great hike. Sorry more did not go on this hike, for they missed out on a splendid day. - Rick Harris
JUNE 27, 2023 TUESDAY 10 AM - INDIAN BOUNDARY HIKE/PADDLE/PICNIC Bring your lunch and gear for whichever activities you would like to do. Kayaking (if you don't have a kayak, the campground store rents out kayaks and paddleboards) or swimming. Biking or hiking the three-mile loop trail around the lake. Meet up at 10 am at the beach pavilion. Text Sue Robinson at 423-519-9751 if you're interested.
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
JULY 2, 2023 SUNDAY - CANDIES CREEK GREENWAY CLEVELAND TN - We will leisurely walk the greenway, passing over historic Dobbs-Ford Bridge, with the option to add the Back Nine Trail if we’d like to continue to walk. Easy, mostly flat, less than five miles. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details. Trip Report: The Judys—Judy Cate and Hike Leader Judy Price—met in Cleveland to walk Candies Creek Greenway. The greenway is still being built but a lot of this section is complete. The highlight is the Dobbs Ford Bridge (1877) which spans Candies Creek. From the Library of Congress: "The Dobbs Ford Bridge is the oldest metal truss bridge built for vehicular traffic in the State. It is an early Pratt pony truss bridge…. Also, it is only one of two bridges inventoried in Tennessee that are known to have been built by the significant Wrought Iron Bridge Company." We walked to where the path currently ends at the interstate, with the potential to connect to Fletcher Park. On our return, we picked up the Back Nine Trail (formerly part of Rolling Hills Golf Course, hence the name) and walked the loop around the now wetlands area. The frogs were active—this section is full of wildlife and wildflowers. Buttonbush, swamp milkweed, and Joe Pye weed were blooming. We snacked on a couple of ripe blackberries. We concluded our walk just as it was starting to get hot! Perfect timing! • Judy Price
July 10, 2023 MONDAY Warriors Passage Hike We will drive to the top of Wacheesee Bald after leaving shuttle vehicles along Old Furnace Road. Distance is, approximately 6.2 miles almost all downhill though some sections are rather steep.. We will cross Wildcat Creek near the end of the hike, which will almost certainly require a wade through knee deep water. Hike leader Rick and Brenda Harris harrisri@aol.com or 423-253-6358. Trip Report: Nine folks hiked the Warriors Passage Trail. It was a pretty day and not too hot. We met at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center, carpooled to the bottom end of the trail on Old Furnace Road, then drove up to the top of Waucheesi Bald. From there, we started our hike down the road to where the trail leaves the road and starts heading down the mountain through a series of well-built switchbacks. We ate lunch at the Tobe Creek crossing, then hiked through the old burned-out section between Bald River Road and Wildcat Road, on down to the wading crossing of Wildcat Creek. From there, we climbed up to Old Furnace Road. Then, we retrieved our cars on the top of Waucheesi Bald. The trail is 6.2 miles long with a drop of about 2600' in elevation. Over all, the trail was in excellent shape. Going on the hike were Hike Leaders Rick and Brenda Harris, Mila Harris (granddaughter), Sue Robinson, Lynne McPhail, Don Van Hook, Kerry Clair, Doug Lynch, Anne Anderson, and one dog Zeke. We were going to eat dinner at Iron Works Grille, but it was closed for repairs. • Rick Harris
July 13, 2023 THURSDAY Monthly Club Meeting Charleston Picnic Pavilion Meet at 6:00 pm for a pot luck supper and short business meeting, followed by a presentation by Rick Harris on the use of mobile phone applications that utilize the GPS system for hiking. Never get lost again! Mtg Report: The club met at the lakeside cabin of Maryl Elliot on Parksville Lake. Many people arrived early to take advantage of the paddleboards, kayaks, or just to swim in the lake. Around 6 pm, Jack and Otis Pannell returned with fresh hot pizzas from the Gondolier Restaurant on US 64. Members brought salads and wonderful desserts to complement the meal. After supper, Jack had a brief business meeting (see minutes below). A big thank you again to Maryl for opening up her property to the club and providing us a wonderful location to meet! • Jack Callahan
July 14, 2023 FRIDAY Johnson Woods. The Walk in the Woods is actually a walk using the two loops at the Johnston Woods Retreat off Highway 11 just south of Cleveland. The first loop is 1.2 miles and the second is 2.9 miles for a total of 4.2 miles if you walk both. It is considered easy with little elevation change. It passes through both pine and hardwood forests and provides a pleasant hike close to town. The hike leader is James Anderson. Text me at 423-715-8824 if you want to be advised of any changes and/or hike cancellation. If that isn't an issue for you, then you can just show up at the trailhead parking area at the designated time of 8:00am. Trip Report: It was a fun day viewing the plentiful and varied fungi along the trail. Many thanks to Jack Callahan and his extensive fungi knowledge and to Judy Price for taking many pictures of what we saw. Those walking the woods were: Jack, Kathy Thelen, Judy, Deborah Burroughs, and Hike Leader James Anderson. • James Anderson
July 20, 2023 THURSDAY Third Thursday Breakfast Meet at Old Fort Resturant at 8:30 am. Jack Callahan 423-284-7885
July 22, 2023 SATURDAY Brasstown Bald Highest point in Georgia.. Depart from Cleveland Park and Ride at 8am. This hike is 2 + 5.3 miles. From the main parking area it is a steep .6 miles to the top of Brasstown Bald. We will then hike 5.3 mile from the main parking lot along the Arkaquah Trail to Track Rock. A car shuttle will return us to the main parking area. Fee for parking. This can be an easy outing & there is a shuttle to the top of Brasstown Bald if you wish to only do that. The hike down to track rocks is moderate. Bring a lunch & water. Hike leader Jennifer Schroll 423-284-1256, jennifergeologist@gmail.com Due to Track Rock Gap Petroglyph Site being temporarily closed, the Brasstown Bald/Arkaquah Trail hike was postponed and will be rescheduled once the site reopens. • Jennifer Schroll
July 31, 2023 MONDAY South Fork Citico Creek Wilderness Trail We will leave shuttle vehicles near Warden Fields, then drive to Beech Gap on the Skyway at the state line. We will hike about 2 miles to Cold Springs Gap on the BMT, then hike down the SFCC Trail. Hike distance is about 11.5 miles. There are several significant creek crossings, and in places the trail is steep downhill, so the hike is rated moderately difficult. Hike Leaders are Rick & Brenda Harris, harrisri@aol.com or 423-253-6358.Trip Report: Eleven folks hiked 11 miles from the state line crossing of the Cherohala Skyway at Beech Gap north out the Benton MacKaye Trail for about two miles to Cold Springs Gap, then down the South Fork Citico Creek Trail for nine miles, dropping about 3000 feet. There were lots of wildflowers out, especially at the higher elevations; and several creek crossings, two of which were challenging. Also challenging were the thick blackberry briers, dog hobble, and greenbrier in some sections, as well as some rocky sections. We expected to see a copperhead or rattlesnake or two, but did not. There were only a few trees down across the trail. We all made it out alive and happy, but tired. The weather was fairly nice. It started out cool and warmed up to about 80 degrees at the bottom. Rick and Brenda Harris were the Hike Leaders. Rick stopped the group several times to discuss various aspects of the logging operations conducted here in the early 1900s and told many stories about the life back then; and the more recent stories of a dead horse on the trail and a lost monkey as well. He also discussed the story behind the Wilderness designation and what is allowed and not allowed in Wilderness areas. It was a fun day for all, but, as expected, fairly difficult. On the hike besides Rick and Brenda Harris were Sue Robinson, Steve Kidd, Anne Anderson, Don Van Hook, Otis Pannell, Lucia Case, Judy Price, Jack Callahan, and Danny Yarberry. • Rick Harris
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
August 10, 2023 THURSDAY Monthly Club Meeting Meet at TVA Sugarloaf Picnic area at 6:00pm for pot luck supper and lively discussion. Event Leader, Ruth Pannell 423-506-9623.
August 11-19, 2023 FRIDAY-SATURDAY Isle Royale NP Trip Members will meet in Houghton Michigan on August 13, to travel to Isle Royale NP. There are two ways to get to the island, by sea plane or by ferry. Both modes of transportation are available in Houghton. Sea plane is $250 per person, the ferry is $80. These are one way fares. You can backpack on the island or stay in the Rock Harbor Lodge or their cabins. A lodge room or cabin are about $330 per day. Several of us have rented cabins for three days. We are flying over and taking the ferry back. We will be on the island August 13, 14 1nd 15, returning to Houghton on the 16th. From there there are may ways back to home base, sightseeing along the way. If you are interested, and want more specific information, contact Event leader Jack Callahan 423-284-7885. Trip Report: On August 12, four members of the club arrived in Houghton, Michigan, to begin their trip to Isle Royale National Park. On August 13, the group took a pontoon plane to Tobin Harbor, a 45-minute flight. On arrival, the group went to the office and left their luggage and made a 3.8-mile loop hike to Suzy's Cave and back. Returning to the lodge, the group checked in to their respective cabins overlooking Tobin Harbor. Jennifer prepared supper for the group. Afterwards, we listened to the call of the loons in the bay and got a few shots of the sunset. Monday morning, after a leisurely breakfast in the cabins, the group set out for Scoville Point on the northeast end of the peninsula. The 4.5-mile loop trail gave great views of several smaller islands and the large expanse of Lake Superior. Scoville Point is named after a miner who operated copper mines on the island. There is also a plaque to Albert Stoll, Jr., on the point. Mr. Stoll was instrumental in making possible the preservation of Isle Royale as a National Park. Along the way, there were historic mining sites by the native tribes as early as 2500 BC. There are more than 1000 pits on the island. The copper was pure enough to be directly cold-hammered into knives, points, and ornaments. From the point, there is one of several cabins on the island left over from when the island was in private hands. It is now used at times by researchers in cooperation with the park service. The walk passed over several locations of exposed rock where the erosion caused by glaciers is plainly visible. There were a lot of signs of moose, but we never saw a moose. Some of the plants we encountered that were new to some of us included thimbleberry, moosewood viburnum, horsetail fern, red baneberry, hydnellum peckii (which is a fungus which looks like it is bleeding), and creeping dogwood, among others. Evening supper was had at the lodge restaurant, and plans were made to take a water ferry to one of the lighthouses and a historic fishery on Tuesday. Tuesday was again a beautiful clear day with a brilliant blue sky, but with high winds of up to 15-18 mph. Due to the whitecaps and waves, our ferry trip was canceled. We enjoyed the afternoon sitting on the restaurant porch and talking with numerous visitors to the island. We met one young man who was a statistics professor at the college in Houghton, and he gave us an education on the area and town name pronunciations. We enjoyed supper at the restaurant, which was very well-run and the food was good. Wednesday morning, we packed up and queued up for the Ranger III ferry ride back to Houghton. In talking with one of the rangers on the ferry, we learned that the Ranger III was purchased by the Park Service in 1959 and was the largest vehicle in the Park Service fleet. The wind had calmed a bit and the ride was very smooth, which had been a concern earlier. We arrived in Houghton around 3:00 pm and the statistics professor volunteered to shuttle Jennifer and me to our vehicles at the seaplane port, about two miles away. He was tipped for his service and, after driving back to the dock, we loaded luggage and Jack and Margaret headed home while Jennifer and Mitchell took off for Duluth and points west to climb more state summit high points. It was a very worthwhile trip and we gained a great deal of new knowledge about the country. Club members making the trip included Jennifer and Mitchell Schroll, and Jack and Margaret Callahan. • Jack Callahan
August 17, 2023 THURSDAY Third Thursday Breakfast at Old Fort Resturant in Cleveland. Meet at 8:30 am.
August 31, 2023 THURSDAY - PAWPAW WALK - The August pawpaw tasting event was held at Childers Creek Trailhead, with Event Leader Jack Callahan giving a short history of the plant. The group then crossed the trail bridge and began exploring several nearby pawpaw groves. The trees had a great crop of fruit; however, most were still a few days from ripening. We collected enough ripe ones for everyone to get a good sample of the soft custard-like fruit. After about two hours, the group broke up with several folks heading out to try the new restaurant, Steel Wheel Corner, for lunch. Service was excellent and the food was delicious. Attending the event were Jennifer Schroll, Judy Price, Anne Anderson, Mary Alton, Debi Burroughs, and Jack Callahan. • Jack Callahan
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
September 8, 2023 FRIDAY The Narrows Hike, Cherokee National Forest Rating: Moderate, Length: 5 miles. Trail is along the Hiwassee River going East to the narrowest place on the Hiwassee. See beautiful outcroppings, a tiny cave, river potholes, and other gorgeous geological features when the river is low. Sometimes there are pawpaws and persimmons to try. Contact Clare Sullivan at clare7982@gmail.com or 404-849-0872. Trip Report: Seven happy hikers enjoyed a fun hike to The Narrows of the Hiwassee River. We were amazed at the many unusual rock colors and formations. The tiny cave was exciting, too. We saw some fascinating spider webs and a tree well-loved by a beaver. However, the top of the tree was caught in another tree and the log would not fall to the ground. The weather was very warm and two of our hikers jumped right into the relaxing, cool swimming hole. Some of our flowers were white asters, purple-headed sneezeweed, white vervain, and Ruth's Golden Asters. Ruth's Golden Asters are only found in Polk County, TN. They grow in the rocks of the Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers. Hikers were Forrest Easterly, Leslie Auriemmo, Lynn McPhail, Sue Robinson, Adriana Hernandez, Debi Burroughs, and Hike Leader Clare Sullivan. • Clare Sullivan
SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, BIRD WATCHING EVENT AT ATHENS REGIONAL PARK, IN ATHENS TENNESSEE. We will meet at the Athens Regional Park off Highway 30, Approximately 1/2 mile east of I 75 and Highway 30 intersection. Immediately after you enter the park, take the first left to the small parking lot near the restroom facilities. We will meet there at 9:00am and begin our bird watching walk on the trails in the park. Bring lunch and water and binoculars if you have a pair, or we can share. This will be a slow, stop, look and listen event, so speed is not required. Event leaders Kelly Ducham, Bob Dornfeld and Jack Callahan. If you have any questions, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
September 14, 2023 THURSDAY Monthly Club Meeting Meet at 6:00 pm at the Etowah Senior Center, pot luck supper, followed by a short business meeting. The evening program will be a slide presentation on the club float trip on the Current River in Missouri.
September 15, 2023 FRIDAY Childers Creek Hike This is an out and back hike along the beautiful Hiwassee River on the Childer's Creek Section of the BMT. It will cover a total of 6 miles and is considered moderate. We will meet at the Childer's Creek Trailhead at 9am. Please bring water and something to eat. Please contact the hike leader James Anderson at 423-715-8824 if you want to be notified of any changes or cancellation related to the hike.
September 17-20, 2023 SUNDAY-WEDNESDAY Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia, Campout Day hikes on the balds in the high country near the campground, see the wild ponies, and enjoy the beginning of fall. The campground is located at the edge of Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia. The campground is at near 4000 foot elevation, so bring a jacket of the evening activities. There is a nice open field adjacent to some of the campsites which make a great place to sky watch for satellites and meteors. Several of us have made reservations and we are in sites 64 and 66. Contact the Event leader for more specific information about the campground and campsites. Day hikes will be planned each evening for the next day, based on the group's interests. There are many miles of trail in the area, including the Appalachian Trail. Event Leader, Jennifer Schroll 423-284-1256, Jennifergeologist@gmail.com. Trip Report: On Sunday, September 17, 2023, sixteen Cherokee Hiking Club members and 3 friends set up camp at Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. Attending were Jack and Margaret Callahan, James and Phyllis Anderson, Clare and Ed Sullivan, Rick and Brenda Harris, Doug Lynch, Sue Robinson, Teresa Greene, Event Leader Jennifer Schroll, Otis Pannell, Lucia Case, James and Gayle Drummund, Mark Gilreach (guest), and Jamie and Kathy, friends of Ed and Clare. Around 2 pm, Mark and Jennifer met at the visitors center to hike the Twin Pinnacles Trail. Gayle, James, and Bella met up shortly after. We hiked clockwise around the loop. Mark and Jennifer scrambled up on top of the pinnacles for great views beneath an angry sky. Three quarters of the way around the loop, we met up with Ed, Clare, and Kathy, who had hiked over from the campground. Clare and Kathy continued around the loop and the rest of us headed back to set up camp. At 6 pm, everyone met up to discuss hikes and set up meeting times. Jack started off the pie-iron cooking with pizzas and cinnamon rolls. On Monday, Jack and Jamie dropped off ten hikers (Rick drove his truck) at Elk Garden Trailhead. Jennifer, Kathy, Clare, Ed, Doug, Sue, Mark, Teresa, Rick, and Brenda hiked along the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Elk Garden to the Mount Rogers spur, across and down Wilburn Ridge and back to Massie Gap (near the campground)—a total of eight miles. We started off in a thick cool fog hiking through pretty, forested areas and up the flank of Mount Rogers. About lunch time, we popped out of the forest into the bald/highland areas as the fog began to clear out. We ate lunch at the Mount Rogers spur trail junction. After lunch, we continued on the AT down and across the Wilburn Ridge. There is a nice shelter and lots of great campsites along this section of the AT; also, there are some tricky rock pinnacles. Fantastic views and ponies were everywhere. We spoke with three wranglers from the Wilburn Ridge Horse Association. Once a year, they round up the ponies to a stockade at Massie Gap where they administer vaccines, worm medicine, and other health-related checks. There are currently 15 studs and 75 mares roaming the hills above Grayson Highlands. Jack, Margaret, James Anderson, Phyllis, James Drummond, Gayle, Otis, and Lucia hiked up Wilburn Ridge from Massie Gap to see the views and ponies. Otis and Lucia continued up Wilburn Ridge and back down to Elk Garden trailhead swapping keys with Rick. Back at camp for dinner, several people checked out Doug's yurt. It had a very large deck area with a grill and several people grilled up some food. Jennifer made a layered pastry crust, sliced apple, and cheddar cheese pie-iron delight. Beautiful night skies! On Tuesday eight hikers—Sue, Mark, Jennifer, Margaret, Jack, Otis, Lucia, and Brenda—hiked up Seed Orchard Trail in the Wilson Creek drainage, and crossed over the AT trail to the Scales Trail to a place called Scales. The story goes that this area was used to weigh the cattle that were sold. They did it here in the highland so the cattle would weigh more, rather than driving them down into the valley. Currently, there is a nice, grassy, fenced camping area (to keep the cattle out) with fire rings, a toilet building and a spring nearby. This area can be accessed by a rugged road. We ate an early lunch here and enjoyed the northern views. Perfect sitting rocks. The AT intersects here, which we took to the top and across Stone Mountain. Awesome views, longhorn cows, and more ponies! We followed the AT back into the forest to the first crossing with the Seed Orchard Trail for a lollipop-shaped trail track. The total mileage was 6.7 miles. The rest of the group stayed in the park area and explored. James and Gayle explored the park on their electric bikes. I got to ride one; it was really fun! On Tuesday night, Jamie was the pie-iron star making super yummy "McRibs." Rick and Brenda brought s'mores fixings. Again, great star viewing on Tuesday night. I saw three shooting stars and two satellites. On Wednesday, Sue and Teresa watched the sunrise at "The Overlook." Some people headed to Damascus to ride the Virginia Creeper Trail. Brenda, Rick, and Jennifer hiked the Camp Creek Trail and saw pretty waterfalls and walked through a spooky tunnel of rhododendrons. Clare and Ed hiked up to the top of the Twin Pinnacles. Otis and Lucia headed to the Greenbrier Trail to bikepack. A great time was had by all. Let's do this again! • Jennifer Schroll
September 21, 2023 THURSDAY Third Thursday Breakfast at Old Fort Resturant. Meet at 8:30 am to catch up on all the latest news. Jack Callahan 423-284-7885.
September 23, 2023 SATURDAY - Trail Maintenance on John Muir Trail/BMT - September 23 was not only a beautiful day to work in the forest, it was National Public Lands Day! Six enthusiastic CHC volunteers helped the Benton MacKaye Trail Association clear the Benton MacKaye Trail from Childers Creek to Towee Creek, plus the Lost Creek section of the BMT. The BMTA is preparing trails that will be used in the 2023 Hike Fest November 2 – 5, 2023, in Tellico Plains, TN. James Anderson, Brenda Harris, and Clare Sullivan used brush cutters to attack the poison ivy and other growth. Judy Price refreshed the John Muir blazes along the trail. Rick Harris and Ed Sullivan put their chainsaws to work. The trail looks amazing now. The day was so lovely and the scenery so beautiful it didn't seem like work, just exercise! • Clare Sullivan
September 30, 2023 SATURDAY Hike to the Hangover We will drive to the Wolf Laurel Trailhead and will hike up about 1.5 miles to the crest of the ridge, the follow the BMT to Naked Ground and the Hangover. Expect a strenuous hike of about 8 miles. The Hangover location is a special place, a barren rock outcrop with the land falling away on three sides. There are great views of the southern end of the Smokies, to the east toward Fontana and to the west toward Vonore. Hike leaders Rick and Brenda Harris, harrisri@aol.com 513-260-1184. Trip Report: Nine folks went on this fairly difficult 6.6-mile hike with incredible rewards once we reached the Hangover itself, offering views into the Smokies, the Tennessee River Valley, and Cumberland Plateau. From the Hangover, it was possible to see Gregory Bald, Rocky Top, Clingmans Dome and Mount LeConte, as well as Lake Santeetlah and Fontana Lake. The hike started with a steady climb from the Wolf Laurel Trailhead up the Stratton Bald Trail to the mile high ridge crest, then steeply downhill to Naked Ground (no longer naked), then steeply up to Haoe, then down and out to the Hangover for lunch while soaking in the sunshine and taking lots of pictures. Then we returned the way we came. The trail is challenging, to say the least. One of the hardest segments was the climb from Naked Ground through the burned over area from the fires there at the time of the Gatlinburg fire. This segment was steep, rocky, and very overgrown due to all the sunlight that now reaches to ground level. Up high, the leaves are already turning. Fall comes early a mile up. On this hike we're nine brave souls, all of us successful. • Rick Harris
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
OCTOBER 2, 2023 MONDAY ATHENS TN - BIRDWATCHING AT ATHENS REGIONAL PARK - We will meet at Athens Regional Park off Hwy 30 (approximately a half mile east of I-75 and Hwy 30 intersection). Immediately after you enter the park, take the first left to the small parking lot near the restroom facilities. We will meet there at 9 am and begin our birdwatching walk on the trails in the park. Bring lunch, water, and binoculars if you have a pair, or we can share. This will be a slow, stop, look and listen event, so speed is not required. Event Leaders are Kelly Ducham, Bob Dornfeld, and Jack Callahan. Contact Event Leader Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you have any questions. Trip Report: Six birding enthusiasts met at the Athens Regional Park and enjoyed a great event hosted by Kelly Ducham. Kelly is amazingly knowledgeable of birds and can identify so many just by their call. She pointed out several juncos, which are quite small and move around very fast. We saw hawks and many of the regular birds in our area which we are beginning to learn about, thanks to Kelly. It was a great morning to be out, and to continue to educate ourselves with the art of birding. Attendees included Clayton, Ruth, and Otis Pannell, Carin Taber, Jack Callahan, and Event Leader Kelly Ducham. • Jack Callahan
October 12, 2023 THURSDAY Monthly Club Meeting. This month, James and Phyllis Anderson will host the club at their residence. Plan on arriving at 6 pm to enjoy a potluck supper, followed by a short business meeting. Then, we will gather around James's outdoor firepit and enjoy a great fire and watch the dark chase away the last rays of sunlight on Bean Mountain. Contact Event Leader James Anderson at 423-715-8224.
October 16, 2023 MONDAY Ducktown Basin Museum 1.0 miles. Easy walk and interesting items in the museum about the history of copper mining in the area. Contact Clare Sullivan Hike leader for meetup time and location at 404-849-0872, or clare7982@gmail.com. Trip Report: Seven adventurous hikers set out on a misty morning to tour the Ducktown Basin Museum. We enjoyed a film explaining a century and a half of copper mining in southeast Tennessee. There were a lot of artifacts and fascinating information on everyday life in this historic area. The museum building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Following the tour, the hikers enjoyed a lovely three-fourths mile trail on the property that once was a railroad trail for the mines. At the end of the trail is a large kiosk explaining the purification of the water from the mining area. Participants were Margaret and Jack Callahan, Judy Price, Phyllis and James Anderson, Ed Sullivan, and Event Leader Clare Sullivan. • Clare Sullivan
October 19, 2023 THURSDAY - AUTUMN LEAVES IN CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST - RHODODENDRON TRAIL AND BEAR PAW LOOP - 10:30 AM THUNDER ROCK TRAILHEAD - Join us on this impromptu hike! The leaves have just popped in Cherokee National Forest Ocoee District. We will meet at Thunder Rock Trailhead at 10:30 AM and hike Rhododendron Trail and Bear Paw Loop, (then back Rhododendron Trail to Thunder Rock). We can also cross the Olympic Bridge to take in the Ocoee River. There are many connecting trails that you can continue to hike, if you wish to, once we have finished. The hike is approximately four miles mostly easy, but there is a gradual uphill on Bear Paw Loop. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com if you are interested. Trip Report: Three hikers met at Thunder Rock Trailhead for an autumn leaves hike. We passed the Ocoee No. 3 powerhouse and headed up the 1.25-mile Rhododendron Trail along the beautiful Ocoee River. The leaves had just started to change and the dappled sunlight shone through them. The river was not running and the little waterfalls along the trail were only slightly dripping. When we got to the end of the trail, we walked across the bridge by the trailhead to check out the river. We continued past the remains of the Ocoee Whitewater Center, reached the trailhead of the 1.8-mile Bear Paw Loop Trail, and started uphill on the "lollipop stick," still along the river. Eventually, we reached the loop and continued our gradual ascent in a southerly direction. (You can choose which direction to do the loop at this point. The trail is well-marked.) The loop turns in a northerly direction at the junction of Chestnut Mountain Trail. At the top of the loop, we could see Little Frog Wilderness through the trees. We headed back downhill to the trailhead and crossed the impressive Olympic Bridge over the Ocoee. We walked a short way to read the sign at the historic Old Copper Road trailhead. Finally, we recrossed the bridge and went back the Rhododendron Trail to our cars at Thunder Rock. It was a perfect autumn day and a fun approximately five-and-a-half-mile hike! Hikers were Kelly Ducham, Sandra Fenton, and Hike Leader Judy Price. • Judy Price
October 19, 2023 THURSDAY Third Thursday Breakfast at Old Fort Resturant. Meet at 8:30 am for coffee, hot biscuits and stories. Event Leader Jack Callahan 423-284-7885.
October 21, 2023 SATURDAY - Trail Maintenance on the Unicoi Turnpike Trail - Work Trip Report: Thirteen volunteers came together from four organizations to log and brush out this long-neglected historic trail. Members from the Tellico/Ocoee Trail Crew, the Southern Appalachian Back Country Horsemen, the Cherokee Hiking Club, and the Benton MacKaye Trail Association joined together in this effort. Since this trail is in the Trail of Tears corridor, we had to first obtain permission from the various Indian tribes. This was accomplished by our Tellico Ranger District Trails Tech Robert Alwood. Once we received permission, we set a date and advertised the work trip. We all met at the Coker Creek Welcome Center at 8:30 am and, after the plans were outlined for the day, we divided into four saw crews, two brushing crews, and one blaze-painting crew. The saw crews removed 63 trees off the trail and the brushing crews cleared the entire corridor with gas-powered brush cutters and loppers. The blaze-painting crew refreshed all the blazes along the trail. The trail is now completely logged and brushed out with fresh blazes as well, thanks to the efforts of all 13 trail workers, all volunteers. At the upcoming Benton MacKaye Trail Association Annual Meeting in Tellico Plains November 2-5, there will be a hike on this trail, which is open to members and non-members alike. Go to www.bmta.org to sign up for this hike or any of the other several hikes offered over the four days. The Unicoi Turnpike Trail has a long history. It was first a Cherokee Indian route over the mountains through one of the lowest gaps in the Appalachian Mountain chain. Later, in 1756, this became a route for military forces to cross the mountains to build Fort Loudoun at the junction of the Tellico and Little Tennessee Rivers. Heavy cannons were dragged over the Turnpike. Settlers to the Tennessee River Valley used this route to cross the mountains, then to take their cows, pigs, chickens, and produce to markets along the East Coast. There was a Turnpike Toll House at Unicoi Gap where travelers had to pay for every person, wagon, chicken, turkey, deer hide, pig, and cow crossing the gap. The monies were used to maintain the roadway. During the Trail of Tears, Cherokee families were brought from the east across the gap to Fort Armistead at Coker Creek. From there, they were taken to Fort Cass on the Hiwassee River and on to Chattanooga and hence west to Oklahoma. Of the thousands brought across the Unicoi Turnpike, about a quarter of them died before reaching Oklahoma. Fort Armistead was also used as a fort during the Civil War. Today, a more modern Forest Service road crosses the gap: Joe Brown Highway. The original route is now the trail and in places is ten feet below the level of the surrounding land due to thousands of Indians, carts, horses, livestock, and soldiers who travelled this road. The trail also goes by a gold mine from the days of the Coker Creek Gold Rush as well as the gravesite of a soldier from the Civil War killed by Bushwhackers. There was a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp about half way along the trail, Camp Rolling Stone. The United States Forest Service (USFS), in cooperation with the tribal leaders and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, are in the process of deciding on plans for the Fort Armistead area, now on USFS property. • Rick Harris
October 29-November 2, 2023 SATURDAY-THURSDAY Tallulah Gorge State Park Campout. The park is about 22 miles south of Helen, Georgia. The gorge is a 1000 foot deep streambed adjacent to the campground. One day there will be a trip to the Currahee Museum in Taccoa Georgia, where the enlistees arrived at the train station to begin training for paratrooper jump school. We may be able to get a guided tour of the old training site by a veteran at the museum. (still in the works). Another possibility is day trips to Hellen and the Foxfire Museum, within less than an hour's drive. A hike down into the gorge is also an option, along with other trails in the area. A map of the campground was emailed to club members on January 14, so individuals can begin making reservations. Event Leader, Jack Callahan 423-284-7885.
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
November 2-5, 2023 THURSDAY-SUNDAY BMTA Hike Fest in Tellico Plains
Hikes
Non-hiking Adventures
Annual Meeting Accommodations
There will be multiple hikes daily ranging from Easy to Difficult. Folks can attend the hikes even if they are unable to attend the Annual Meeting and dinner. There will be a Mexican Dinner Social on Friday, November 3, after the hikes. On Saturday, November 4, there will be a BMTA Annual Meeting and dinner with a guest speaker that promises to be intriguing. The Mexican Dinner Social will be free; the Saturday night dinner will be $30 - $35. The dinner both nights will be at the Alumni Center of Tellico Plains High School. (This building is on the side of the parking lot at TPHS.) Contact Rick Harris at 513-260-1184 or Clare Sullivan at 404-849-0872 or clare7982@gmail.com for more information. You must contact Rick or Clare if you plan to attend a hike. Sign-up sheets for Saturday and Sunday hikes will be at the Alumni Center on Friday and Saturday nights.
As always, go to the specific sponsor web page for more information on these events if you plan on attending. Event Report: See the newsletter
November 7-10, 2023 TUESDAY-FRIDAY - BACKPACKING AND HIKING TRIP IN NORTH CAROLINA The hike is near Franklin, NC. Begin the event by driving to Standing Indian Campground near Franklin. Will leave vehicles at the Backcountry Info Center there. The hike is rated as strenuous, due to elevation gains, but much of the hike is moderate. There are numerous scenic overlooks along the trail. Total distance is approximately 25 miles. There are shelters along the trail, but most are small capacity, so you will need to bring your tents. The hike is limited to eight. Contact Event Leader Buddy Arnold at 601-414-3551 or we_arnold@outlook.com.
Trip Report: This was a multi-day loop hike of about 25 miles that started at Standing Indian Campground near Franklin, NC. Participants were Buddy Arnold and James Anderson. We stayed at several shelters on the Appalachian Trail (AT). The hike was rated strenuous due to elevation gains on part of the hike, but much of the hike was moderate. There are a number of scenic views on the hike. We were blessed with great weather with clear skies and moderate temperatures except for a few sprinkles the last day.
November 7 Day 1: Hiked about three miles to Long Branch Shelter via Blackwell Gap Trail and then AT. The shelter was a newly constructed two-level structure. We had this and all the shelters to ourselves on the hike.
November 8 Day 2: Hiked 8.9 miles to Carter Gap Shelter on AT. Crossed over Albert Mountain with great views. The water source at Carter Gap was reduced to a trickle due to the recent drought, but we were able to get about a liter in 3-4 minutes. Another hiker had used a leaf to direct the flow!
November 9 Day 3: Hiked 7.6 miles to Standing Indian Shelter and crossed over Standing Indian Mountain with great views.
We took a tour of the Standing Indian Campground while we were there. It is a beautiful, well-maintained campground. James and I both agreed that it would be a good site for a group campout for the hiking club. There are nice groups sites available and many possibilities for all sorts of hikes from easy to strenuous in the area. The campground can take RVs but there is no electricity hookup. There is, however, an RV park within three miles or so of the campground. I will come up with a possible hike club event there next year, possibly in the May timeframe. • Buddy Arnold
November 16, 2023 THURSDAY Third Thursday Breakfast at Old Fort Resturant in Cleveland. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 for any questions.
November 17, 2023 FRIDAY The Walk in the Woods is actually a walk using the two loops at the Johnston Woods Retreat off Highway 11 just south of Cleveland. The first loop is 1.2 miles and the second is 2.9 miles for a total of 4.2 miles if you walk both. It is considered easy with little elevation change. It passes through both pine and hardwood forests and provides a pleasant hike close to town. The hike leader is James Anderson. Text me at 423-715-8824 if you want to be advised of any changes and/or hike cancellation. If that isn't an issue for you, then you can just show up.at the trailhead parking area at the designated time. Meet time 10:00 am.
NOVEMBER 19, 2023 - HIWASSEE LOOP - Fifteen club members joined up for the train ride to and around the famous Hiwassee Loop and back on the dome car, the Algonquin. This is a 50-mile, five-hour ride from Delano to the far side of the loop, near Apalachia Dam, and back. The loop is only one of six in North America, and the only one east of the Mississippi. The car we rode on, the Algonquin, is only one of 14 of its kind. They were made in 1954, and most are in service in Canada. It is very unique, with a glassed-in front, and a glassed dome. In its heyday, it had several sleeping rooms which are open for viewing now. Along the way, we saw a bald eagle and a flock of mergansers in the Hiwassee River corridor. There was also a large flock of Canadian geese, searching for a golf course. The guide on the train gave a very good description of the history of the line and the numerous deserted towns which sprang up during the rail's active service and the construction of the Apalachia Powerhouse. On the return trip, the steward gave a great history of our car and pointed out all the special paintings and carvings which decorated the inside of the compartments. Afterwards, eight of the group met at the Steel Wheel Restaurant for supper. It was a fun afternoon and everyone seemed to have a great time. • Jack Callahan
November 25, 2023 SATURDAY- Linda Davis Memorial Greenway Walk - Greenway Pavilion off Raider Drive (9:00 a.m.) Come join us and walk off some of your Thanksgiving Day Feast! We will meet at the pavilion off of Raider Drive in Cleveland and walk a portion of the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway. The length of our walk will be determined by the weather and the interests of those participating. Considering it is a greenway, feel free to determine your own length of walk (hike) as participants can always head back to their vehicle when they get the urge. This walk is an annual event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is in memory of former club member Linda Davis. There is no need to call—just show up for some good exercise and conversation. Hike Leader: Randy Morris Trip Report: Four club members enjoyed a nice walk along the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This annual hike, named for the late club member Linda Davis, has been an annual tradition for several years. The walkers enjoyed a crisp, clear November
morning in which we viewed the numerous resident ducks as well as a beautiful red-tailed hawk observing his/her surroundings. In a change from recent years, we traveled south this year from the Greenway Pavilion at Raider Drive to the southern terminus of the greenway past Willow Street and back again. Enjoying the morning were Judy Price, Jennifer Schroll, Carin Taber, and Hike Leader Randy Morris. • Randy Morris
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
December 4, 2023 MONDAY - CLEAR CREEK - Approximately six miles, rated strenuous. We will shuttle from Hwy 30 trailhead to Chilhowee Recreation Area and hike to the beginning of the Clear Creek Trail. This is a very picturesque and scenic trail with views of Big Frog Mountain and Parksville Lake. There are two creek crossings near the end of the trail. Bring water, food, and water shoes. If the weather is not optimal, we will reschedule the hike. Contact Hike Leaders Clare Sullivan and Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details. Trip Report: Five hikers—Mary Alton, Kelly Ducham, Sandra Fenton, and Hike Leaders Clare Sullivan and Judy Price—met at the Ocoee Ranger Station in Cherokee National Forest to begin the shuttle to Clear Creek Trail. After dropping a vehicle on Hwy 30 at the trailhead, we traveled to Chilhowee Recreation Area and parked at the campground/picnic area where we were yelled at by a red-shouldered hawk. We started hiking to the beginning of Clear Creek Trail. The weather was damp and chilly as we walked through green tunnels, over bridges, on pine needles, and past ground cedar next to the creek. We could hear, but couldn't see, Benton Falls. About two-and-a-half miles in, the sun broke through the clouds! This was just before we reached the ridge with its spectacular views of Parksville Lake, Ocoee River, and Big Frog and the surrounding mountains. Mary pulled out her PeakVisor app and identified the peaks. After taking in the views, we started descending, passing rocks covered in lichens. We weren't exactly bird-watching, but we were bird-listening as Kelly and Mary identified birds including the Carolina wren and golden-crowned kinglet. Near the bottom, we had a spectacular view of Big Frog Mountain; unfortunately, as we hiked, it became obscured by baby pines popping up. We stopped for lunch but soon had to move along as we were attacked by yellowjackets! We passed by Clemmer Spur Trail and came to our first creek crossing. Thankfully, the creek was rock-hoppable due to lack of rain. A little farther on we came to our second picturesque creek crossing and everyone made it across safely. Before we knew it, we were back at the trailhead after a very enjoyable five-and-a-half-mile hike! • Clare Sullivan and Judy Price
December 9, 2023 SATURDAY Annual Christmas Party - 12 noon, Etowah Senior center -. Jack Callahan Event Leader 423-284-7885 - The Cherokee Hiking Club will celebrate its annual Christmas Party on December 9 at the Etowah Senior Center. We will eat at 12:00 noon. If you plan to attend, ASAP please email cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com with subject line "Christmas Party" and indicate how many will be in your party so that we will have an accurate headcount. Our own Jennifer Schroll will be catering the meal again this year. If anyone would like to assist with decorating or transporting items to the Senior Center, please contact Jennifer at jennifergeologist@gmail.com. The cost of the meal is $10 per person, payable at the door. Also, dues are due, so you may consider combining both. (If you became a member October through December 2023, your dues are paid up through 2024.) Please pay by check made out to the club, as it makes bookkeeping so much easier. Gail and Edmund Gray will again do the honors with the Dirty Santa gift exchange. Everyone who wants to participate should bring a gift, not to exceed $10. (You are not obligated to participate.) We will also have the induction of new officers. There is no deadline to RSVP. You are welcome to come even if you decide to at the last minute! Please consider joining us to celebrate the special time of year and close out another great event-filled year with great friends. Mtg Report: The club held its annual Christmas Party at Etowah Senior Center. We had a great turnout of 50 members attending. Several folks commented that the change to a noon meal was a great idea, as some prefer driving in the daylight! Our own Jennifer Schroll catered the meal with turkey, ham, all the trimmings, and a wonderful dessert selection. Jennifer is a wonderful cook and it showed. Jack Callahan MC'ed the program and, after the meal, gave a summary of the club events of 2023. It was quite a list of activities! Almost 400 miles of hiking, group campouts at numerous state parks, historic tours, biking, canoeing, birding, backpacking, great presentations at club meetings, and all-around fun. After Jack's summary of club events, the program was turned over to Jennifer Schroll who did the induction of new club officers for 2024. The theme this year was "Shoes." New officers are Jack Callahan, President; Rob Coombs, Vice-president; Jennifer Schroll, Treasurer; Richard Harris, Webmaster; Judy Price, Newsletter and Social Media Editor; and Ruth Pannell, Hospitality Director. The program was then handed over to Shauna and Jimmy Drinnon who handled the Dirty Santa gift exchange and they did an outstanding job! It was a wonderful event, and everyone had a nice time. • Jack Callahan
December 15, 2023 FRIDAY - CANDIES CREEK GREENWAY - 10 AM | CLEVELAND TN - Join us as we walk the new section of Candies Creek Greenway. The highlight is crossing the historic Dobbs Ford bridge spanning Candies Creek. We will also hike the Back Nine Trail/Rolling Hills Wetlands Loop. This is an easy approximately five-mile hike. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup information. Trip Report: Six club members and a doggo−Margaret and Jack Callahan, Bob Dornfeld and Smoky, Carin Taber, Kathy Thelen, and Hike Leader Judy Price−walked two Cleveland greenways on a chilly but sunny day. We headed first to the Candies Creek Greenway. We ambled alongside the babbling creek and could hear sandhill cranes as we walked. The paved path is wide for cyclists, walkers, and runners. We soon reached the historic Dobbs Ford Bridge and crossed Candies Creek. The bridge was built in 1877 and is the "oldest metal truss bridge built for vehicular traffic in the State." The path was recently paved from the bridge to the interstate, where it has the potential to continue under the freeway to Fletcher Park. We looped back, passed over the bridge, and returned the way we came. We then walked up Candies Lane to the Wetlands Loop or Back Nine Trail. A part of the former Rolling Hills Golf Course (I believe it was a tee) was left intact at the entrance as a reminder of the greenway's former life. This is where we not only heard the sandhill cranes, but were fortunate to see them as they passed overhead in their V formations. They were a noisy bunch! This greenway has a cattails-filled wetlands pond which often hosts herons, ducks, and geese. We passed a couple of patches of yellow Carolina horsenettle berries which added color to the wintry landscape. We were watched by some curious cows! Soon, our walk was over and we headed home after a fun four-and-a-half miles with friends. Smoky had the best time! • Judy Price
Cleveland Greenway walks each Wednesday. Contact Leader Jack Callahan for meeting time/place info 423-284-7885.
THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH BREAKFAST -
Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 am at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885..
BRUSH CREEK TRAIL
JANUARY 1, 2024 | MONDAY | CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST
Start your year off the right way! Join us as we hike a loop out-and-back from Boyd Gap parking on the Brush Creek Trail. Bring water and snacks and wear hiking footwear. Contact Hike Leaders Jennifer Schroll and Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details.
EUREKA TRAIL
JANUARY 4, 2024 | THURSDAY | ATHENS TN
We will walk four to six miles along the easy, wide gravel path. This is a multi-use trail so there may be bikers, as well as those riding horses out for the day. We will begin our walk at the main trailhead located at 1400 East Madison Avenue in Athens, TN. There are restrooms available. Bring water and a snack! The hike will be canceled in the event of poor weather. For questions or to sign up, please text Hike Leader Kelly Ducham at 239-784-7337 or email dkss2063@hotmail.com for details.
MCGILL CREEK SECTION OF THE CUMBERLAND TRAIL
JANUARY 5, 2024 | FRIDAY | GRAYSVILLE TN
Join us on this picturesque section of the Cumberland Trail. This is a moderate, 5.6-mile (total) out-and-back hike. This trail crosses drainage areas which may be full or dry depending on the weather. Bring water shoes if that will offer peace of mind. Also bring water and snacks and wear hiking footwear. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details.
BAY POINT LOOP
JANUARY 11, 2024 | THURSDAY | HARRISON BAY STATE PARK
Depart from Cleveland Park and Ride commuter parking next to the Mapco at I-75 and Hwy 60 at 10 am or meet at the trailhead at 10:30 am. This is a mostly-level, easy 4.3-mile loop hike. If it has rained recently, there are usually wet spots we will navigate around. Bring water and a snack! The hike will be canceled in the event of poor weather. For questions or to sign up, please text Hike Leader Kelly Ducham at 239-784-7337 or email dkss2063@hotmail.com for details.
LOOKOUT WILD FILM FESTIVAL
JANUARY 11 - 14, 2024 | THURSDAY – SUNDAY | WALKER THEATER | CHATTANOOGA TN
Jack Callahan will lead the annual club trip to Chattanooga to enjoy another great weekend of outdoor films from around the world. This presentation is always memorable. If you have questions contact Jack at 423-284-7885.
ANNUAL PLANNING MEETING
JANUARY 14, 2023 | SUNDAY 2 PM | WESLEY MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | ETOWAH TN
Do you want to lead a hike or event? If so, bring your ideas to our annual planning meeting! The church is located on the corner of Ohio Avenue and 10th Street. Please enter through the 10th street entrance. Club will provide soft drinks. Members may want to bring a simple dessert for the break. Be sure to include all details in writing to turn in including date, time, description, hike difficulty, entrance fees, etc., on a single sheet of notebook paper to facilitate organization. If you cannot attend, you may email the information to cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com. See you there!
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
JANUARY 14 – 23, 2024 | SUNDAY - TUESDAY | TEXAS
See the Proposed Big Bend Schedule & Day Hikes, Jan 2024 (Chisos Campground Group Site Option) in the newsletter email. Contact Hike Leader Buddy Arnold at we_arnold@outlook.com or 601-415-3551 for more information or to sign up.
CHEROKEE REMOVAL MEMORIAL PARK | HIWASSEE WILDLIFE REFUGE | BLYTHE FERRY | VENERABLE OAK
JANUARY 19, 2024 | FRIDAY | BIRCHWOOD, TN
Join us on this event rich in history. We will start at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge where the sandhill cranes and other birds will entertain us. Then we will go to the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park where we will receive a tour of the Visitor Center and walk around the grounds. We can also visit the overlook on the Hiwassee and Tennessee Rivers. Time permitting, we will drive to the former site of Blythe Ferry and stop at the Venerable Oak. We will be outside early so dress warmly. Bring snacks and water and wear comfortable shoes. Contact Hike Leader Judy Price at cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com for meetup details.
OUTER LOOP
JANUARY 25, 2024 | THURSDAY | BOOKER T. WASHINGTON STATE PARK | HARRISON TN
Depart from Cleveland Park and Ride commuter parking next to the Mapco at I-75 and Hwy 60 at 10 am or meet at the trailhead at 10:30 am. We will hike the 3.9-mile easy Outer Loop Trail which skirts Chickamauga Lake for some nice views. Bring water and a snack! The hike will be canceled in the event of poor weather. For questions or to sign up, please text Hike Leader Kelly Ducham at 239-784-7337 or email dkss2063@hotmail.com for details.
March 12, 2024 TUESDAY - Project Chimp Event Travel to the site approximately 10 miles east of Blue Ridge GA, arriving at 10 am. Visit the interpretive site and walk several trails in the area, for a total of about 4 miles. Return to Blue Ridge for a late lunch in a local restaurant. As we get closer to the date a meeting location and time will be developed to carpool from Cleveland. Drive time is approximately 1.5 hours. Event leaders, Letha Kelly, Clare Sullivan and Jack Callahan, 423-284-7885.