Cherokee Hiking Club Calendar
2025
Hike Difficulty Rating Scale (per Chattanooga Hiking Club)
CHC Hike Calendar for 2025 - good for printing
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Trip and Meeting Reports can be viewed in each monthly newsletter,
and will not be copied here, though we have done this in past years.
2025 Annual Planning Meeting on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 2 pm at the WESLEY MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 923 OHIO AVENUE, ETOWAH, TN.
Thursday, January 16, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Annual Hike Club Meeting, This meeting will take place at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, Etowah TN. 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. "Hiking Request Forms" will be available at the meeting. If you cannot attend, you may email the information to cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com.
Saturday, January 25, 2025 - Outdoor Expo at Westmore Church in Cleveland The club will have a booth at the expo and will hand out information and meet with attendees to discuss who we are and what we do. The cost is $20 per person includes a wild game meal plus the opportunity win many giveaways. Doors open at 5:00pm for the displays, supper at 6:00pm and program at 7:00. Go to Westmore Outdoors Expo and Dinner 2024 for tickets. Jack Callahan and Rob Coombs will staff the booth. Contact Jack at 423-284-7885 for additional information.
Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Public Meeting for Ocoee White Water Center This meeting, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., provides the opportunity for public input concerning the rebuilding of the Ocoee White Water Center. For additional information contact Clair Sullivan at clare7982@gmail.com or 404-8490872.
Wednesdays, January 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
Thursday, February 13, 2025 - Monthly Club Meeting We will meet at the Etowah Senior Center in Etowah at 6:00 p.m. for a pot luck supper and a presentation by Janet and Rob Coombs on Tips for Being a Good Hike Leader. Presentation by Janet & Rob Coombs - Tips for Being a Good Hike Leader
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - Dry Pond Lead on the BMT We will meet across Highway 64 from Thunder Rock Campground at 9:00 a.m. Hike difficulty is rated Strenuous. Be prepared for a 1700 foot gain as the first half of this hike In and Out hike is uphill. Bring appropriate clothing, food, and water. We should conclude this hike around 2:00 p.m. For additional information contact Randy Morris at 423-650-0985 or randytaylormorris@gamail.com CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. WILL POSSIBLY BE RESCHEDULED.
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 - Athens Regional Park Loop Trail. Anyone wishing to carpool with us should meet at 10:00 a.m. in the south end of the Piggly Wiggly parking lot in Charleston, TN. Those wishing to meet us in Athens, should meet at the park at 10:30 a.m. The park is just east of I-75 on Hwy 30. When you turn into the park entrance you will pass a pond on your left. Turn onto the first paved road on your left. You should immediately see some bathrooms and a few parking spaces. We will begin the trail walk at that point. After the walk, we plan to travel to Michael's restaurant on the north side of Athens for lunch. Please wear comfortable shoes. It is advisable to bring a bottle of water. Hike rating is Easy with some inclines and uneven walking surfaces, tree roots, along a bank, etc. Distances is 3.5 miles. Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to text or call James Anderson, the event leader at 423-715-8824 so you will be aware of any event changes or cancellations.
Thursday, February 20, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 - CCC Camp Tour at Sylco, Tennessee We will meet at the upper parking lot at TVA Sugar Loaf Recreation Area at 9:00 a.m. and car pool to Sylco to the former Forest Service campground Be prepared to bushwhack into the CCC campsite remains, then the old cemetery and school sites. Weshould complete the outing by 3:00 p.m. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - Buggytop Cave with short trip to the Natural Bridge Meet at 9 a.m. in Cleveland at the Park and Ride at I-75 exit and Hwy 60 next to the Mapco station to carpool or arrange with hike leader to meet at the trailhead. This trail is in a State Natural Area which will soon be part of the Head of the Crow State Park. The highlight will be the Crow Creek pouring out of the impressive cave opening. We will make a short drive to the bridge either before or after the hike. We can decide to eat lunch in the area or on the trail. Hike difficulty is rated Moderate with rocks and roots along the trail. Bring boots, hiking stick or poles, water. (Lunch to be decided.) Contact Anne Anderson ahander@aol.com or 423-284-7032.
Saturday, March 8, 2025 - Etowah Indian Mounds Tour This is a guided tour of Etowah Indian Mounds by Ranger Keviin Mardell. Those who attended the New Echota Tour will remember Mr. Mardell as he was our guide there. The cost is $6.00 per person for adults, $4.00 for seniors. Pack a lunch and we will eat on the park grounds. Meet at 8:15 a.m. in Cleveland at the Park and Ride at I-75 exit and Hwy 60 next to the Mapco station to carpool or arrange with hike leader to meet at the trailhead. We will travel to Etowah Mounds State Historic Site at 813 Indian Mounds Ridge; approximately 3 miles south of Cartersville, Georgia. We will return at 4:00 p.m. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Text Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you plan to attend
Monday, March 10, 2025 - Dutch Settlement, CNF Hike to the area of the historical "Old Dutch Settlement" of the 1840s on 70,000 acres in the Sylco Mountains in the Ocoee District of the CNF and look for artifacts. The hike is 5 miles and the hike difficulty is rated Moderate. Bring water, snacks, and a lunch. Departure time is 9:00 a.m. Meet at the King Slough Boat Launch Parking Lot, 250-348 Sugar Loaf Drive, Ocoee, TN. Hike leaders are Ken Jones and Claire Sullivan. For additional information contact Clair Sullivan at clare7982@gmail.com or 404-8490872.
Thursday, March 13, 2025 - Thursday Monthly Club Meeting Pot luck supper at 6:00 p.m., followed by a presentation by Johnny Arnett on the Master Gardener Program. Meet at the Etowah Senior Center in Etowah.Saturday, Presentation by Johnny Arnett - Master Gardener Program
March 15, 2025 - Lookout Mountain to Sunset Rock Meet at Chattanooga Nature Center at 10 a.m. This is a short steep hike, so the hike difficulty is Moderate to Strenuous. Bring water & snacks, optional lunch stop in Chattanooga after the hike. Hike 2 miles with 1243' of elevation gain to Sunset Rock and then return to the Nature Center, 4 miles total. Contact Jennifer Schroll at 423-2841256 or email jennifergeologist@gmail.com for more information.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - Ghosttown of Caney Creek - Hike, rated easy: inside the Ghosttown of Caney Creek. Location: Private Boat Take Out parking lot on Hwy 64. Time: 9:30 a.m. What to bring: canoe or kayak, paddles, life jacket, snack/lunch, camera, water. Other: We will explore the Ghosttown of Caney Creek without hiking down the 3 mile Caney Creek Trail. The road to the trailhead takes 1.5 hours since it's in poor condition. It takes 15 minutes to paddle to the extinct village. We'll explore the remains of the village that was "ahead of its time" from 1918-1941.The village had concrete sidewalks, city lights, city water, fire hydrants, indoor plumbing, public transportation, telephones and tennis courts. This hike is rated Moderate. For additional information contact Clair Sullivan at clare7982@gmail.com or 404-849-0872.
Thursday, March 20, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Saturday, March 22, 2025 - Mount LeConte Meet at the Alum Cave Trail 7:30 a.m. Hike up to LeConte Lodge and back. Must be in good physical condition. Hike difficulty is rated Strenuous. This is a 12 mile hike with significant elevation gain. We will depart 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 21 and return after the hike Saturday, March 22. Bring water, lunch, warm clothes, windbreaker, rain gear, headlamp or flashlight. Must contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you plan to attend.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 - Walk in Johnston Woods Meet in the trailhead parking area at Johnston Woods off Hwy 11 just south of Cleveland at 8:30 a.m. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring water to drink. Hikers have the option of walking the 1.2 mile loop and then the 2.9 mile loop for a total of 4.2 miles or just one of the loops. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to text or call James Anderson, the event leader at 423-715-8824 so you will be aware of any event changes or cancellations.
Friday, March 28, 2025 - Laurel Falls / Buzzard Point This hike is located on the Cumberland Trail near Dayton, Tennessee. Departure time from Cleveland is 8:30 a.m. and return time is 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. We will hike Laurel Falls, then cross the gorge and head to Buzzard Point where we will eat lunch. Bring food, water, and proper clothing. This 8-mile hike has rocky trails and a significant elevation gain. Hike difficulty is rated Strenuous. For additional information contact Randy Morris at 423-650-0985 or randytaylormorris@gamail.com.
Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk issent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - Black Mountain Located on the Cumberland Trail in Crab Orchard, this hike difficulty is rated Moderately Strenuous. There are many large rock formations, a cave, an old spring house, and several overlooks. Meet at the Spring City McDonald's to carpool to the trailhead. Departure time is 10:00 a.m. and return time is 3:00 p.m. Contact Sue Robinson at 423-519-9751.
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - Thursday Monthly Club Meeting Pot luck supper at 6:00 p.m., followed by a presentation by Jack, Jennifer, Rick on the Mesa Verde/Wemenuche Backpacking Trip. Meet at the Etowah Senior Center in Etowah. Presentation by Jack, Jennifer, Rick - Mesa Verde/Wemenuche Backpacking Trip
Saturday, April 12, 2025 - Shake Rag Hollow Located at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee this hike difficulty is rated Moderate. Meet at the trailhead parking lot on the right just past the entrance column's on TN 41A at 9:00 a.m. EST. We will hike an approximately 5-mile loop down to the hollow and back out around the edge of the golf course. After the hike, we will enjoy lunch in the college cafeteria. The cost of lunch is approximately $12 per person. Return time is 4 p.m. EST. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you plan to attend.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - Murphy NC River Walk, Lunch, and Museum Tour We will meet at the Cleveland Hobby Lobby parking lot at 9 a.m. and carpool to Murphy, NC. Any wishing to meet us in Murphy should be at the L&N Depot parking lot on McClelland Street in Murphy at 10 a.m.. We will begin our walk there. We will cover about 3-4 miles along the trail and some streets coming back into town. We plan to have lunch at the Red Brick Deli after we walk. After lunch, if you are interested, we can walk to and tour the Cherokee County Historical Museum. The admission cost is $3.00. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. The hike difficulty of this hike is Easy mostly, but with a few inclines. We will return late afternoon. Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to text or call James Anderson, the event leader at 423715-8824 so you will be aware of any event changes or cancellations.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885..
Monday, April 28 - Friday, May 2, 2025 - Group Camp Indian Boundary Lake Campground Indian Boundary Lake Campground is a nice, well maintained campground near a beautiful lake. There is a 3-mile trail around the lake. There are regular campsites available for RV's or tents as well as group sites. The group sites have fewer amenities so it is recommended that adjoining regular sites be used. For those wanting to bring RV's, you will need to make those reservations. Everyone will be responsible for their own meals. Some of the hikes may require shuttles, and that can be arranged as needed. Since reservations for this campground are difficult to get, I will be making reservations as soon as I can before the dates for at least two adjoining sites for tent campers. The overflow area, as I understand it, is first come first serve. It does not have the facilities as the regular sites, but it is not too far away. If you plan to attend, let me know by February 15, and if you plan to tent camp. I will try to get enough adjoining sites for tent campers. The location is near Tellico Plains, TN, about 2 hours from Cleveland, TN. Various day hikes will be available ranging from Easy to Strenuous. Possible hikes include Bob's Bald, Wiggs Meadow, and The Hangover. Contact Buddy Arnold at we_arnold@outlook.com or 601-415-3551.
Wednesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
April, 2025 - Andrews Valley Breathtaking RailBike Ride Jack Callahan will provide more information about taking a breathtaking 9.5 mile RailBike ride in Andrews NC railroad.
Saturday, May 3, 2025 - Wild Edibles Located on the Yuchi Wildlife Refuge on the Tennessee River, northwest of Decatur, Tennessee, this is a 2-mile walk. Earl Baldwin will lead an interpretive hike describing wild edibles that the Cherokee's used in their everyday life. There will be a $5 per person fee collected by Jack. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. We will depart at 9:00 a.m. and return at 2 p.m. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Text Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you plan to attend.
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Thursday Monthly Club Meeting Pot luck supper at 6:00 p.m., followed by a presentation by Kelly Ducham on Belize and Panama Birding. Meet at the Etowah Senior Center in Etowah. Presentation by Kelly Ducham - Belize and Panama Birding
Monday, May 12 - Thursday, May 15, 2025 - Red River Gorge, Kentucky Three nights at Koomer Ridge Campground with a variety of hikes each day. Reserve your campsite on www.recreation.gov by searching "Koomer Ridge". Koomer Ridge is a Daniel Boone National Forest facility. Hike difficulty is rated from Easy, Moderate, or Strenuous depending on the hike taken. Bring all camping gear and supplies you will need for a 4-day camping trip. There are sites for tents and for RV's. There is also a state park nearby with additional lodging. Jerry will conduct a meeting at Site 23 Thursday evening for orientation and a description of daily events. You must contact: Jerry Schneider at 513-324-4564 if you plan to attend and/or need additional information.
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - National Trails Day Maintenance Trip, Cherokee National Forest Contact Claire Sullivan for further information.
Sunday, June 8 - Sunday, June 15, 2025 - Great Allegheny Passage Trail Bicycling the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal trails is an adventurous, memorable trip through scenic and historic areas with interesting towns, bridges, tunnels, scenic overlooks, breweries, restaurants and lots of American history. Lodging choices include B&B's, hotels, or camping. The GAP trail runs 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland and is paved with crushed limestone. The C&O Canal Towpath is 184 miles and continues on to Washington, DC. We will bike 30 - 40 miles per day with a maximum grade of 0.8%. Bring rain gear, spare tube, water, and snacks. Check out the website gaptrail.org for assistance in planing this trip. You must contact Jerry Schneider at 513-324-4564 if you plan to attend and/or need additional information.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - Lost Creek One hill at the beginning of ths hike and another at the end of the hike. There are creek crossings that cannot be hoped. The trail is mostly level along the creek,. We will meet in Reliance at 10 a.m. at the public boat ramp next to the Hiwassee Outfitters. We should return around 2 p.m. Hike difficulty is rated Moderate. Contact Sue Robinson at 423-519-9751.
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - Thursday Monthly Club Meeting Pot luck supper at 6:00 p.m., followed by a presentation by Jack Callahan on Enhancing the Camping/Hiking Experience. Meet at the Chilhowie Campground. Presentation by Jack Callahan - Enhancing the Camping/Hiking Experience
Thursday, June 19, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Monday-Friday June 23-27, 2025 - AT Backpack, Roan Mountain Area including Caver’s Gap to 19E Portion (Strenuous) Meet at Mountain Harbor B&B about 10:30 on Monday, June 9, 2025. There is a parking fee to leave a vehicle there. Shuttle to Iron Mountain Gap. Shuttle cost $30-$40 per depending on number of hikers. ($55 first four, $10 each after that). Total miles, about 30. Only one of the shelters currently open, so tents needed. Due to elevation at some points on hike, need warm bags and warm gear. Always have rain gear in case needed. There is a hostel and regular rooms at the Mountain Harbor B & B, phone number 866-834-7361. Great breakfast buffet if you want to come a day early (reservations needed). There is a daily parking fee to leave a vehicle there.
Total miles, about 30. Only one of the shelters currently open, so tents needed. Due to elevation at some points on hike, need warm bags and warm gear. Always have rain gear in case needed. There is a hostel and regular rooms at the Mountain Harbor B & B, phone number 866-834-7361. Great breakfast buffet if you want to come a day early (reservations needed). There is a daily parking fee to leave a vehicle there. Hike coordinator Buddy Arnold, we_arnold@outlook.com and cell phone 601-415-3551.
Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
Thursday, July 10, 2025 - Thursday Monthly Club Meeting Pot luck supper at 6:00 p.m., followed by a presentation by James Anderson, Otis Pannel, Janet and Rob Coombs on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. Meet at the Sugar Loaf Picnic Area. Presentation by James, Otis, Rob - Great Allegheny Passage Trail
Saturday, July 12, 2025 - Oak Ridge and University of Tennessee Arboretum We will meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot for the History Museum, 652 Enrichment Street. Museum costs are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors. After the tour, we will enjoy lunch at Calhoun's. After lunch we will drive a short distance to the Arboretum at 9015 Illinois Ave, Oak Ridge and tour the grounds. Wear hiking shoes for the Arboretum tour. Return around 5 p.m. Bring snacks and water. Text Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you plan to attend.
Thursday, July 17, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Saturday, July 19, 2025- Brasstown Bald Meet at Food City Polk Co at 9 a.m. to carpool. Hike difficulty is rated Easy but it is steep. Hike .6 miles to Georgia's highest point. Awesome views and a nature center at the top. There is a cost of $8 per person collected at the parking lot. Contact Jennifer Schroll at 423-284-1256 or email jennifergeologist@gmail.com for more information.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - Bob Bald Start at Beech Gap on Cherohola Skyway. The high altitude should make for a pleasant summer hike to the high bald on a ridge crest just east of the main Unicoi range. At an elevation of 5,262 feet there is a scenic view of the highest Unicoi mountains to the south. Plan to eat lunch on the bald. Contact Anne Anderson at ahander@aol.com or 423-284-7032.
Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
Saturday, August 16 - Saturday, August 23, 2025 - Boundary Waters, Ely, Minnesota Paddle 6 days and camp 5 nights in the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness. One spot remains open on this trip. Contact Jennifer Schroll at 423-284-1256 or jennifergeologist@gmail.com for more information.
Thursday, August 21, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Saturday, August 30, 2025 - Paw Paw Meet at Childers Creek at 10:00 a.m. and walk 200 feet to the Paw Paw groves. We will collect and sample fruit from various trees. Afterwards, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. We should return around 2 p.m. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 for additional information.
Wednesdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - Thursday Monthly Club Meeting Pot luck supper at 6:00 p.m., followed by a presentation by Jennifer, Jack, Janet and Rob Coombs on The Boundary Waters. Meet at the Sugar Loaf Picnic Area. Presentation by Jennifer, Jack, Janet - The Boundary Waters
Tuesday, September 16 - Monday, September 22, 2025 - Utah National Parks Camping Trip Camp at Zion National Park, Watchman Campground (electric site) on the nights of September 16, 17, 18th. (Reservations can be made 6 months ahead). Hotels in Springdale, very close by. Daily hikes, drives, explorations will be organized for Zion, Capital Reef National Parks. There are also great State Parks to explore. Some of us will stay at the Bryce Canyon Lodge the night of September 19. Reservations should be made now if you want a room or you can camp/hotel. On September 20, 21, and 22 we will camp at Arches National Park (no electric sites). Reservations can be made 6 months ahead. Moab has hotels just outside the park. We will explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Some of us are planning to drive cross-country stopping at Arkansas High Point Mt. Magazine, KOA in Tucumcari, NM, and near Canyon de Chelly, AZ. We will return going across Colorado and stopping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison, a National Park in Colorado. Join us for this fantastic adventure. Contact Jennifer Schroll at 423-284-1256 or email jennifergeologist@gmail.com for more information.
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
Thursday, October 9, 2025 - Thursday Monthly Club Meeting Join us at the home of Janet and Rob Coombs for hamburgers, games, and fellowship. Bring an appetizer or dessert. Hamburgers and drinks will be provided. Activity hosted by Janet & Rob Coombs - Talking, Grilling, and Playing at Coombs home
Sunday, October 12 - Thursday, October 16, 2025 - Group Camp at Big South Fork NRRA The club has the Group Camp Loop E reserved in the Bandy Creek Campground, where we have stayed for the past several years. There are 18 individual campsites. No electrical or water hookups at the sites. The Group Camp has a screened in shelter with electricity, picnic tables and a nice large fireplace. The camp also has a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. There are many interesting trails with great views and great arches and rock formations available. We will develop individual day hikes when we arrive on site the first night. Typically, there are two or three hikes each day of varying degree of difficulty. For those who would prefer to stay at a cabin, Pickett Memorial State Park is about a 30 minute drive to the east of Bandy Creek campground. The costfor the Group campground per individual will be determined by the number of nights stayed. If you plan to attend, text Event Leader Rob Coombs at 423-400-8008.
Thursday, October 16, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - Club Work Day on the Childer's Creek Trail This event is to carry out trail maintenance on a beautiful 3-mile section of the Benton MacKaye Trail that runs along the Hiwassee River just upstream and east of Reliance TN. The Cherokee Hiking Club has officially voted to help maintain this section. We will meet at 9 a.m. at the Big Bend Parking lot on the Hiwassee River which is at the easternmost end of this section. A typical maintenance day may involve using loppers to cut branches, pruning saws, brush cutters, or painting trail blazes on trees. No experience is required. Dress in long pants, long sleeves, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and snacks or lunch. Return time will be mid to late afternoon. Further information will be released as the day of the event draws closer. Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to text or call Event difficulty is Easy to Strenuous depending upon what activity you choose to do that day James Anderson, the event leader, at 423-7158824 so you will be aware of any event changes or cancellations.
Late October or Early November - Lakeshore Trail in the Smokies This hike will require a boat shuttle from Fontana Dam Marina to the start of the hike. Cost for the shuttle is about $35 per hiker. There is also a $10 charge per night per hiker at the campsites, totally $40 each, so total cost is about $75. There is a limit of 6 hikers due to limits at the campsites. I will have to make reservations early to insure campsite reservations, so I will need a number by mid-August. The hike does not have a lot of elevation change but goes up and down a lot across drainage divides along the shore of Lake Fontana. The difficulty rating Strenuous mostly due to its length, about 36 miles total. There are nice views of the lake along the way and a lot of historical aspects. Day 1:Drive to Fontana Dam and arrive about 10:30. Take boat shuttle to Campsite 66 near Road to Nowhere. Hike to Campsite 74, about 5.0 miles via the tunnel. Day 2:Hike 9.8 miles to Campsite 76. Day 3: Hike 7.4 miles to Campsite 81. Day 4: Hike 7.7 miles to Campsite 90. Day 5: Hike 5.0 miles to Fontana Dam and drive home. Hike coordinator Buddy Arnold, we_arnold@outlook.com and cell phone 601-415-3551.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Lost Creek Hike (Part of Benton MacKaye Trail) Round trip this is a mostly flat easy 8 mile hike that follows Lost Creek. It is very scenic with many small waterfalls. We will meet at the Hiwassee Outfitters Campground in Reliance. From there, we will follow a steep road to the Benton MacKaye Trail for approximately ½ mile. Because of the length of the hike and the steeper road, this hike difficulty is rated Moderate with 300 feet elevation gain. We will follow the trail until it leaves Lost Creek and goes uphill to Lost Creek Campground. We will then turn around and hike back to where we started. There is one stream crossing and possibly two, depending on the rainfall. Bring food, water, possibly extra shoes to cross the stream. We will meet at 10 a.m. and return at 2 p.m. Contact the hike leader Leslie Auriemmo, Lauriemmo@yahoo.com or 423-331-8967.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - Monthly Club Meeting Pot luck supper at 6:00 p.m., followed by a presentation by Jennifer, Jack, Janet and Rob Coombs on The Boundary Waters. Meet at the Sugar Loaf Picnic Area. Presentation by Jennifer Schroll - Surplus Gear and Recycling
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Saturday, November 29, 2025 - Linda Davis Memorial Greenway Hike Meet on the Cleveland/Bradley Greenway at the pavilion at Raider Drive. We will depart 9 a.m. and return at 11:00 a.m. Bring clothing as appropriate and water. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. For additional information contact Randy Morris at 423-6500985 or randytaylormorris@gamail.com.
Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19, 26 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
Saturday, December 13, 2025 - Saturday Annual Christmas Party - The Christmas party is at the Etowah Senior Center and the cost is $10 per person at the door. Arrive at noon and eat at 1 pm. After the meal, there will be a brief business meeting. The 2026 officers will be inducted and then the always entertaining "Unwashed Santa" (Dirty Santa) gift exchange will be held. RSVP to cherokeehikingclub@gmail.com with Subject Line “Christmas Party” and the names of those in your party who are attending. Bring a $15 to $20 gift if you would like to participate in the gift exchange. Participation is not required!
Thursday, December 18, 2025 - Monthly Hike Club Breakfast Join us for conversation over breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Old Fort Restaurant on 25th Street in Cleveland. For more information, contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885.
Wednesdays, December 5, 12, 19, 26 - Wednesday Walks on the Cleveland Greenway Every Wednesday Jack Callahan leads a 3.75-mile walk on the Cleveland Greenway, meeting at the lower end of the parking lot across from Perkits and the Gondolier restaurant adjacent to Keith Street. Meet time is currently 4:30 p.m. A note on the walk is sent out the beginning of each week on Messenger. Hike difficulty is rated Easy. Contact Jack Callahan at 423-284-7885 if you want to be included in the messages.
December ?, 2025, Annual Planning Meeting - Coordinated by Rob Coombs