Reports from the Field. Club Meeting. Next meeting Monday August 1, Newsletter of the Chattanooga Hiking Club. July 2016

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1 Newsletter of the Chattanooga Hiking Club July 2016 Club Meeting The Chattanooga Hiking Club meets at 6:30 PM on the first Monday of even numbered months at the Outdoor Chattanooga offices on River Street. Directions to the meeting site are on the club website: chatthiking.com Next meeting Monday August 1, 2016 June 6th Meeting Minutes Gary Petty called the meeting to order at 6:30. Sarah Frost talked about the upcoming Saturday hike. Donald gave the treasurer's report and presented John Rowland with a certificate of appreciation. Boe Rudder talked about the second half of the year hiking schedule. He also discussed t-shirts. The club voted on poly t-shirts and the four color design. Bo will proceed with the t-shirt order. Steve Barnes put a plug in for upcoming trail maintenance in the Cherokee National Park, Indian Boundary Campground on June 11th. The majority of the meeting was devoted to Noel Durant, Chattanooga Program Director for The Trust for Public Land. Their mission is to create parks and protect land. Their work in Chattanooga based on Greenway development has been the Tennessee Riverwalk, South Chickamauga Greenway, and North Chickamauga Greenway. Their large land acquisitions for public agencies consist of Chickamauga Chattanooga National park and Cumberland Trail State Park. The first park development for TPL in the city of Chattanooga was Stringer's Ridge. It was completed in September of This was a four year project to conserve 100 acres within one mile of the river. TPL raised funds, acquired the property, developed the trail network and transferred property to the city of Chattanooga. The South Chickamauga Greenway was twenty years in the making. It is a twelve mile multi use trail from Camp Jordan to the Riverwalk. He also discussed the TPL's healthy connected Chattanooga mapping initiative, the Chattanooga fitness zones, creative place-making, and the current place making in action. Please go to to learn more about The Trust for Public Land. Meeting was adjourned, Sarah Frost, reporting. CT from Sluder Lane to Climber s Loop exit Wednesday June 8, 2016 As the CT continues to move toward the Kentucky line, already completed sections have been improved and better defined. Don Deakins and his Soddy Daisy group have worked hard and today led us on this newly defined section of the CT. We left hikers at Sluder Lane then took cars to the parking area at the trail head for the Climber's Loop. The 4.9 section goes up, down, and sideways with times of smooth walking and times of rock and boulders to manipulate. Being guided by Don is comforting as our hikers become more familiar with this stretch through the historic Soddy mining area. Ferns were splendid with the most noted flower being the blue spider wort. Areas of poison ivy, too! The heat of summer made us glad for a morning only hike although the breezes on top of the ridge were refreshing. The plan was to lunch at the Screen Door once again as it was so enjoyed several weeks ago. The disappointing phone call came just before we left the parking area - the restaurant was closed due to water prolems! Promising ourselves to try again and on to El Metate in the Walmart complex were: Tennyson Carico, Patti Giles, Renee Grace, Bill Kinnaman, Jean Dickinson, Suzanne Dorough, Wanda McCarter, Sue Christensen, Autumn Carico, Charlie Breeding, Susan Garrett, Wayne Chambers, Merry Boggs, Diehl Boggs, Linda Busby, John Rowland, Shirley Wright, Wendy Gunn, Bob Rahn, Jane Ellet, Carol Deakins, Bill Whiteside, Larry Parks, Lori Holland, Che Carico reporting, Don Deakins leading. Don t you just hate this bumper -to-bumper traffic? - pictures from John

2 Page 2 Upcoming Outings Saturday July 9, 2016 Prentice Cooper Natural Bridge Location: Prentice Cooper State Forest Rating: Moderate Elevation Gain: 75 ft (about 4 times) Distance: 6.2 miles Driving Time: 30 minutes This hike will begin at the Snoopers Rock parking area. We will go to the overlook, and then south on the Pot Point Loop Trail. The trail follows (above) the Tennessee River until going into Richie Hollow and then to the impressive Natural Bridge. Afterward, we will return the way we came. Hike leader: Donald Box Donaldbox@epbfi.com Saturday July 16, 2016 Benton MacKaye Section 2a-b Location: Chattahoochee National Forest, north GA Rating: Strenuous Distance:11.2 miles Driving Time: 2.5 hours This day hike will start and end at the Three Forks area on Forest Service Road 58. We will hike north, passing Long Creek Falls and the Bald, to Bryson Gap. We will turn around here and backtrack to the car. Plan on leaving the meeting place no later than 8:00 am. Hike leader is Don Vanhook, , dvanhook@epbfi.com. Friday-Saturday July 22-23, 2016 Smokies road trip A little hiking Friday, probably on the North Carolina side, then see Unto These Hills. A motel stay overnight. A little more hiking Saturday and return home. Details still in progress. Hike leader is Wayne Chambers, waynevc@comcast.net. Saturday July 30, 2016 AT Clingman s Dome to Newfound Gap Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Distance: 7.9 miles Elevation Gain: a couple of short foot climbs Rating: Moderate Driving Time: 3.5 hours Let s stay cool by getting high! Oops, that sounds funny. I mean, let s try to beat the heat by hiking at significant elevation. This will be mostly a downhill er, with lots of shade. We ll have a short car shuttle. Hike leader is John Rowland, jrowland_1@hotmail.com or Springer Mountain Loop Our first segment of the Benton MacKaye was completed today in this Springer Mountain Loop hike. We hiked segments 1A and 1B. Although the weather was supposed to be in the 90's, the tree cover kept us relatively cool as we started up the hill towards Springer. We met a gentlemen named Mountain Man who was completing his southbound AT thru-hike! We veered off on the Benton MacKaye trail and came to a beautiful overlook. Continuing on the BMT, we made it to Three Forks where we ate our lunch by a gentle stream. To finish our hike, we caught the Appalachian Trail back to the Springer Mountain parking lot, where we drove out the 6.5 mile dirt road. Of course, we had to stop at Poole's Barbecue in Ellijay, where Darvin was nice enough to give the CHC a discount on dinner. Great day! Those attending were hike leaders Sarah Frost and Merry Boggs, Tim Frost, Diehl Boggs, Boe Rudder, Tim Chomyn, and Terri Holcomb. Springer Mountain picture from Sarah Trail Maintenance on Rocky Flats Trail in the Tellico area This was the National Get Outdoors Day Tellico Plains Trail Town Event. We had 17 people total, including a couple of youngsters. One crew worked from the upper trailhead and the other from the lower trailhead at Warden Fields. The upper crew logged out about 15 trees and brushed out about 3000 feet of trail. The lower crew logged out about 12 trees, did 120 feet of tread maintenance, and brushed out about 2000 feet of trail, all with traditional tools. Note that since this is in a wilderness area, chain saws and gas-powered brush cutters are not allowed; when was the last time (if ever) you manned a two-man cross-cut saw? Ken Jones was using one that belonged to his grandfather, and was rightfully mighty proud of it! The crew in total consisted of folks from the BMTA, the USFS, the Cherokee Hiking Club, the Chattanooga Hiking Club, Southern Appalachian Back Country Horsemen, and a boy scout troop from Knoxville. Before the work trip we had cinnamon rolls provided by Tellico Grains, cantaloupe, and other goodies. And for an early supper we had hamburgers and hotdogs and all the fixings provided by the BMTA and lots of wonderfully refreshing cold drinks. Overall it was a hot but great day of trail work and camaraderie. And for us it was an introduction to a campground that was previously unknown or little known to us; maybe that will come in handy in the future. Our participating club members were JD Dickenson, Bill Kinnaman, Steve Barnes, and John Rowland. Report from work session leader Rick Harris with editing and additional comments from John.

3 Page 3 A 20th Anniversary Hike Long-time club member Susan Faidley now lives in New Jersey. After beginning as a Wednesday hiker, in June 1996 (with trepidations), with Mary Young as the hike leader, Susan made her first major climb (3,000 ), to Spence Field in the Smokies. It was life altering! Among other things, she became a lover of the climbs and long, hard hikes; a backpacker; the Butterfly who completed the AT; and eventually an international hiker. On June 11, 2016, she (along with Spears McAllester, Elizabeth O Connor, and Beth Jones) made an anniversary return hike to Spence Field, and also Russell Field (on the hottest day of the year). Report from Donald Box. Rocky Flats Trail before and after brushing out - from John (Editor s note: Recently added to the website are Susan s memories of that hike under Mary s leadership. Look under About Us, Remembered Ones, Mary Young. Good read!) Bill and Bobby Get er done - from JD New S. Chick. Section to the Riverwalk Wednesday June 15, 2016 The sky was overcast as we began our exploratory hike at the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway trail head. The clouds kept us cool as we walked toward the River Park in search of the newly dedicated pedestrian bridge which crosses the creek to the Amnicola section. We appreciated the new section, especially since it brought us to the bathrooms at the River Park. We walked back to the trail head where 5 or 6 of us walked in the direction of the Lightfoot Mill Road proposed connector site. We all agreed that walking on concrete did not compare to walking in boots on soft ground for foot comfort! After all was said and done, only 4 of us enjoyed a delicious lunch at Portabella on Highway 58. Enjoying the walk were Suzanne Dorough, John Rowland, Larry Parks, Lynn McGee, Merry and Diehl Boggs, Debbie Lambert, Tom Carter, Teresa and Mac Dean, Ann Dean, Susan Garrett, Wendy Gunn, Jane Ann Seale, Bob Rahn, Geoge Hubbuch, Barbara Miller and Patti Giles, reporting. Working the two-man cross cut, and the finished product - from John The new bridge across S. Chick. near Amnicola Hwy - from John

4 Page 4 A Bill Kinnaman designed roof to protect against falling debris from the railroad above Folks crossing the new bridge over S. Chick. (above) and some really nice elevated boardwalk just past the bridge - pictures from John Liking the cool shade of the morning - from Don D. CT from Hwy 111 to Big Soddy Gulf Wednesday June 22, 2016 This section of the CT is not so new, however the exit in the new Big Soddy Gulf recreation area is and offers access to the trail and a way to section hike shorter distances. At 6 miles is the distance quoted by Don Deakins for this route. Having left cars at the entrance to Big Soddy Gulf, we drove enough cars to deliver the hikers to the trail access alongside 111. Over a fence via wooden steps and following the trail beside Board Camp Creek, we found a more gentle foot path, areas softened by pine needles, evidence of coal mining (watch out for the open mine shaft in the trail along the ridge!), a secluded pond, trickling water sounds on our left and from the bluffs above on our right, a giant rock overhang providing shade for lunch, some short lived ups and downs, and then a turn down onto a service road which led to the new bridge across Big Soddy Creek. There are picnic tables here and access to foot soaking water then an easy one mile walk out on a lightly graveled service road back to parked cars. There is a "blue hole" about a half mile from the parking lot and locked gate that was being enjoyed by quite a few swimmers and at least one joyfully barking dog. The Screen Door was closed this week for vacation so those hiking and lunching under the big rock were: Bill Kinnaman, Suzanne Dorough, Wanda McCarter, Larry Parks, Teresa Dean, Mac Dean, John Rowland, Barbara Miller, Stormy McGauley, Bill Needham, Wendy Gunn, Carol Deakins, Margaret Newton, Tom Long, Caroline Woerner, Tennyson Carico, Autumn Carico, Susan Garrett, Gary Buchanan, Ann Dean, Chrissy Cryder, Che Carico reporting, and Don Deakins leading Descending the stairs to below the bluff for lunch in the shade under a huge rock overhang - from Teresa Stringer s Ridge Saturday June 25, 2016 The ten hikers met at the Spears Trailhead at 8:30AM to begin the Stringer s Ridge hikes consisting of two hikes. Tim Chomyn led the 3.7 mile hike following the Blue Trail. We had several new hikers who wanted to start out with a shorter hike. Then, Merry Boggs led a 4.7 mile hike. This hike followed the Blue Trail but we added the Strut Trail (green trail) along with a section of the Cherokee Trail (white trail). Weather was great, maybe a little humid, but we were off trail by 10:45am. A special shout out to Elaine, Edith and Kelsi for their first hikes! We hope to see them on the trail again! Hiking participants: Diehl Boggs, Luke Spiekermann, Edith Behringer, Larry Jones, Kelsi Ritchie, Priscilla Clayton, Elaine Chomyn, co-leader Tim Chomyn, and leader Merry Boggs reporting.

5 Page 5 Outings Schedule Other Items 07/09/16 Prentice Cooper (M) D Box 07/16/16 Benton MacKaye 2A & 2B (S) D Vanhook 07/ /16 Smokies road trip W Chambers 07/30/16 Smokies Clingman s Dome (M) J Rowland 08/06/16 Benton MacKaye S Frost 08/13/16 Gee Creek B Rudder 08/20/16 Scenic Spur S Barnes 08/27/16 Chatt Nature Center (for Betty) (E) J Rowland Classified Ad: Hiking partner(s) wanted to section hike the Cumberland Trail. Emphasis on longer, northern sections that require car shuttling. Timing flexible. Carl Westman for more details: Russell1872@epbfi.com And Madelaine made me promise... if she sent me pictures, I d use one. Wednesday Day Hikes - Che Carico - The Wednesday group hikes many of the same trails as the weekend hikers. Since a schedule is not published in advance, please call Che at (423) on Monday or Tuesday and listen to the week s hiking plan or before Sunday her at MidWeek@chatthiking.com to be added to the distribution list to receive the week s plan every week. Hike Difficulty Ratings The information below is provided as a guide only. Each hiker assumes the risks associated with hiking in the great outdoors, including the responsibility of paying any bills associated with rescue efforts or medical care. The wise hiker always carries water, food, and first aid items. Easy (E): 6 miles or less; mostly level or only slight incline. Moderate (M): 6-10 miles with an elevation gain that will generally not exceed 350 feet per mile, with a total elevation gain of no more than 1000 ft. Moderately Strenuous (MS): 6-10 miles in length, but include rocky trail conditions, tricky stream crossings, or elevation gain of more than 1000 ft but less than 2000 ft. Strenuous (S): a distance of miles or with more than 2000 ft total elevation gain, but no more than 3000 ft. Extremely Strenuous (S+): Usually involves distances of more than 14 miles or more than 3000 ft in elevation gain. There might be very steep/rugged climbs, deep stream crossings, or unmentioned trails. pace is 2 miles an hour; less on steep or rugged terrain. Fast pace is 2.5 to 3 miles an hour or more and may not vary much regardless of terrain. Attention: When calling to go on an outing, please specify exact number of people who will be attending. Do NOT just show up with a friend or family member unannounced! This puts your hike leader in an awkward position as most hikes involve some planning of transportation. Also we frequently hike in wilderness areas and other places where the number of hikers in a group is limited. If that is the case, and the hike is already full, you may be turned away! Cancellations: Hike leader s are entirely at the own discretion regarding the weather. It is possible that a leader may decide that, due to weather conditions, they do not feel safe hiking on that day. Lightning kills many people every year and can strike hikers on a trail. Also many of the areas where we hike are prone to flash floods that can kill or injure. The leader will call if deciding to cancel before the day of the hike. In the event that the decision to cancel is made on the day of the hike, the leader will give you the courtesy of showing up at the designated meeting place to announce that the hike is cancelled. Rock/Creek Discount Info Aww shucks folks; it s a labor of love. John Show your Chattanooga Hiking Club Membership Card, along with your ID at any Rock/Creek Store. Chattanooga Hiking Club - 10% off one Item *Applies to one non-sale, in-stock item. Can not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Offer does not apply to gift cards, boats, boards, coolers, & electronics. In-store only. Club Officers and Support: President - Gary Petty (423) Vice President - Stormy McGauley (423) Treasurer - Donald Box (423) Secretary - Sarah Frost (423) Outings - Boe Rudder (423) Newsletter/Webmaster John Rowland (423) Membership Database - John Rowland (423) Membership Information - Chris O Conner (423) Trail Maintenance - Steve Barnes (423) Midweek Outings - Cheryl Carico (423) Website: chatthiking.com (includes link to newsletter)