The Unicoi Crest above Tellico Plains

 

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

 

 

 


Flats Mountain Dayhike
Saturday, March 16, 2013

Trail Guide and Map

Brief Description:  

Flats Mountain is that big looming mountain visible to the east from the Indian Boundary Cherokee National Forest Campground and lake. From the9 top there are great views both to the east toward Stratton Bald, Haoe, and the Hangover, and to the west toward the campground lake, Tellico Lake and the Cumberland Plateau. The hike is 6.1 mile long and is mostly downhill, though there are some fairly steep uphill sections. The trail drops 1960 feet from the top of the mountain to Beehouse Gap on Citico Creek Road. The trail should be in good condition since it was logged and brushed out late last fall. This hike will require a shuttle. We will leave cars at Beehouse Gap, then drive to the trailhead on the Cherohala Skyway just past milepost 19 at Eagle Gap. The weather looks good for tomorrow with a chance of thunderstorns in the late afternoon with temps near 70 degrees. Expect the temp at the top to be closer to 55 degrees or so, though. DOGS are welcome. We prefer your dog to be on leash, but if your dog is VERY WELL BEHAVED, your dog may be off leash.
Plans are to meet at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains on Saturday at 10 AM. Afterwards we may plan on eating at the Outpost in Tellico Plains. The Outpost, which is next to the Exxon Station, has great wood-fired pizza and a variety of other offerings.

This is a last minute hike to celebrate Brenda's birthday. This is one of my wife's favorite trails. Call Rick Harris at 423-253-6358 home or 513-260-1184 cell if you have last minute questions. Let us know through Meetup if you plan to attend. This is a GREAT hike.

To see information on this hike, go to http://www.cherokeehikingclub.org/Flats%20Mtn%20Trail.pdf

Anyone is welcome including DOGS ON LEASH and VERY WELL BEHAVED DOGS OFF LEASH, but please be aware that this is a fairly challenging hike. Expect rough trail conditions with a fair amount of uphill and lots of downhill. Be sure to wear good sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended. Bring plenty of water and a lunch, and a rain coat just in case we get caught in a late afternoon thunder boomer.

 

        Leader Brenda and Rick Harris  423/253-6358   brendatharris@aol.com  or HarrisRi@aol.com    

        Length: 6.1 miles

        Difficulty: Moderate, mostly downhill. The trail is in good shape as of a few months ago.

Directions to the TrailheadMeet behind the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains at 10 AM 

Trail Guide and Map

Post Trip Report: This was an impromptu hike held to celebrate the birthday of Brenda Harris, dog-lover extraordinaire and wife of club webmaster Rick Harris. It was a beautiful day, and a good time was had by all, including the two dogs in attendance.  Since the leaves were not out yet, the views were perfect.  Attendees included Rick and Brenda Harris, their dog Jake, new club members Jill Kelly and Bo Rudder, Bo’s dog Winston, and guest Barbara Sharp.  Most of the group went to the Tellico Outpost for dinner afterward.  Below are pictured Bo and his dog Winston on the right, and Rick Harris, the birthday girl, and their dog Jake on the left.
 

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