Cherokee Hiking Club
198 Crews Drive, Benton, TN 37307

Fiery Gizzard Dayhike
Saturday, October 3, 2009

 

Distance: 10 milesDifficulty Rating: Moderate-strenuous. Moderate if we take the fiery Gizzard Trail to the Dog Hole Trail

Leaders: Randy Morris: 338-9464 and Debbie Flower: 476-3907

Brief Description: This trail features cascading streams, waterfalls, over-looks (Raven Point), spectacular rock formations (Chimney Rock) and a 500 year old hemlock tree.

Meeting Place: TBA

Trail Description: This trail is one of the most diverse and beautiful in the state of TN.  It has been ranked as one of the top twenty-five backpacking trails in the US by Backpacker magazine. 

Post-Trip Report: It was a cool, crisp, gorgeous fall day as six adventurous hikers and a dog descended into the boulder-strewn gorge of the Fiery Gizzard Trail.  The trail was treacherous, making the footing very precarious as we walked along Big Fiery Gizzard Creek. We saw cascading and plunging waterfalls, swimming holes and rock formations.  Then we began the arduous climb up to the ridge.  We passed abandoned coal mines, jumped multiple stream crossings, checked out campsites, and walked out onto the bluffs. A short lunch and a photo opportunity were taken at Raven Point, which offered a panoramic view of Gizzard’s Cove.  Upon our return, huge, 500 year old hemlock trees held us in awe.  This is a very challenging trail and not for the faint of heart.  Leaders: Debbie Flower and Randy Morris.  Hikers: Dave Flower with dog, Abby, Jennifer Schroll, Suzanne Bennett and Laura Almazan.

 

  Contact the Webmaster