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The Unicoi Crest above Tellico Plains

 

Cherokee Hiking Club
198 Crews Drive, Benton, TN 373
07

 

 

 



Big Frog Moonlight Hike
Saturday, March 7, 2009

Big Frog Area Map and Trail Listing

Sunset from the top of Big Frog

Up on the top of Big FrogBrief DescriptionThis Saturday March 7th is our scheduled moonlight hike on Big Frog Mountain.  If the weather cooperates and there isn't a lot of cloud cover predicted by the weatherman, then we will hike up Big Frog late Saturday afternoon and return after the sun sets by the light of the moon and/or our headlamps.  If the weather doesn't cooperate, we will do just a regular daylight hike that morning as an alternative.  This hike would definitely be rated as strenuous as it is about 12 miles and 2000 ft or so in elevation change, not to mention the fact that we will be traveling in the dark.  If you are interested call me by 7:00 pm on Friday night so I can give you the exact times and meeting places.  (423-715-8824 James Anderson)

One of the huge hemlocks which will probably be killed by the adelgidBe sure you bring a headlight with good batteries and hiking poles.  I'll supply a camp stove to heat up your water if you want some hot chocolate at the top.   (You supply the hot chocolate, your water, and a cup)  Also you might want to bring a sandwich or something to eat as it will probably be too late for dinner after we get down.  As of now the weatherman is predicting 70's by the weekend so hopefully it should be great.

Adelgid on the hemlocksLength12 miles

Difficulty Rating: Strenouous

Elevation Gain: More than 2000 feet

Hike Leader 423-715-8824 James Anderson

Directions to the Trailhead To be arranged, call James

Post Trip Report: Us hikers at the trail kioskIt was about 3:15 pm on a Saturday afternoon when Don Bennett, Randy Morris, Bill Kamm, Brenda Harris, James Anderson the hike leader, and Brenda's faithful dog, Jake, set out for the top of Big Frog.  The air was a bit smoky at times as the forest service had been doing a controlled burn someplace fairly close by.  However, the sky was sunny and the temperature was great for hiking.

On the way to the top we meet several day hikers and two others who had been doing some maintenance on the trail.  Despite the fact that it was quite warm at the trailhead, it grew considerably colder and windier as we climbed to the top.  In one place there was still a bit of ice from the snow and ice that fell earlier in the week.  It was undoubtedly remnants of the Great Big Frog glacier!

Supper up on Big FrogWe made it to the top about 6:30, just a few minutes before sunset, and were able to enjoy the afternoon colors of the sky as the sun sank below the horizon.  After spending a few minutes talking and looking around at the top, we hiked a few hunderd yards to find a spot out of the wind and with a log to sit on.  There we fired up the stove, heated some water, and enjoyed hot chocolate and a snack.  By the time we were finished it was dark and so we headed down.  Although the moon was out, we hiked with our headlights on.  On the way down we were able to enjoy the moon and the stars, as well as see the many lights to the west out past 411 and toward Cleveland, and the lights to the east of Ducktown and the Copperhill area.  On the hike down we were asked by an owl to identify ourselves because he kept asking, "Who, Who, Who?" Shortly after 10pm we were back at our vehicles with all saying they greatly enjoyed the experience.

This report prepared by James aka "Moses" Anderson

 

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