The Cherokee Hiker. MARCH 2019 Volume 36, Issue III. Cherokee Hiking Club, Inc. 198 Crews Drive Benton TN

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The Cherokee Hiker MARCH 2019 Volume 36, Issue III Cherokee Hiking Club, Inc. 198 Crews Drive Benton TN 37307 www.cherokeehikingclub.org CHC Hike and Events Calendar. Recent Hike and Event Calendar.

1 The Cherokee Hiker MARCH 2019 Volume 36, Issue III Cherokee Hiking Club, Inc. 198 Crews Drive Benton TN CHC Hike and Events Calendar. Recent Hike and Event Calendar. FEBRUARY 1, 2019, FRIDAY DAY HIKES IN AND AROUND THE OCOEE WHITEWATER CENTER ON US 64 Hikes from the Whitewater Center every Friday for the next few months, led by Mike Friedman. Hikes depend on the weather and the group preferences on each Friday. Mike has led numerous hikes over the past month, including the Rhododendron Trail, Bear Paw trail, the Old Copper Road, and Brush Creek trail. All have been well attended, and several visitors have joined the groups.

3 FEBRUARY 2, 2019 SATURDAY ROCK CREEK DRY POND Eleven hikers enjoyed a beautiful, warm February hike in the Little Frog Wilderness area. After meeting at Thunder Rock Campground, we carpooled the short distance to the trailhead to begin our hike. We enjoyed great views of surrounding mountains such as Little Frog, Big Frog, and Panther Knob under crystal clear skies. After climbing around the lower flanks of Little Frog, we dropped down into the Rock Creek gorge to view the once impressive hemlock stands along the drainage. Sadly many of the biggest trees have already succumbed to the woolly algid that is wiping out the area s hemlocks. It was nice to see several living specimens, however a sight we may not witness for much longer in the Cherokee National Forest. The weather cooperated once again for our hike as a lack of significant rain during the week made the crossing of Rock Creek much easier than expected. After a lunch on the opposite bank, we climbed back out of the gorge to the intersection with the Dry Pond Lead Trail. We then enjoyed downhill trekking the rest of the way to Highway 64. Making the hike were club members James Anderson, Al Johnson, Mike Friedman, Jack Callahan, Megan Callahan, Sue Robinson, Judy Price, Mary Alton, Deborah Slaughter, Jackie Williams, and hike leader Randy Morris.

4 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 THURSDAY MONTHLY CLUB MEETING MICHAELS RESTURANT IN ETOWAH TN See meeting minutes attached. FEBRUARY 18, 2019 MONDAY CONFEDERATE LINE TRAIL AT CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD After a visit to the museum, Jennifer Schroll led 14 members and visitors on a 7 mile hike along the Confederate Line, with stops along the way to answer questions about historic markers and possibility of earning a NPS patch.

The firearms museum is one of the most extensive in the country, and is a great exhibit of how they evolved. It was a great day to be out!

5 The ground is flat and after the recent rains there was a bit of water which required some rerouting at times but Jennifer kept us all on track. The park has numerous trails similar to the one we explored, and there are options for future hikes there. The firearms museum is one of the most extensive in the country, and is a great exhibit of how they evolved. It was a great day to be out! FEBRUARY 19, 2019 TUESDAY MUSEUM OF APPALACHIA AT NORRIS, TN Eight members made the trip to the museum, on a bit of a cool overcast day. The weather allowed us to view all the outside log structures and then we had a nice warm lunch in the restaurant. Food and service were great. After lunch we toured the indoor portion of the museum, which has over 250,000 items from the Appalachian area, most items dating from the late 1700s on. If your grandparents or great grandparents had an item, there is one in this museum. Members making the trip included Ann and Bill Gray, Ruth and Clayton Pannell, Doreen Johnson, Linda Kryssing, Margaret Callahan, and Jack Callahan, event leader.

7 UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 1, 2019 FRIDAY HIKE UP OSWALD DOME Eight miles round trip, moderately strenuous, with an elevation gain of around 3100 feet. Possible sightings of pink Lady Slippers (??) this time of year. Bring water, snacks, and wear good hiking shoes. Possible lunch after at Flip Flops on the Hiwassee River at Reliance. Meet at Quinn Springs Picnic Area parking lot on Hwy 30 at 10:00 am. Hike Leaders Clare and Ed Sullivan, or MARCH SATURDAY ESTELLE MINE TRAIL AT CROCKFORD-PIGEON MTN WMA NEAR LAYFATTE, GEORGIA Easy to moderate trail, with optional old mine ore cart tunnels to walk through. Approximately 5 miles. For those wishing to go the tunnel route, bring flashlight. There are trails around the tunnels for those not wanting to walk through. Trail ends at the Pocket Wildflower area. Will require a car shuttle. Hike Leader Jennifer Schroll, text or jennifergeologist@gmail.com. To carpool from Cleveland, meet at the Park and Ride at 8:30 am on Georgetown Road at I-75, Exit 25 next to the Mapco/BP station just west of the intersection. Approximate drive time from Cleveland is 1.5 hours. NOTE: There is a $10 nonresident one day per person permit required by the State WMA which can be purchased on line. It is listed as a one day Fishing License. Go to Georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes to purchase. MARCH 10, 2019 SUNDAY WHITE OAK MOUNTAIN TRAIL SYSTEM, AJACENT TO SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY IN COLLEGEDALE, TN We will hike 4 to 6 miles depending upon the group. This property is a part of the College complex. Trails are moderate to easy, with a large combination of routes to select from. These are mixed use trails with bike traffic. Bring a lunch, water and hiking shoes. Meet at the Home Depot parking lot on Paul Huff Parkway in Cleveland at 9:30 am to carpool. or meet at trailhead after parking at lot P1C off Morningside Drive next to the campus in Collegedale around 10:15 where we will begin the hike. Hike Leader Jack Callahan or jackn1945@bellsouth.net if attending. Coordinates for the trailhead parking lot 35 deg 02 min sec North, 85 deg 03 min sec. W.

This is the trailhead MARCH 14, 2019 THURSDAY MONTHLY CLUB MEETING We will meet at the Etowah Community Center at 6 pm, pot luck supper, with a presentation by Larry and Candy Van Dyke on their trip

8 This is the trailhead MARCH 14, 2019 THURSDAY MONTHLY CLUB MEETING We will meet at the Etowah Community Center at 6 pm, pot luck supper, with a presentation by Larry and Candy Van Dyke on their trip to India. The Community Center is located at 435 Cooper Street in Etowah. MARCH 16, 2019 SATURDAY ALBRIGHT GROVE HIKE IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NP. Approximately 7 mile hike with an elevation gain of about 1500 feet, rated moderate. This area is home to many large poplar, Frazer magnolia, basswood and beech in a virgin old growth stand. We will stop for supper on the way home. Bring a lunch, water and sturdy hiking shoes. This route was last hiked by the club in Time and location of carpool from Cleveland/Benton to be determined. Hike Leader Randy Morris, or randytaylormorris@gmail.com. MARCH 22, 2019 FRIDAY HIKE IN THE BIG FROG WILDERNESS AREA Actual trail and length to be determined. Hike leader Mike Friedman, or michael @aol.com. MARCH 30-31, 2019 SATURDAY/SUNDAY OVERNIGHT CAMPING/FISHING TRIP, PARKSVILLE LAKE We will camp on the lakeside in a primitive campsite in the Baker Creek arm of the lake. We will use the Forest Service boat ramp at Kings Slough as our access point. Plan on four meals including a supper and a breakfast. For more details if you are interested in putting your name on the list, contact Jack Callahan at or jackn1945@bellsouth.net. LOOKING AHEAD... Reservations for the Club Group Campout at Big South Fork NRRA have been made for October 20-25th 2019, in Site E-1. Looking forward to the second round with Honey Creek Loop trail. Wind River Backpacking Trip dates have been set for September 3-12, Actual hike dates will be from 5-10 September, six

9 days, five nights, with a total distance of about 40 miles. The hike is currently full, but if you are interested please contact Jack Callahan to have your name put on the alternate list, in case someone cancels out. Don't forget, final call...dues are due! Cherokee Hiking Club Meeting minutes February 7, in attendance this evening. Welcome to a few new people that may consider joining our group. This meeting held at Michael's restaurant in Etowah. Treasury report given by Jack Callahan in lieu of Randy s absence. January 6, we had a balance of $1,899. We received $165 in 6 membership renewals and 5 new memberships. No expenditures this month, which brings February s balance to $2,064. New and unfinished business 1). Membership dues are due if you haven t paid up yet. 2). This year s Christmas party to be held 12/14 at Benton Station Baptist Church with Dam Deli catering. 3). Reminder to nominating committee to come up with new club president for ). Please look at scheduled hike s difficulty rating before attempting. Any questions, contact hike leader to clarify if the hike is in your physical fitness ability. 5). Looking to purchase bright orange baseball caps with Cherokee Hiking club emblem. Cost would be $12 each for 12 caps. Let Jack know if you d like one, two or twenty. Previous month s hikes/events 1). January 15, Ruth led 9 people on the Eureka trail in Athens. Reported to be a easy and nice hike along old railroad bed turned into trails for hikers and bikers. 2). January 21, Jack led 8 people on this hike along the piney river. Very cold start of 19* and ending cold at 29*. Very beautiful with icicles hanging along the rocks as well as the river with high level of water from recent rains. Will try to return here when spring flowers come out. 3). January 26, Lookout Wild Film festival in Chattanooga was reported to be a very interesting event and informative as well.

10 4). February 1, Mike started his hike every Friday at 10 am. 6 people attended and walked the easy Rhododendron trail, and then hiked the bear paw loop. 5). February 2, Randy led 11 people on the 8.5 mile Rock Creek to Dry pond lead trail. Weather was great for this hike. The water crossing was almost knee high and cold but no one fell in at least. Upcoming hikes/events 1). February 8, Mike leading hike from Boyd s Gap to whitewater center. Meet at whitewater center lower parking at 10 am. 2). February 18, Jennifer leading this approx. 6 mile hike at the Chickamauga battlefield. Meeting at the park and ride by exit 25 on the left on rte 60 at 8:30am to carpool. Or meet at 9:15 at the museum at the battlefield. Bring lunch and be prepared for muddy areas. Easy flat walking. Great firearm display at museum. 3). February 19, Jack organizing trip to Museum of Appalachia. Admission fee $15 for seniors, $18 regular admission. Meet at 8:30am Home Depot in Cleveland on garden side of store to carpool. Cafeteria at museum for lunch. 4). March 1, Clare is leading hike up to Oswald Dome. This is a difficult 8 mile hike. 4 miles up many switchbacks, and 4 miles down. 5). March 10, Collegedale hiking led by Jack. Meet at 9:30 at Home Depot in Cleveland to carpool. Depending on who shows up, depends on level of hiking done. Next club meeting to be held March 14th at Etowah s senior center at 6pm. Larry and Candy Van Dyke to give presentation on their extensive trip to the Himalayas and elsewhere just as wonderful! Meeting ended at 6:55 pm Submitted by Sue Robinson, secretary

The Cherokee Hiker. APRIL 2019 Volume 36, Issue IV. Cherokee Hiking Club, Inc. 198 Crews Drive Benton TN

The Cherokee Hiker. APRIL 2019 Volume 36, Issue IV. Cherokee Hiking Club, Inc. 198 Crews Drive Benton TN The Cherokee Hiker APRIL 2019 Volume 36, Issue IV Cherokee Hiking Club, Inc. 198 Crews Drive Benton TN 37307 www.cherokeehikingclub.org CHC Hike and Events Calendar. Recent Hike and Event Calendar. MARCH