Possum Creek Gorge

We will hike the Possum Gorge Segment of the Cumberland Trail (CT) from North to South—beginning at the Retro-Hughes Road trailhead above Bakewell, TN and hiking to the section end at Heiss Mountain Road for a total distance of 10.0 miles. Although the two major stream crossings (Little Possum and Big Possum Creeks) now have nice bridges, there is one stream crossing over Little Possum Creek. This is normally easily “rock-hopped” unless there has been significant recent rain. There is approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain and 1,000 feet of elevation loss along the trail—with the vast majority being during the descent/ascent of the two major gorges. These sections are quite steep in places. This section of trail features some old growth hemlock stands, Imodium Falls and interesting rock formations—including “Stack” Rock. We will place a car at the end of the hike off Hwy. 111 before beginning the hike from Retro-Hughes Road. Good information on the hike can be accessed on the CT website at www.cumberlandtrail.org.

We will meet in Cleveland at 8:00 a.m. for the trip over to Bakewell to begin the hike. We will eat dinner in Dayton after the hike. If interested in attending, please call Randy by Friday evening, November 12 at 423-650-0485 for meeting place and other details.

Brief Description: We will hike part of the Possum Gorge Segment of the Cumberland Trail (CT) to Imodium Falls for a total mileage of 8.8 miles. There is one stream crossing over Little Possum Creek which could be

interesting if there has been significant rain just before the hike date. Volunteers are presently constructing bridges on the CT in the area so there is the possibility the problem could be eliminated. I have an email out at present asking for an update. The gorges in this section of the Cumberland are quite beautiful. I will have more information after I have had a chance to “preview” the hike so check the club’s website closer to the hike date for more details. In the meanwhile you can check out the hike on the CT website at www.cumberlandtrail.org.

We will hike part of the Possum Creek Gorge segment of the Cumberland Trail (CT) to Imodium Falls for a total of 8.8 miles. The notable beauty of the steep-sided gorges in this section of the Cumberland will be enhanced by the fiery fall colors. The falls present an impressive arrangement of natural stonework, and trail workers have built a staircase to the bottom, where we'll plan to eat lunch. The trail is evenly graded for easy walking, open, and very well maintained so no one should be hesitant to come out and enjoy the experience.

This is an especially good hike for anyone wishing to get acquainted with the new trail sections on the Plateau. It will be the first in a series of CT outings. Go on all of them and experience the wonderful beauty of the entire Cumberland Trail!

More information is available at the CT website, www.cumberlandtrail.org/possum.html. Please contact the trip leader Randy Morris at 338-9464 by Friday evening October 31 if you plan to attend. We will leave from the Commuter Parking Lot at Exit 25 in Cleveland at 8:30 a.m. We may have an early dinner at one of the good restaurants in the area if participants desire.