Cherokee Hiking Club
198 Crews Drive, Benton, TN 37307

Chilhowee Mountain Hike
Saturday, November 14, 2009

Brief Description: The hike will be approximately 8 miles in length.  It is a close one so not much driving is involved.  We will hike from Hwy 64/30 up Clear Creek, a mile or so on the Rim Rock connector, and then loop back down on Clemmer.  It is on the southeastern side of Chillhowee Mtn.  It will involve two small stream crossings that will probably have to be waded so bring water shoes or sandals.  The elevation change I would estimate to be between 1000-1200 feet.  It will offer some nice views of the upper section of Parksville lake and Big Frog further to the East.  I would rate this hike as moderate.  We will take our time and hopefully enjoy our lunch with a view of  Parksville lake.  Since this hike is so close I'm thinking that we won't meet until around 9:30 or 10:00.  We should be out by mid afternoon.  If you are interested please contact the hike leader James Anderson.

      Leader:   James Anderson, 423-715-8824 no later than 8:00 pm of the Friday night prior to the hike for meeting instructions

        Difficulty: Moderate/strenuous, 8.0 miles

Post Trip Report: The weather just couldn't have been any better for a hike.  It was sunny with temps in the low 70's.  A total of 7 hikers, including the hike leader, made the 8 or so mile loop of Clear Creek, Rim Rock, and Clemmer trails on the southeast flank of Chilhowee Mountain.  Since the rock slide had stopped most of the traffic on Hwy 64, for most of the day, we couln't even hear the traffic from down below.  We stopped in a clearing near the top for lunch and to enjoy the view of the upper end of Parksville Lake and Big Frog to the south.  We braved two creek crossings where we did have to wade a bit.  It was quite refreshing though!  It wasn't until fairly late in the day before we encountered anyone else on the trail when we saw a few cyclists on the Rim Rock and Clemmer segments. Those hiking that day were Sunni Campbell, Debbie Zuidema, Karen Young, Randy Morris, Don Bennett, Carol Guhne, and James Anderson.

 

  Contact the Webmaster