Cherokee Hiking Club
198 Crews Drive, Benton, TN 37307

Bean Mountain/Oswald Dome Dayhike
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Rescheduled from Jan 9

 

Brief Description:  

FS Trail 80 travels from the Picnic Area at Quinn Springs up Bean Mountain to Oswald Dome where several radio towers reside on the top of the mountain—said by one of my sources to be 2,999 feet in elevation. That being said, you basically hike from the river—around 800 feet in elevation to the summit for an elevation gain of approximately 2,200 feet. Because of this elevation gain—practically all within the first 2.7 miles—the rating is strenuous going up and moderate on the return trip. I hiked it this past weekend and it does give you a good workout.

The trail, maintained by our friends the Hiwassee Hiking Club, affords great winter-time views of the Delano area and west toward northern Bradley County, the Gee Creek Wilderness area across the river and glimpses of the mountains to the northeast. The views have been enhanced due to the last pine beetle infestation which killed many of the Virginia pines on the slopes of the mountain. The trail is in good shape and there are no stream crossings—just a few muddy places from wet weather springs.

Length:  8 miles

Difficulty Rating: Strenuous

Elevation Gain: About 2200 feet

        Hike Leader:  Randy Morris, 338-9464. Call no later than 9 p.m. Friday, January 8 for meeting places and times.

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Directions to the Trailhead: 

Since the drive is short, we will get a later start than normal to allow everyone to sleep in a bit and the sun to hopefully warm up the chilly January air. Call Randy Morris at 338-9464 no later than 9 p.m. Friday, January 8 for meeting places and times.

Post Trip Report: Three hikers and one canine braved the cold to hike the 8 miles up Oswald Dome from the Quinn Springs parking lot.  The 2,200 foot climb kept us fairly warm going up, but it was quite chilly during our quick lunch and descent.  The top of the mountain was in the clouds with a light snowfall occurring (as well as left over snow from earlier in the week) so it was quite pretty—especially the young white pines covered in ice.  We were fortunate enough to experience good winter-time views of the Gee Creek Wilderness, Delano area and a few peaks of the river gorge to the east.  Given the past few days of bitter temperatures and snow/ice it was nice to get out and enjoy nature—even given the chilly conditions.  Making the trip were James Anderson, Kathy Seymour (with trusty dog Rosie) and hike leader Randy Morris.

 

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