The Cherokee Hiker. May 2017 Volume 33, Issue 5. Cherokee Hiking Club, Inc. 198 Crews Drive Benton TN

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1 The Cherokee Hiker May 2017 Volume 33, Issue 5 Cherokee Hiking Club, Inc. 198 Crews Drive Benton TN ~CHC Hike and Events Calendar~ May 6, 2017 Saturday. Grassy Gap Hike. Leader: Jack Callahan. Strenuous, 8 miles, approximately 1200 feet elevation gain and rough trail conditions. May 6, 2017 Saturday. (Rescheduled from April). Old Stone Fort Hike, brunch. Leader: Ann Gray. Easy, 1.25 miles. May 11, Thursday. Monthly club meeting, Charleston Park in Charleston TN at 6:00 p.m. Potluck. May 15, Monday Oak Ridge UTK Arboretum Hike. Leader: Jack Callahan and Leon Bates. Easy, 5 miles or less, nature walk. May 23, 2017 Tuesday. Turtletown Falls Hike. Leaders: Linda Kryssing and Sue Robinson. Moderate, mile loop with 2 waterfalls along the way. May 27, 2017 Saturday (NEW DATE). Boyd Gap/Old Copper Road Hike. Leader: Clayton Pannell. Easy, 3.5 miles with optional 1 mile hike to the dam and back to the trail. May 30, 2017 Tuesday. Fort Mountain Wildflower Hike. Leader: Ruth Pannell. Easy, 1 mile plank walkway through blooming flowers. Date Open. Cleveland State Community College trail maintenance. The college will be leading this up, but the Club will assist. Contact: Rebecca Levings. No dogs allowed, due to TN law for college trails. Easy, ~3 miles. MAY HIKES Grassy Gap Hike - May 6, 2017, Saturday Hike leader: Jack Callahan. Rating: strenuous. Length: 8 miles, with approximately 1200 feet elevation gain and rough trail conditions. This hike covers Wolf Ridge trail #66, Grassy Gap trail #67 and Big Creek trail #68 in a loop in/near the Big Frog wilderness, beginning and ending on Forest Service Road 221. The Grassy Gap Trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and generally follows the 2400 foot contour. This hike will require fording of Camp Branch around 1 mile from the end of the hike, so please bring or wear water shoes and clothing that easily dries out. Also bring a lunch/snack and plenty of water. Meet at the Thunder Rock Campground trailhead just downstream of Powerhouse #3 off U.S. Highway 64 at 9:00 a.m. to carpool to the beginning of the hike on FS RD 221. Contact Jack at or jackn1945@bellsouth.net. 1

2 Directions from Cleveland: take U.S. Highway 64 east, and go across the intersection with U.S. Highway 411 at Ocoee (the McDonald s/gas station will be on the right). Continue several miles into the gorge. When you see the large green tower on the right, the turn to the Thunder Rock Campground will be close, so watch for it. Turn right and go over the Ocoee River on the bridge. Take a right and keep bearing right to go into the Thunder Rock parking area. If you have passed the White Water Center on U.S. 64 you have gone a little too far. Old Stone Fort State Park Hike May 6, 2017, Saturday Hike leader: Ann Gray. Rating: easy. Length: 1.25 miles. NOTE: This hike was rescheduled from April. Please note the changed carpool location below. We will visit the old Stone Fort State Park and go on a short hike, but first we will eat. The original mill dates back to 1812, but burned in the 1860's and was rebuilt in It's on the National Register of Historic Places. The 877-acre historic park is located about 2 miles off the interstate, and was a 2000-year old Indian ceremonial site. To carpool, please meet at 9:00 a.m. at Ann s house at 2349 Varnell Road in Cleveland. We will drive 2 hours to Readyville TN, which is 17 miles off I-24, exit 97, south of Murfreesboro. We will first eat brunch at Goodness Gracious at the Readyville Mill. They serve a wonderful breakfast/brunch/lunch, where you can order off of any of the 3 menus (breakfast, brunch or lunch). Following brunch, the group will head south to the Old Stone Fort State Park, taking Exit 105 to get to the park. There is a small museum there where you can see an 18 minute film and walk an easy loop trail of 1.25 miles along the Duck River with numerous waterfalls. If interested in attending, call Ann Gray at She can give you directions to her house then. Oak Ridge UTK Arboretum Hike - May 15, 2017, Monday Hike leader: Jack Callahan and Leon Bates. Rating: easy. Length: 5 miles or less, nature walk. The Arboretum (901 South Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge TN) is a self-guided system of trails with emphasis on tree identification. There are numerous options for easy walking loop trails, which if all walked would total 5 miles. The Arboretum covers 250 acres, with over 2500 native and exotic woody plants, including an extensive holly population. We can decide to pack a picnic lunch or eat at one of the restaurants in Oak Ridge. Web site is Meet at the Cleveland Home Depot parking lot (546 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland TN) at 9:00 to carpool. Contact Jack at or jackn1945@bellsouth.net. Directions to carpool location: go I-75 to Exit 27, and turn off, heading east into Cleveland. Go a few traffic lights until you get to the intersection with Mouse Creek Road. Take a left there at the light. Then take a quick right into the Home Depot parking lot. Turtletown Falls Hike May 23, 2017, Tuesday Hike leaders: Linda Kryssing and Sue Robinson. Rating: moderate. Length: mile loop. During this hike, we will encounter 2 waterfalls along the way. 2

3 Please meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Farner Post Office off Highway 68 in Farner TN. Sue is also willing to carpool from Tellico Plains if needed; those wishing to carpool from Cleveland will be responsible for their own carpool. Note: a 4-wheel drive vehicle will be needed to drive to the trailhead. Directions to hike location from Cleveland: take U.S. Highway 64 east and pass over U.S. Highway 411 in Ocoee. Continue through the gorge until you reach Ducktown. In Ducktown, take a left onto Highway 68 and head north. Continue on 68 several miles until you reach the small town of Farner. There take a left on the side road to the Post Office, which is very near the highway. We will meet in the parking lot there. Contact Sue Robinson at (text) or (voice). Boyd Gap/Old Copper Road Hike May 27, 2017, Saturday Hike leader: Clayton Pannell. Rating: easy. Length: 3.5 miles with optional 1 mile hike to the dam and back to the trail. We will hike down the Boyd Gap Trail to Old Copper Road Trail, and optionally hike that trail to the #3 dam (about ½ mile one way). Then we will return to the Boyd Gap Trail and continue our hike to the Whitewater Center. Please meet at the lower parking lot of the Whitewater Center on U.S. Highway 64 at 9:00 a.m. Directions to the hike location from Cleveland: take U.S. Highway 64 east, and go across the intersection with U.S. Highway 411 at Ocoee (the McDonald s/gas station will be on the right). Continue several miles into the gorge. Continue pass the large green tower on the right, which marks the entrance to Thunder Rock Campground. The White Water Center is not far from there on the right. Park in the first parking area you will see. If interested, contact Clayton and Ruth Pannell at (home), (cell) or via crpannell@comcast.net. Fort Mountain Wildflower Hike May 30, 2017, Tuesday Hike leader: Ruth Pannell. Rating: easy. Length: 1 mile. This hike consists of an easy stroll along a plank walkway through blooming flowers, and will take place in Fort Mountain State Park near Chattsworth GA. To carpool, please meet at the Ocoee Hardee s on U.S. 411 at 9:00 a.m. Directions to carpool location from Cleveland: take U.S. Highway 64 east and turn north (left) on U.S. Highway 411 in Ocoee. Go a very short distance and take a left in the driveway right past the Hardee s, which you will see on the left. Go to the commuter s parking lot in the back of the Hardee s parking lot. Cleveland State Community College Trail Maintenance date to be determined This is an easy, in-town maintenance of the trail in back of Cleveland State Community College. All the trail loops consist of around 3 miles, easy up and down. No dogs are allowed, due to a state law prohibiting them from the grounds. 3

4 Kim Harrington, campus chair of the Healthy Campus Committee, is leading this effort up at the college. CHC members are very welcome to help out. It is easier for the college students and staff to perform this cleanup on a weekday. Some of the CHC members can help on weekdays, and some are not able to, but may be able to help on a weekday evening. Ms. Harrington will be in touch with the Club about the date that this maintenance is scheduled for this spring/summer. For more information, contact Rebecca Levings at reblev155@aol.com. Hikes and events in May For last minute updates to our current hike schedule, there are 3 places to check: 1. Our club website at 2. The Cherokee Hiking Club Facebook page. Click on the Facebook link:. 3. The Cherokee Hiking Club Meetup page. Click on the Meetup link below: *NOTE: As a courtesy, ALWAYS contact the hike leader in advance of the hike to facilitate planning. OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST May Meeting May 11, Thursday We will meet at Charleston Park in Charleston TN at 6:00 p.m. The dinner will be potluck, so please bring a favorite dish. Drinks and dinnerware will be provided. You may also consider bringing a folding chair, as seating at the picnic tables is limited. Guests and visitors are welcome! Directions from Cleveland: head north on U.S. Highway 11 (Keith Street/North Lee Highway) to Charleston. In Charleston, you will see the Fire Station on the right and the Charleston Elementary School on the left. On that corner, make a right onto Worth Street and go a short distance, about a block. The Charleston Park will be on the left. Turn at the first driveway into the park, and park near the covered pavilion where we will have our supper and meeting. Directions from Athens and points north: head south on U.S. Highway 11 toward Charleston. After passing over the Hiwassee River and going a few blocks, you will see the Charleston Post Office on the left. Go a few more blocks, and you will see the Fire Station on the left and the Charleston Elementary School on the right. On the street (Worth Street) right before the Fire Station, make a left. Go a short distance, about a block. The Charleston Park will be on the left. Turn at the first driveway into the park, and park near the covered pavilion where we will have our supper and meeting Hiking Club Dues The 2017 Cherokee Hiking Club dues of $15 per household are currently due if you have not already paid for the upcoming year. May is our dues month, so if you haven t paid by the end of the month, you will be dropped from the roster and the newsletter list. You may bring the dues to the May meeting or mail them to the club treasurer at the address listed below. Cherokee Hiking Club 4

5 198 Crews Drive Benton, TN Phil Burress As you know, Phil Burress, husband of Lettie Burress, was a long time member of the club along with this wife. Many of you also know that he passed away on April 5, 2017 after a debilitating stroke left him mostly paralyzed for 5 years. RIP Phil Burress, you will be remembered fondly Many of you have wanted to send donations, as the obituary recommended this in place of flowers. The following charity is the one selected by the Burresses: Joni and Friends ministry You can donate online or if you prefer to send the money to them via snail mail, their mailing address is Joni and Friends PO Box 3333 Agoura Hills, CA For tax write-offs, their tax ID number is toward the bottom of the webpage. Wilderness Wildlife Week May 9-13, 2017, Tuesday-Saturday The club s wildflower expert Leon Bates will be giving presentations at this event in Pigeon Forge TN. See the event website at for more information. Roan Mountain State Park Campout June 20-23, Tuesday-Friday Jack Callahan is proposing a 4 day/three night camping/cabin rental event for June 20-23, 2017, at Roan Mountain State Park. The group will arrive on the 20 th and depart on the 23rd. This will be a Club event. There will be hikes of various levels of difficulty. This campout will be after the annual Rhododendron Festival that will take place June 16-18, 2017, but typically the flowers are still in bloom, and the crowds are somewhat less. There is a large campground as well as some 30 cabins available for rent in the park. Jack plans to lead a day hike each day, the first from Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge, about 6 miles round trip, and featuring a 1200 foot elevation gain. This would classify as a strenuous hike, but we would have all day to make the trip, and could take our time. A second day hike would be from the "Barn Shelter" to Little Hump Mountain, about 6 miles and featuring an elevation gain, another strenuous hike. But again we would have all day to make the hike and could take lots of rest stops. We would have a leisure lunch on the balds. This would be an opportunity for those club members who do not care to backpack and camp on the trail to see these unique balds and experience the scenic panoramic views from elevations of 5500 to 6200 feet. There are shorter, less strenuous hikes in the area, and of course there are the Rhododendron gardens. Due to the popularity of the area during this time, it is suggested that those who want to join this trip should make reservations as soon as possible. Currently about 1/2 of the campsites and cabins are already reserved. Jack has reserved campsite #70. 5

6 Persons interested in more information may contact Jack Callahan at or Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Backpack October 31- November 8, Tuesday-Wednesday Hike leader: James Anderson. Rating: strenuous. Length: many miles. James Anderson is looking for other adventurers to join him and Buddy Arnold in backpacking this section of the exciting Grand Canyon. Within the next few weeks he will need to apply for the backcountry permits in order to make this rim to rim backpacking trip. The space is limited to 6 spots and 2 are already taken by Buddy Arnold and James. The draft details of the trip are as follows: Tuesday, October 31: fly from Chattanooga to Flagstaff, rent a vehicle, and then stay in hotel at South Rim. Wednesday Nov 1: catch shuttle to North Rim and then hike to Cottonwood to camp for the night Thursday Nov 2: hike to Clear Creek trail and camp for the night along the trail. Friday Nov 3: hike remaining 7 miles or so to Clear Creek campsite. Saturday Nov 4: stay at Clear Creek and do side hike to waterfall, explore remote area of canyon. Sunday Nov 5: hike to Bright Angel campground, spend night, and possibly eat dinner at Phantom Ranch canteen. Monday Nov 6: send most gear out on mules, eat breakfast at canteen, and then hike the South Kaibab trail to South Rim. Pick up gear and drive in to Flagstaff. Spend the night in motel in Flagstaff. Tuesday Nov 7: day trip to take sky lift to top of Humphrey's Peak, which is about 10 miles outside of Flagstaff. It is 12,633 feet high. Hike down and return to Flagstaff. Wednesday Nov 8: fly back to Chattanooga. If you want to fly back on Tuesday you can, but some of us want to stay an extra day to do the Humphrey Peak hike since it is the highest peak in the area. Right now the round-trip flights from Chattanooga to Flagstaff are running about $ The shuttle cost per person from the South Rim to the North Rim, which is about a 4.5 hr. trip, is about $100 per person. There will be at least two nights of hotel, to be split typically 2 persons per room. Additionally there is a minor amount for the camping permit, which will probably be in the ballpark of $50 per person, and cost for the equipment bags that go out on the mules, at about $75 per person. Also, if you want a very hearty meal at Phantom Ranch when we camp at Bright Angel, then dinner is anywhere from $28- $45 depending upon whether you want stew or steak. Also a full breakfast before you hike out is about $ We have typically done those and really enjoyed them but it is really up to you. So the total cost is in the neighborhood of around $1000. If you are interested you need to let James Anderson know as he has to send in the request for the back country permits. If the group can't get the permits for the particular dates mentioned above, then the alternate will be exactly a week later, starting Tuesday the 7th of November and running to Wednesday the 15th. Also keep in mind that if you say you are going and then change your mind, you would still owe for any portion of the expenses that had to be incurred ahead of time, such as permits or other reservations that are not individual or cannot be changed. You may feel free to James Anderson at jeandersonishere@gmail.com, or call him at Also feel free to contact James if you have any questions; he will need to hear from you by Friday May 12th. The canyon is an awesome place and 6

7 the group is really looking forward to the scenery of this rim to rim adventure. Safety Announcement from Richard Taylor As many club members know, Richard Taylor is a Polk County sheriff s deputy and expert forest rescuer. He came and spoke to us about dealing with emergency rescue situations that could happen to hikers in the deep forests in our area at our club meeting some months ago. The following is from an he sent to us, relating an event that happened very recently; it is a directive about how and how not to report an emergency. It also makes clear that hike leaders should know about any serious medical conditions of their hikers. These should be reported on the Hike Sign-in Sheet that we fill out at the beginning of every club hike (available for download at Saturday two weeks ago a 76 year old man hiking with his granddaughters had a heart attack near Benton Falls. The initial call was that a man was having problems on the trail. The camp hosts drove their utv to him and found him in very serious condition. As quickly as possible paramedics arrived and used a defibrillator to reestablish his heart rate. He was flown to Erlanger where he crashed and could not be revived. Be reminded authorities need the best info possible to respond to medical emergencies in the forest. If you think you are having a heart attack convey that. Let companions know if you are diabetic or have other conditions. It may save your life. Recent Hike & Event Reports Cloudland Canyon Hike - April 8, 2017 This was a great hike with six club members participating: Buddy Arnold (hike leader), Randy Morris, Jack Callahan, Megan Callahan, Sue Robinson, and Jerry Peters. The hike started about 10:15 in cool but sunny weather at the main parking area in Cloudland Canyon State Park on the Overlook Trail. The first part of the hike was about ½ mile or so on the Overlook Trail with beautiful views of the canyon and two waterfalls on the opposite side. The large waterfall we viewed from the Overlook Trail had a total drop of about 300 feet. The hike then proceeded to the West Rim Trail which is about 4.5 miles long. There were great views of Trenton and Lookout Valley along the trail. The group stopped at a nice sunny overlook for lunch around noon about half way through this part of the hike with temperatures in the 60 s by then. With completion of the West Rim Trail, the hikers then started down the Waterfalls Trail dropping about 400 feet in elevation via a series of steps and paths to view Cherokee and Hemlock waterfalls in the canyon. These are very impressive waterfalls both falling over 60 feet off sheer cliffs. There were tremendous flows due to previous rain. Below is a picture of the hikers at Cherokee Falls. 7

8 We then made it to Hemlock Falls, just as impressive as Cherokee Falls. This falls is well named, having a number of nice hemlock trees nearby. We then got on the Sitton s Gulch Trail and followed it along Bear Creek about 2 miles to where we had left a vehicle to ferry us back to the main part of the park. There were several more waterfalls viewed along the way, not as large as the other two, but still very impressive. There were a number of wildflowers blooming along this portion of the trail, including many Trilliums. The hike ended about 3:00 p.m. with a total distance hiked of about 9 miles. More pictures of this hike can be viewed at Tennessee/photos/ /. John Muir Trail Maintenance April 15, 2017 Three club members and a guest worked the JMT (John Muir Trail) from the Childers Creek trail head to the Big Bend end point. They found 1 tree blown down, and a little overgrowth. They picked up trash, lopped, and cleared the blowdown. Clayton also repainted the trail blazes on the Benton MacKaye trail from Big Bend to the Rock Step. Attending were Clayton and Ruth Pannell (hike leaders), Jack Callahan and guest Mary Alton. Dutch Settlement Hike April 22, 2017 This hike was canceled by the hike leaders due to schedule problems and rain. It will be rescheduled. Indian Boundary Hike April 27, 2017 This hike was cancelled due to rain. Great Smoky Mountains Spring Backpack Hike - April 27-May 1, 2017 This hike was a moderately strenuous backpack trip spanning 4 days and 3 nights, traversing the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Clingman s Dome to Cades Cove. The group encountered several steep rocky sections. 6 hikers attended, including club members Jack Callahan (hike leader), Sue Robinson, Tracy Brooks, Megan Callahan, Rick Harris and guest Jerry Schneider. Shown below is a group shot, 8

9 shared courtesy of Sue Robinson. More pictures can of this event can be viewed at Cherokee Hiking Club April Meeting minutes Etowah Senior Center, Etowah TN April 13, 2017 This meeting was held at the Senior Center in Etowah with 17 in attendance. Our guest speaker from the Starr Mountain Outfitter store was unable to join us tonight, but gave Al Rymer various camping, hiking, and backpacking equipment to show us, that is available at their store located on highway 411 in Etowah, TN. Treasury Report: Treasurer Randy Morris reported a previous balance of $1, No income this past month, and a $ check was written for a donation in memory of Phil Burress, a fellow club member. New balance of $1, New Business: President Jack Callahan has received permission for Quentin Bass to give us a tour of the archeological site. Will set up a day and time and announce this to club members only. Jack has agreed to help city school in Cleveland in setting up events and information on trails for parents and children. Anyone interested in assisting with this, contact Jack. Past Hikes: Indian Boundary Hike was rescheduled for April 27. 9

10 Joyce Kilmer/Haw Knob Hike. Many large poplars remain at Joyce Kilmer, but sadly the Hemlocks are gone. Part of trail closed due to last fall wildfires. Haw Knob presented nice views and haw bushes. Randy s BMT hike was postponed and rescheduled; date unknown at this time Old Stone Fort Hike was rescheduled for Saturday, May 6 Cloudland Canyon hike. Good weather, good turnout. Beautiful waterfalls, fantastic views from rim, and large boulders with some wild flowers starting to appear. Upcoming Hikes/ Activities: 4/12-15 Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smokies 4/15 John Muir trail maintenance. Lots of wildflowers will be in bloom. Trail reported to be in good shape with just a little lopper work needed 4/22 Dutch Settlement Fields Hike to be led by Jack Callahan 4/27 Indian Boundary Hike to be led by Ruth Pannell 4/27-5/1 GSM spring backpack hike. Clingmans Dome to Cade's Cove. To be led by Jack Callahan. May 6 Grassy Gap Trail Hike to be led by Jack Callahan May 6 Old Stone Fort Hike to be led by Ann Gray May Wilderness Wildlife Week to be led by Leon Bates Boyd Gap Hike was rescheduled from May 20 to Sunday, May 21 (ed. note: as per hike leader Clayton Pannell, it s been rescheduled again to 5/27, Saturday) Next Meeting: Next club meeting at 6 pm at Charleston Park. Meeting concluded at 7:20. Respectfully submitted by Sue Robinson, secretary 10