Cumberland Trail Volunteers

Trail Maintenance

2012-01-31T19:08:00.002-05:00

We put in a long hard day performing trail repairs on the Rock Creek segment of Cumberland Trail. Two trees at trail's edge had blown down across the trail and uprooted which required that we cut the tree and remove the root ball to clear the trail. This work required much hard labor with hand tools and a come-a-long. After cutting the tree from the stump, trimming the root ball down to a manageable size, and cutting as many roots as possible, we were able to remove the stump at work site # 1 by yanking it out with the come-a-long. However the stump and root ball at work site # 2 never surrendered to our efforts. We were able to remove enough of it to allow the trail to be rerouted around it. That work is tentatively scheduled for Friday.

Slideshow of Don's photos

Slideshow of Bob's photos

Group photo at work site # 1 on Rock Creek Trail

Soddy Gorge

2012-01-29T15:18:00.001-05:00

Judy Varner, TC Varner, Sue LaGraff, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins turned out for today's 4.9 mile hike on the Soddy Gorge segment of Cumberland Trail between Mowbray Pike and Sluder Lane. The trail was easy to follow today as someone had been through on a horse and left tracks in the trail as well as other evidence that horses tend to leave behind. Other than having to watch our step, hiking conditions were good as was the group which made for an excellent day on the trail.

Slideshow of Don's photos

Group photo in mining area

Ransom Hollow

2012-01-22T16:50:00.000-05:00

It was a foggy day at Prentice Cooper, too foggy to drive in some places but good for hiking if you didn't mind the short field of view. Our hike included the section of Pot Point Loop that passes by Ransom Hollow Overlook, the long spur trail to the overlook, and a road walk back to Bob's truck which we had staged at Pot Point Road. After the hike we made a side trip to Snoopers Rock but the normally spectacular view was obscured by fog. We'll check it out again on our next trip.

Slideshow of Bob's photos

Slideshow of Don's photos

Group photo at Ransom Hollow Overlook

Stinging Fork

2012-01-20T19:04:00.001-05:00

After a late morning discussion with Bob DeHart about the possibility of rain, we decided to take a chance and go to Stinging Fork Falls near Spring City and attempt to record video for our next Cumberland Trail virtual tour. We were very lucky. Although we hit rain as we drove to Spring City and as we drove home, our entire time at Stinging Fork was precipitation free and, with the cloud cover, lighting was perfect.

Stinging Fork Falls

Clemmons Point

2012-01-18T14:49:00.005-05:00

Bob DeHart and Don Deakins hiked out to Clemmons Point with plans to assist the CTC maintenance crew with construction of a walkway over an area that holds water during the rainy season. No one was at Sluder Lane parking area and no one was at Clemmons Point but it was easy to see what needed to be done. We began collecting large rocks from the hillside above the project and rolling or carrying them down the hill where we used them to build up the walkway. About the time we decided we had done enough, the CTC crew showed up and took over while we began the 1.6 mile hike back to Sluder Lane.

Slideshow of Bob's photos

Walkway over wet area, under construction

CTC maintenance and construction crew

Soddy Mining Area

2012-01-15T15:04:00.005-05:00

The object of today's hike into Little Soddy Historic Mining Area on the Soddy Gorge section of Cumberland Trail was to hike the new section of trail constructed last week. We parked at Sluder Lane and hiked down the access trail. The new trail joins the original trail a short distance after crossing the first bridge over Little Soddy Creek. After turning onto the new trail, it is about 100 feet to where you boulder hop across Little Soddy Creek. The trail then passes by a couple of historic sites and rejoins the main trail at the second bridge over Little Soddy Creek. After hiking the new trail, we continued down the Trail of Tires, crossed Hotwater Road and didn't stop until reaching Posey Point. The trail between Hotwater Road and Posey Point also received numerous improvements, one of which is a new bridge over a wet weather stream. We also noticed new "Great Eastern Trail" markers at the Hotwater Road crossing.

Slideshow of Don's photos

Section of new trail along Little Soddy Creek

Possum Gorge North Video

2012-01-07T18:28:00.001-05:00

Bob, Carol, and Don hiked the northern section of Possum Gorge with video camera in hand and completed filming major landmarks along the trail for our Possum Gorge virtual tour. With a 40% to 50% chance of rain in the forecast, we were a little hesitant to begin this 6.7 mile trek but Mother Nature treated us well. Only once during the day were we forced to seek shelter under a rock ledge. Other than the one period of rain, the day was superb for hiking and filming.

Slideshow of Bob's photos

Bob's photo of Imodium Falls

Rock Creek

2012-01-06T14:30:00.004-05:00

Denise Shepard, Ava Navin, George Bonneau, TC Varner, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked an easy 3.1 miles on Rock Creek segment of Cumberland Trail from Leggett Road upper trail head to Leggett Road lower trail head. Conditions couldn't have been better for hiking. Weather was a little cool as we began but quickly rose to an ideal temperature. We were fortunate to have our hiking schedule sync up with these excellent conditions.

Slideshow of Don's photos

Slideshow of Bob's photos

Group photo along lower half of Rock Creek Loop

Board Camp Creek

2011-12-31T13:49:00.000-05:00

This approximate 6 mile hike was a combination of trail hiking on the Soddy Gorge segment of Cumberland Trail in the Board Camp Creek area and off-trail bushwhacking along the banks of Board Camp Creek. Although we covered some very rough terrain, it proved to be the most enjoyable portion of the hike. We made tentative plans to hike up the center of the creek when warmer weather arrives.

Group photo as we prepare to cross this unnamed steam

Working our way along Board Camp Creek

Rock Creek

2011-12-28T15:58:00.000-05:00

Today's 5.4 mile Rock Creek hike began at Retro Hughes Road trailhead and ended at Leggett Road upper trailhead. This hike was scheduled as a recreational hike but, as usual, we performed minor trail maintenance along the way. If all hiking groups were like this group, the trails would always be in excellent condition.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo on Rock Creek

Possum Gorge Video

2011-12-24T18:54:00.001-05:00

Bob, Carol, and Don hiked the southern section of Possum Gorge with video camera in hand and captured video which will be used in our Possum Gorge virtual tour. The northern section will be next as soon as Mother Nature provides suitable conditions.

Bob's photos

Crossing Little Possum Creek

Piney River

2011-12-18T16:43:00.000-05:00

This 7.3 mile Piney River hike began as a pleasure hike but quickly turned into a maintenance hike as we hadn't gone far when we encountered our first trail obstruction. It just so happened we had two folding hand saws with us so to work we went. We removed numerous other trail obstructions between Duskin Creek and Piney River Bridge, some of which required a saw and others just required horsepower. Although there still remains a few trees across the trail that require a chainsaw to cut, none require immediate attention as they can all be easily stepped over.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo on Duskin Creek

Piney River Maintenance

2011-12-14T17:05:00.003-05:00

Our goal today was one big tree across Piney River Trail that has been ignored for years because it was positioned in such a manner as to make it very dangerous to cut. We went prepared with not only a chain saw but rope, cable, and a come-a-long so we could prevent it from falling on or rolling over one of us. After devising a plan of attack, we proceeded with the work. Everything went smoothly with only one surprise...we discovered two bats hibernating inside the tree. They flew away and hopefully, with today's warm temperature, will survive and find a new home before it again turns cold.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo along Piney River Trail

Blanchard Creek

2011-12-11T17:03:00.003-05:00

The southern end of Possum Gorge segment of Cumberland Trail runs along and above Blanchard Creek. Today we decided to attempt a hike in and along the creek instead of on the trail. We were able to follow the creek almost to Bare Point where vertical rock bluffs forced us back up to the trail. We hiked the trail down to within a few hundred feet of Possum Creek Bridge where we left the trail again and bushwhacked along the base of the bluff back to the lower section of Blanchard Creek. The hike to the lower section of Blanchard Creek covered extremely rugged terrain but the extraordinary beauty made it all worthwhile.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo at base of bluff above Blanchard Creek

Possum Gorge Maintenance

2011-12-08T15:00:00.001-05:00

Brandy Selman and Ronald Skiles of the trail maintenance crew joined TC Varner, Judy Varner, Keith Weller, Bob DeHart, Caroline Woerner, and Don Deakins for a maintenance hike into Big Possum Gorge to remove five downed trees from the trail. A big Stihl chainsaw along with 8 workers turned this job into an easy and enjoyable task. It's hard to beat a hike that is fun and productive.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo on Big Possum Creek

Deep Creek

2011-12-02T14:54:00.005-05:00

Our plan today called for hiking beyond Deep Creek to Big Soddy Creek but, due to high water level in Deep Creek, we could not ford where the trail crosses and our search for an alternate route across proved fruitless. Since this hike was cut short, we drove over to Sluder Lane parking area and hiked down the Trail of Tires. We hadn't been down this section of trail in a long while and it needed an inspection. We were able to remove all debris from the trail except for two minor blow-downs which will require a chainsaw. These two trees have been added to our "To-Do" list.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Bob's photos

Rest break during climb out of Deep Creek Gorge

Rock Creek Video

2011-11-30T19:08:00.002-05:00

Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins spent most of the day in Rock Creek Gorge shooting video for a Rock Creek virtual video tour we are working on. Thanks to Mother Nature, cloud cover was present for most of the day which provided excellent lighting conditions. Recent heavy rains, also provided by Mother Nature, insured good flow in all creeks which are much more impressive than dry creek beds.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Crossing Leggett Branch

Rock Creek Loop

2011-11-25T15:15:00.002-05:00

In an attempt to walk off some of yesterday's turkey feast, we made a trip to Rock Creek and hiked around Rock Creek Loop. Freshly fallen leaves made the trail difficult to follow in a few places but an excellent group along with good weather made for a perfect day on the trail.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo on Rock Creek

Possum Gorge South

2011-10-22T15:58:00.001-04:00

Caroline Woerner, Jane Ellett, Maria Cheek, Mike Cheek, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins did a repeat of the October 5 RiverRocks hike where we hiked the southern section of Possum Gorge Trail between Little Possum Creek and Heiss Mountain Road. However today we maintained a casual pace and performed some minor trail maintenance along the way. At Big Possum Creek we met Cindy and Steve Smith with whom we discovered we have much in common. They joined us in our group photo and may join us on future hikes.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo in Big Possum Creek

Climbing down after group photo

Rock Creek Again

2011-10-16T15:08:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we hiked Rock Creek Trail from the upper trail head to the lower trail head via the upper half of the loop trail and the 1.2 mile access trail from the loop to the lower trail head. Today we began at the upper trail head but hiked the lower half of the loop trail and, instead of hiking the 1.2 mile access trail, we hiked down the creek which parallels the access trail. One mile of boulder hopping added much fun to today's event. We should do this again before monsoon rains begin and creeks are flooded.

Today we also learned of another use for the trail. We met two guys, one from Roane County and the other from Hamilton County, that were running radio controlled dune buggies on the trail. Check out Bob's photos for a glimpse of these little machines.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo on Rock Creek

Rock Creek

2011-10-15T13:28:00.002-04:00

Jane Ellett, Deb Wilder-Kimberlin, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked a short section of Rock Creek Trail from upper Leggett Road trailhead to lower Leggett Road trailhead via the upper half of the loop trail. We carried a chainsaw and cut one large tree and two smaller trees from the trail along with other smaller debris which was removed by hand. Perfect weather, a casual pace, and a good group of hikers made for an excellent day on the trail.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo on Rock Creek

Piney Maintenance

2011-10-12T17:57:00.000-04:00

Jan Agee, TC Varner, and Don Deakins joined Brandy Selman and Ronald Skiles of the state trail maintenance crew for a hike to the Piney River Bridge where a landslide has covered the trail. At least 100 feet of trail is buried under 2 to 3 feet of debris while the middle 50 feet of this 100 foot section is covered with and additional 12 feet of mud, rocks, and trees. This section can probably never be reclaimed without heavy equipment so the trail will have to be rerouted. Although not built to Cumberland Trail specifications, we did construct a temporary route over the landslide which required cutting away numerous trees and building a ramp of stacked rock on which a sure-footed hiker can climb.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo on our roughly constructed route over the landslide

Emory River Gorge

2011-10-09T19:33:00.005-04:00

A map request for the Emory River Gorge segment of Cumberland Trail prompted Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins to head to Wartburg in an attempt to locate Nemo Trailhead and collect map data. Thanks to Google Earth and Bob's Garmin Nuvi GPS, we had no problems locating our destination. Once there, we hiked out the 1.3 mile segment, recording GPS data as we explored the trail. This presently is a dead end trail so we had to turn around and retrace our steps back to the vehicle. After completing the hike, we drove many miles on a backwoods gravel road inside Catoosa Wildlife Management Area searching for Daddys Creek Trailhead which we also found with no problems. So today we hiked the Emory River Gorge Trail and learned where the trailheads are located for the Obed Wild Scenic River segment. Now if we can just get the energy to hike this 14 mile section, we will have accomplished something.

Slideshow of Bob's photos

Slideshow of Don's photos

Group photo overlooking Emory River Gorge

RiverRocks Hike

2011-10-05T15:34:00.003-04:00

Twenty seven hikers turned out for today's RiverRocks 4.17 mile hike on the Possum Gorge segment of Cumberland Trail. Although the entire Possum Gorge segment is 9.5 miles long, we hiked only the southern end between Little Possum Creek Bridge and Heiss Mountain Road which provides an excellent representative sample of the entire Cumberland Trail. Hikers that experienced this trail for the first time seemed impressed. We hope to see them again.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo on Heiss Mtn Road

Trail Maintenance

2011-10-01T15:51:00.001-04:00

Bob DeHart and Don Deakins hiked portions of Possum Gorge Trail with chain saw removing major obstructions in preparation for October 5 RiverRocks hike. Three obstructions were removed near Little Possum Creek Bridge and one obstruction near Big Possum Creek Bridge. There are at least two more trees across the trail between the bridges which we did not tackle today but they can easily be stepped over.

Obstruction # 1 before

Obstruction # 1 after

Obstruction # 4 before

Obstruction # 4 after

Trail Inspection

2011-09-28T15:44:00.000-04:00

In preparation for the Possum Gorge RiverRocks hike on October 5, Vickey Davis, Bob DeHart, and Don Deakins hiked Possum Gorge Trail from Little Possum Creek Bridge to Heiss Mountain Road, removing debris from the trail as we hiked. There were a few trees across the trail the could easily be stepped over or climbed under which will require a chain saw for removal. Although none of them are show stoppers, we are considering another hike with chain saw to remove all trail obstructions prior to RiverRocks event.

Group photo on Little Possum Creek Bridge

Beginning climb to Perkins Point

Beginning climb to Bare Point

Back To Sale Creek

2011-09-10T15:11:00.000-04:00

Judy Varner, TC Varner, Denise Shepard, Caroline Woerner, and Don Deakins made a return trip to what has become one of our favorite places to paddle, Sale Creek. Weather conditions were cool and foggy upon our arrival but the fog lifted and temperature rose as the day progressed. Our trip took us to the log jam that prevents further upstream progress by boat which resulted in an almost 8 mile round trip.

Slide show of Don's photos

Paddling toward the fog

Battle Creek with TVCC

2011-09-04T15:27:00.000-04:00

Mark Jordan, Caleb Jordan, and Don Deakins joined Tennessee Valley Canoe Club for an approximate 6.7 mile kayak trip on Battle Creek in South Pittsburg. After launching at South Pittsburg Municipal Park adjacent to Shelby Reinhart Bridge, we paddled about 750 feet up Tennessee River before entering the creek. Battle Creek was calm with no discernible current so paddling was as easy upstream as downstream. Thanks to TVCC for a fun day on the water.

Slide show of Don's photos

Almost ready for launch

Paddle North Chick

2011-09-02T14:59:00.000-04:00

Judy Varner, TC Varner, and Don Deakins launched our kayaks at the Greenway on Hamill Road and paddled North Chickamauga Creek. From the launch site we paddled upstream until encountering a tree across the creek just north of Hamill Road. There was no way around or over this obstruction so we turned around and began making our way downstream with Chickamauga Dam as our destination. After a short tour of the idled lock construction at the dam, we began our trip back to the launch site which completed our 7 mile event.

Slide show of Don's photos

Taking it easy

Trail Maintenance

2011-08-31T15:06:00.001-04:00

Judy Varner, TC Varner, Jane Ellett, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked into Soddy Gorge along Board Camp Creek with fire rakes and cleaned a section of trail that was overgrown with poison ivy and briers. Conditions were relatively comfortable at start of this project but as the day progressed, temperature and humidity rose and reminded us that weather is still not suitable for hard work out on the trail. Leaves have already begun to fall so cooler weather is on its way.

Slide show of Don's photos

Lunch break on an almost dry Board Camp Creek

Sale Creek

2011-08-28T18:06:00.004-04:00

Judy Varner, TC Varner, Mark Jordan, Teresa Jordan, Caroline Woerner, Joanne Denise, Jeff Guenther, and Don Deakins paddled Sale Creek and explored two feeder creeks we had overlooked in the past. Our first side trip was into Hodgetown Branch. We were able to paddle a distance of about .2 mile before we encountered unnavigable water. We turned around, paddled back to Sale Creek, and continued upstream for another half mile where we made a left turn into Rock Creek. Rock Creek looked good but, around the first bend, quickly became too shallow to proceed so we stopped for a snack break before turning around. After the break we headed back toward the boat ramp but took an alternate route shown to us by Jeff and Joanne. It was spectacular and resembled what I imagine waterways in the Amazon to be. We did not stop at the ramp but continued paddling downstream until we reached the large open body of water that extends to Browns Bridge. Wind was up and the water was white-capping. We played in the rough water for awhile and then returned to the boat ramp where some decided we wanted more paddling. Four of us then paddled back up Sale Creek to US-27 bridge and back which resulted in a total distance for the day of 9.75 miles.

Slide show of Don's photos

Preparing for launch

Hiwassee Island Overnite

2011-08-18T12:53:00.001-04:00

Judy Varner, TC Varner, and I made an overnight kayak trip to Hiwassee Island. We used my flat bottom boat to haul necessities like lawn chairs and a few other heavy items. I also hauled my kayak in the flat bottom boat so I had two boats to contend with. Next time I'll take only one.

After camp was set up, we fished and paddled around on the east side of Hiwassee Island. Late evening was spent on Ziegler Island solving world problems while enjoying the shallow water and sandy bottom.

Fun ended at bed time. For anyone acclimated to an air conditioned environment, the heat and humidity created conditions not conducive to sleep. I'll either install an air conditioner in my tent or wait on cooler weather before doing this again.

Slide show of Don's photos

Enjoying evening coolness on Ziegler Island

Tadpole Branch

2011-08-14T17:10:00.001-04:00

Today's 7.5 mile paddle trip began on the Tennessee River at the old Washington Ferry site on Highway 30 between Dayton and Decatur. We paddled 1.5 miles up river to Clear Creek, followed Clear Creek for about 500 feet and then turned our kayaks into Tadpole Branch which we followed for about 1.5 miles. Tadpole Branch was littered with many overhanging trees we had to paddle under and numerous log jams we had to paddle around or force our boats over. At the 1.5 mile mark Tadpole Branch had narrowed to the point where there was little more than enough room to turn the boats around and a concrete bridge blocked further progress so we turned around and headed back downstream. When we arrived back at Clear Creek, we decided to explore it. At about .6 miles up Clear Creek, our curiosity was satisfied so we turned around and began paddling back toward Tennessee River as rain began to fall. Rain ended after a few minutes and we had clear sailing all the way back to Washington Ferry.

Slide show of Don's photos

Preparing for launch

Hornet Hunt

2011-08-11T14:39:00.002-04:00

The goal of today's maintenance hike was to destroy a nest of hornets along Cumberland Trail which had reportedly attacked and stung a hiker 15 times. The hike began at the new trail head recently constructed by Southeastern Climbers Coalition on Old Hotwater Road. This new access dramatically reduces the distance required to reach Cumberland Trail in the Deep Creek area where rock climbers practice their sport.

Highlight of the day came when we encountered a copperhead on the trail just after crossing Deep Creek. All previous venomous snakes I have encountered on the trail have been very cooperative and allowed me to photograph them but this little snake just wanted to go hide so I had to snap these pictures on the run.

After reaching the area above Big Soddy Creek where the hornets nest was supposed to be, we performed a thorough search but found nothing. We even extended the search area all the way down to Big Soddy Creek and still came up empty handed. On our return hike we did find a yellow jacket's nest in the ground along the trail near Deep Creek and destroyed it. We couldn't help but wonder if the reported hornets above Big Soddy Creek were actually yellow jackets above Deep Creek. One thing we didn't wonder about was the temperature...it's still too hot to do much hiking.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo on Big Soddy Creek

And More Jeep Trails

2011-08-10T15:51:00.000-04:00

Although Bob DeHart and I wanted to further explore the Persimmon Branch maze we found last week, a logging operation in that area prevented us from entering. Instead we found and explored side trails in other areas we had overlooked during previous weeks and, on Maple Branch Road, found rocks that provided a challenge to the jeep.

Maple Branch Road is a fun place for a jeep

More Jeep Trails

2011-08-03T14:34:00.000-04:00

Bob DeHart and I thought we had just about traveled all jeep trails at Prentice Cooper but we learned today there are many more roads yet to be seen. Persimmon Branch Road, which we expected to be a short dead-end trail, turned into an endless maze of rugged ATV trails. We spent the entire morning exploring this maze and still left with much of it unseen. Looks like it will require many more trips to explore all jeep trails in this state forest.

Wildlife was scarce today but we did happen upon a pack of coyotes. They were as surprised as we were and scattered like a covey of quail. One even ran toward the jeep until it regained presence of mind, then turned and headed into the woods. I’m already wondering what we will encounter on the next trip.

Taking a break at Persimmon Branch

We got to do some minor rock crawling in numerous places

Kayak Demo

2011-07-31T16:07:00.001-04:00

Today’s kayak demonstration at Soddy Lake turned out to be more successful than expected. Tony Seagrove, Mickey Hogsed, Tammy Smith, and Ed Swanner stopped by to try these little recreational kayaks provided by Mark Jordan and Don Deakins. Fortunately Mark brought two boats, a sit-on-top and a sit-inside so those interested could try each type. Caroline Woerner came directly from Rock Creek Down Under with her brand new Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120. While our friends from Sequoyah Nuclear Plant were trying kayaks, Caroline launched her new blue boat for its maiden voyage. After testing was complete, Mark, Don, Caroline, and Ed paddled around Soddy Lake which ended our short 2 hour event.

Slide show of Don's photos

Testing kayaks at Soddy Lake

Paddling with Phyllis

2011-07-30T17:05:00.009-04:00

Phyllis Williams, Mike Seeber, Mark Jordan, Teresa Jordan, Jane Ellett, Keith Weller, and Don Deakins had an excellent day of kayaking on Sale Creek. Conditions couldn’t have been much better. We had warm water, no wind, and overcast skies which kept temperature in the comfortable range. Although we heard the rumble of thunder for most of the day, we did not get caught in a storm and only encountered a couple of very light sprinkles.

We began the day with a destination of Daugherty Ferry Road Bridge but didn’t even slow down as we passed the bridge and soon arrived at the US-27 bridge where a few stopped but others continued upstream with intentions of going as far as we could go. As we continued upstream, the water began to cool. At about 1.2 miles past the US-27 bridge we encountered a log jam which extended as far as we could see. That stopped any further advancement. The water was very cold here and combined with warm moist air, created foggy conditions.

After a short lunch break we began our return downstream. Along the way we met Joanne Denise and Jeff Guenther in their kayaks. After a short reunion, we continued on our way and soon arrived back at Iles Road boat ramp. That was the end of the trip for all but Keith Weller who, instead of driving to the ramp, had paddled from his home on the lake near Sale Creek Marina all the way to the ramp which I have measured on Google Earth as a 2.9 mile one way trip. Most of us paddled 7.4 miles today but Keith added an additional 5.8 to his day for a whopping 13.2 miles. Ouch!!

Thanks to Phyllis for hosting this event.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Phyllis's photos

Paddling up Sale Creek

Jeep Trails

2011-07-27T14:47:00.003-04:00

Bob DeHart and I spent today 4-wheeling along Prentice Cooper jeep trails and collecting GPS data on trails we did not explore last week. Although we have now explored and mapped most jeep trails on the west side of Suck Creek Road, one more trip will be required to complete the project.

Lunch break somewhere in Prentice Cooper

Rock Creek Loop

2011-07-23T13:41:00.002-04:00

Today's Rock Creek Loop hike had Teresa Jordan, Mark Jordan, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins wondering why we were out in the torturous heat and humidity. Even a casual pace from the upper trail head down to Rock Creek had us soaking wet with sweat. However, conditions were very comfortable at Rock Creek where we took a very long break. It was so comfortable we didn't want to leave but finally someone begrudgingly suggested we return to the trail and make the long climb back to the upper trail head.

We documented 6 downed trees on the trail around the loop which will be recorded in our To-Do list. These trees will remain on the To-Do list until cooler weather prevails when we will return with a chain saw and remove the trail obstructions.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Teresa's photos

Cooling down at Rock Creek

Audubon Mountain

2011-07-21T15:02:00.003-04:00

Caroline Woerner, Sue LaGraff, Judy Varner, TC Varner, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins teamed up to install a sign on the Audubon Mountain Trail. Our work session got off to a bad start when we discovered that the road to the work location was grown up and had numerous downed trees across it, blocking our vehicular progress. We parked the cars, put the tools and sign post on our shoulders, and hiked to the intersection of the jeep trail and foot path where the sign was to be installed. After about 20 minutes, work was complete and we then began a hike up Audubon Mountain. It was hot and humid, too hot and humid to be hiking. After completing the 4+ mile round trip, we talked about not hiking again until conditions are more suitable. I hope we don't forget this conversation.

The mystery flower in photos has been identified. It is a Butterfly Pea.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo with newly installed sign

Mapping Jeep Trails

2011-07-19T15:05:00.004-04:00

Bob DeHart and I spent the morning mapping jeep trails in Prentice Cooper with a primary goal of determining how close to Cumberland Trail some of the jeep trails are and a secondary goal of just exploring. We did find some routes that may come in handy when performing trail maintenance.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Lunch break on Dry Branch Road

Bob records GPS data at end of road

Another new boat

2011-07-18T22:08:00.001-04:00

TC Varner sold his sit-inside kayak and today brought home a new sit-on-top Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120. I was lucky to have the opportunity to join TC and Judy as they took the new boat out for its maiden voyage.

Slide show of Don's photos

We ended the day rafted up in a bull session

Ziegler Island

2011-07-18T14:16:00.001-04:00

Carol and I took our flat bottom boat up to Sale Creek Campground where we put the boat in and then motored up to Hiwassee Island. We toured the island following the same route as our last kayak trip and then headed over to Ziegler Island for some rest and relaxation. After eating lunch and wading around the island, we settled into lawn chairs which were in about 6 inches of water and in the shade of a Cyprus tree. It was very peaceful. If we remained still and quite, gar would swim up in the shallows and chase small minnows. This place is becoming addictive. I'm already looking forward to the next visit.

Relaxing in shade of Cyprus tree on Ziegler Island

Possum Gorge Maintenance

2011-07-13T14:42:00.000-04:00

An ongoing heat wave has most people avoiding the outdoors but Judy Varner, TC Varner, and Don Deakins headed into Possum Gorge with chain saw in hand to remove a downed tree from Cumberland Trail between Big Possum Creek and Perkins Point. What we first thought would require a minimum of cutting ultimately required the whole tree to be cut and moved. The tree was laying above and almost parallel to the trail with only the tree top in the trail. As we removed the top, the whole tree rolled onto the trail which required much more work in punishing heat but we finally got the trail cleared.

Working and hiking in today’s extreme heat and humidity required a slower pace on the trail and stops in Big Possum Creek and Little Possum Creek for a bird bath to cool down. We will probably wait on better working conditions before scheduling another maintenance hike.

Slide show of Don's photos

Lunch break in Little Possum Creek

Around Hiwassee Island

2011-07-11T15:38:00.001-04:00

Mark Jordan, Teresa Jordan, TC Varner, Judy Varner, and Don Deakins paddled around Hiwassee Island but the best part of this 5.6 mile trek may have been a side trip to Ziegler Island which required crossing to the opposite side of Tennessee River. This island, a safe haven for many birds, also provides an excellent place to wade and swim. Warm shallow water combined with a sandy bottom created an environment that was hard to leave behind. We've gotta visit this place again soon.

Slide show of Don's photos

Ziegler Island

Rock Creek Maintenance

2011-07-03T18:04:00.000-04:00

Caroline Woerner, Judy Varner, TC Varner, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked Rock Creek Trail from Leggett Road to Retro Hughes Road with a chainsaw, handsaws, and pruning shears. All trees that had been reported on the trail between Upper Leggett Road trail head and Rock Creek Bridge were removed. In addition, we also removed numerous trees on the trail between Rock Creek Bridge and Retro Hughes Road. We can now report the trail between Upper Leggett Road and Retro Hughes Road is clear.

Slide show of Don's photos

One of many big trees removed from trail

Possum Creek

2011-07-01T16:07:00.002-04:00

Teresa Jordan, Mark Jordan, and Don Deakins paddled from the boat ramp at Possum Creek Bridge as far back Possum Creek as possible without pulling boats out of the water. Where Possum Creek parallels McCallie Ferry Road, we encountered a concrete driveway across the creek which ended our upstream exploration. Since we were already getting tired, we elected not to drag the kayaks across the obstruction and continue upstream. Instead we took a lunch break and then began the long trip back to the boat ramp. The round trip took almost 4 hours and GPS indicated we had paddled 8.4 miles.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Mark and Teresa's photos

Calm day at Possum Creek

Soddy Gorge Maintenance

2011-06-30T13:52:00.000-04:00

Caroline Woerner, Jan Agee, and Don Deakins joined Brandy Selman and Ronald Skiles of the Cumberland Trail maintenance crew for a hike into Soddy Gorge between Hotwater Road and Deep Creek to remove a few trees that required a chainsaw. Temperature and humidity were within our comfort range which made this working hike an enjoyable event.

Approaching Cumberland Trail from old mining road

Chainsaw makes it easy

Maclellan Island

2011-06-26T12:43:00.001-04:00

Jan Agee, Brandy Selman, and Don Deakins took an overnight boat trip to Maclellan Island on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. Jan and Brandy paddled kayaks while I followed along in my flat bottom boat which was loaded down with luxury items such as lawn chairs and coolers full of ice. Although we couldn't hike the trails because they are so overgrown, Jan and Brandy did kayak around the island before we settled in for an evening around the campfire. With thunderstorms possible on Sunday, we were up early and heading back up river shortly after sunrise.

Slideshow of Don's photos

Slide show of Brandy's photos

After hours on Maclellan Island

North Chick Clean-up

2011-06-20T14:22:00.001-04:00

Brandy's trail maintenance crew was short handed today and the post weekend clean-up at North Chickamauga Creek requires more than one person so she requested assistance from Jan Agee and Don Deakins. We gladly pitched in and were able to pick up all the trash between North Chick trail head and the Blue Hole in about a four hour time span.

Brandy and Jan cleaning up trail to Blue Hole

Swimmers at Blue Hole in North Chickamauga Creek

Rock Creek Loop

2011-06-15T14:11:00.000-04:00

Bob DeHart, Judy Varner, TC Varner, Ronald Skiles, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked Rock Creek Loop with a side trip out to Leggett Point Overlook. About half way through the hike while taking a break in Rock Creek we began to hear thunder rumbling in the distance. The threat of a thunderstorm prompted a return to the trail where we began to make our way back to vehicles. Although we did encounter a slight amount of rain on our return, it did not discourage us from stopping at Leggett Point Overlook for a lunch break. Fortunately no more rain fell before the hike ended.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Rest break in Rock Creek

Big Slough

2011-06-11T15:38:00.001-04:00

Phyllis Williams, Jan Agee, Brandy Selman, Judy Varner, TC Varner, and Don Deakins paddled almost five miles as we toured the Big Slough Project at Hiwassee Refuge goose management area. Although geese weren’t present and we didn’t see bald eagles as expected, we did sneak up on a few deer along the shore as well as a couple of wild turkeys. This place could possibly be paradise for a wildlife photographer.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Phyllis's photos

Smooth water in goose management area

Prentice Cooper

2011-06-08T16:18:00.000-04:00

Our plans to hike out Dry Branch Road in Prentice Cooper were changed as we drove out Tower Road and found the Tower Road gate closed at the Pot Point Road junction. It was closed to ensure wild turkeys are not disturbed during their nesting period. The Dry Branch hike will be rescheduled after the gate is opened.

Since we were already at Pot Point Road, we drove over to Davis Pond, hiked out Pot Point Road, and returned on an unnamed alternate route which resulted in a 4 mile round trip. Afterwards we decided to do a little 4-wheeling on Haley Road, a jeep / ATV trail that none of us had ever traveled past Mullens Creek which is at the approximate one mile mark. At Mullens Creek we found a cool shady spot where we stopped for a short lunch break before continuing out Haley Road. Upon reaching the end of Haley Road, we were near state highway 27 in the vicinity of Ketner’s Mill, just a little over 6 miles from the beginning of Haley Road. We then turned around and slowly made our way back to Tower Road and the main trail head where our day ended.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo in Mullens Creek

Hiwassee Island

2011-06-04T18:00:00.001-04:00

Jan Agee, Brandy Selman, and Don Deakins spent about five hours paddling the waters inside and around Hiwassee Island under perfect conditions for a day on the water. We maintained a casual pace which made it much more enjoyable and numerous bald eagle sightings added a little excitement.

Slide show of Don's photos

Jan and Brandy among lily pads at Hiwassee Island

Sale Creek Test Run

2011-06-03T22:27:00.000-04:00

Today was the maiden voyage of Mark and Teresa’s new kayaks and an extensive voyage it was. We paddled as far up Sale Creek as a kayak can go where we encountered shallow water and a log that required us to exit kayaks and drag them over the log to proceed past that point. About 300 feet past that point was an impenetrable log jam and end of the line. Our round trip took about 4 hours of paddling and resulted in three tired kayakers.

Slide show of Don's photos

Preparing to head back after dinner break

Possum Gorge

2011-05-28T16:56:00.000-04:00

Today’s 6.7 mile Possum Gorge hike from Retro Hughes Trailhead to Little Possum Creek Bridge and out the construction entrance began under comfortable conditions and remained that way for most of the hike but we were beginning to experience summer heat by hike’s end. Looks like it is time to get geared up for a few months of high heat and humidity or start spending more time on the river.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo along creek above Imodium Falls

Kayaking and Picnicking

2011-05-27T20:53:00.001-04:00

Mark and Teresa have planned on buying kayaks for months but unfortunately missed a kayak demo last Sunday that would have helped them decide exactly what they wanted so we put together a miniature kayak demo in conjunction with a picnic at Soddy Lake. Our demo consisted of 3 boats which could not compare to approximate 40 kayaks available for testing at Ross’s Landing but we did have enough variety to demonstrate the big difference between a “Sit on Top” and a “Sit Inside”. They will visit the kayak store this weekend and our next outing on the water should have five boats.

Our evening began with a few test runs around the lake. After a picnic dinner we returned to the water which eventually resulted in a little laughter. TC accidently capsized and had to bring his kayak ashore to empty the water. I don’t usually post pictures that would embarrass anyone but this picture had to be posted. Later, Judy intentionally capsized her craft as a test and proved that it is difficult to flip an Ocean Kayak.

Tomorrow we will be back on dry land hiking in Possum Gorge.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo on Soddy Lake

Hiwassee Island

2011-05-21T18:06:00.000-04:00

Five participants showed up for a very warm day of exploration around Hiwassee Island. Judy Varner and TC Varner teamed up in their canoe, Phyllis Williams paddled her kayak, while Bob DeHart and Don Deakins kicked back in a motorized flat bottom boat. There was much to see around the island today. Big carp were in the shallows and the sky was full of osprey and blue heron but the most exciting sighting of the day was two bald eagles. Hiwassee Island is a paradise for wildlife.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Lunch break on Hiwassee Island

Laurel Maintenance

2011-05-18T17:28:00.003-04:00

Judy Varner, TC Varner, Jane Ellett, Caroline Woerner, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins joined Brandy Selman and Ronald Skiles of the Cumberland Trail maintenance crew for a maintenance hike on the Laurel Falls Trail in Dayton. There were numerous big trees on the trail that required removal, two of which were positioned precariously, but Ronald Skiles and the big STIHL chainsaw handled them with ease. At day's end we had cleaned trail from trail head to the creek crossing above Laurel Falls which resulted in a round trip hike of 6 miles.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo at Laurel Campsite

Sale Creek

2011-05-15T15:48:00.000-04:00

Although today's windy and cool weather might have been more appropriate for a hike, we spent the day on the water at Sale Creek. Jan Agee, Brandy Selman, and Judy Varner paddled kayaks and TC Varner paddled a canoe while Bob DeHart and Don Deakins monitored the strenuous activity from our motorized flat bottom boat. This outing began at the Sale Creek Campground boat ramp, navigated upstream on Sale Creek a substantial distance past the point where the creek passes under US-27, and then back to the boat ramp which resulted in an approximate 9 mile round trip.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Kayaks on Sale Creek

New Trail In North Chick

2011-05-14T15:22:00.000-04:00

Jane Ellett, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins joined the Chattanooga Hiking Club for a hike on the recently completed 3.1 mile section of North Chickamauga Gorge between Cain Creek and Stevenson Branch Campsite. Total round trip distance including the walk from parking area to trail was 6.5 miles. Even though we were presented with unseasonably warm temperatures and significant elevation changes, it failed to dampen the group's enthusiasm and I think everyone will be ready to hit the trail again very soon.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo at Stevenson Branch

Trail Maintenance

2011-05-07T16:52:00.000-04:00

After encountering numerous downed trees on the trail during their Possum Gorge hike last weekend, Mark and Teresa suggested a maintenance hike for today on the segment of trail between Little Possum Creek Bridge and the concrete bridge. With chain saw, hand saws, loppers, and pruning shears in hand, Mark Jordan, Teresa Jordan, Caroline Woerner, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked in on the Little Possum Creek Bridge construction entrance, cleared all trail obstructions from 2.6 miles of trail, and hiked out on the gated logging road that crosses the concrete bridge. Although we didn’t keep count of trees removed, it was surely greater than 10 and our total hike distance was about 4.5 miles.

Slide show of Don's photos

Lunch break at Imodium Falls

Black Mountain

2011-05-04T18:18:00.000-04:00

Although Cumberland Trail Volunteers met Chattanooga Hiking Club as planned, we didn’t hike with them. Their Black Mountain hike plans called for parking at the bottom of Black Mountain, hiking to the top, and then retracing their steps back down which was just a tad more arduous than we had planned. Our plans called for staging a vehicle at the bottom and driving a second vehicle to the top which is exactly what we did. A casual pace down the mountain mixed with many stops to observe the abundant wildflowers and a lunch break at Windless Cave made for a hike this group of four thoroughly enjoyed.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo at Windless Cave

Deep Creek Maintenance

2011-04-30T14:58:00.001-04:00

Caroline Woerner, Bob DeHart, Jane Ellett, Judy Varner, TC Varner, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins teamed up for a few hours of trail maintenance on the Soddy Gorge segment of Cumberland Trail. Our goal today was to hike through the rock mining entrance off Old Hotwater Road and remove a large tree across the trail between Deep Creek and Hotwater Road. We anticipated a strenuous hike down the steep rock mining road to Deep Creek and the subsequent climb back up the Cumberland Trail to the segment where our work was to take place. Fortunately, TC and Judy knew an alternate route that circumvented the difficult portion and turned what could have been a strenuous hike into an easy and much more enjoyable hike.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Earth Day

2011-04-22T14:49:00.000-04:00

Although Carol and I didn't do anything to save the planet on this "Earth Day", we did spend time on Cumberland Trail gathering GPS data and performing trail maintenance. Yesterday I received two emails, one from Jim Schroeder and one from Jason Grizzard. Jim has revised the route of the proposed trail addition in the Little Soddy Historic Mining Area and requested the map be revised to reflect this change. Jason had just hiked the section of Soddy Gorge from Hotwater Road to Deep Creek and reported 3 trees across the trail that were too big to cut with the ax he carried. With a GPS in one hand and a chain saw in the other, we headed to Hotwater Road. First we hiked down into Little Soddy Historic Mining Area and recorded GPS data for the proposed route of the new trail addition which skirts along the old mule barn site and the old Jeffery's home site. Then we hiked out toward Posey Point and cut two of the three trees across the trail. The third downed tree which is near Deep Creek was saved for another day when we will hike in through the old rock mining road.

Today's photos

Revised Map of Little Soddy Historic Mining Area

Ransom Hollow Maintenance

2011-04-17T20:17:00.000-04:00

Caroline Woerner, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked the Ransom Hollow section of Cumberland Trail at Prentice Cooper State Forest with loppers and chainsaw in hand. Our plans were to remove two big trees across the trail but recent storms have downed numerous trees, and as luck would have it, many of them are on the trail. We had already cut four big ones before we arrived at the first tree on our agenda. We lost count of trees removed from the trail but our four hour event turned into a eight hour event so we know it was a substantial number. If what we saw today is indicative of the entire trail, there is much more chainsaw work to be done.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Piney River with CHC

2011-04-13T18:44:00.002-04:00

Anna Dennett, Maria Lubkowitz, Jane Ellett, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins joined the Chattanooga Hiking Club for a trip to Spring City where we hiked the Piney River segment of Cumberland Trail. Of 24 hikers, 19 began at Duskin Creek which resulted in a 7.35 mile hike while the hard core group began at Newby Branch and hiked 8.46 miles. Ideal weather, ample flow in creeks, wildflowers in bloom, and snakes on the prowl made for an interesting and entertaining hike.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo at Rockhouse Branch Campsite

North Chick Overnight

2011-04-07T18:30:00.003-04:00

After Monday’s torrential rains, we were a little reluctant to proceed with this backpack trip through North Chickamauga Gorge knowing we had to cross Cooper Creek which does not have a bridge but, having already postponed this trip the previous week due to weather, we decided to continue and revise our plans if crossing Cooper Creek looked unsafe. After hiking 3.1 miles from Cain Creek area, we arrived at Cooper Creek and found it much higher than normal and fast flowing but we were able to find a route across where the water level never exceeded knee high. Creek rocks were slick and current was swift so we had to proceed very cautiously but everyone made it safely across.

After arriving at Stevenson Branch Campsite, we set up camp, collected fire wood, fished, ate, and ended the night with a few hours around the campfire.

Our hike out on Thursday morning provided some excitement that won’t soon be forgotten. Climbing two ladders that were not designed nor positioned for hikers with big heavy backpacks slowed our progress but the show stopper came when we arrived at the cable crossing. The cable crossing is a creek crossing with a very slack cable handrail. The solid rock creek bottom is extremely slick and today was so slick the current would push your feet out from under you. About 20 feet downstream of the crossing is a waterfall which would mean instant death for anyone who slipped and was pushed downstream by the current. About 15 feet upstream from the cable crossing is another waterfall about 8 feet tall. No one was willing to chance a crossing under these conditions so we had two options, turn around and go back to where we started the day before or climb a short rock wall at the edge of the waterfall above the cable crossing and go upstream looking for a suitable location to cross the creek. We chose the latter and although we did get wet climbing up along the waterfall, we made the climb successfully and found a safe place to cross. Thankfully, the remaining three miles to the North Chickamauga trailhead were event free.

Slide show of Don's photos

Enjoying the campfire

Hike with Memphis TTA

2011-04-01T19:47:00.002-04:00

Judy Varner, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins joined 10 hikers from Memphis TTA for a 4.9 mile hike of Soddy Gorge between Mowbray Pike and Hotwater Road. Although there was a slight chance of rain in the forecast, no rain materialized and conditions couldn't have been better for hiking.

These Memphis hikers are a hard core group. After hiking Soddy Gorge today, they plan to hike Rock Creek tomorrow and Chickamauga Battlefield on Sunday before heading back to Memphis. Not only are they a hard core group but also a fun group. I hope we get the opportunity to join them again.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo at Mowbray Pike trail head

BreakAway Day 15

2011-03-24T15:57:00.000-04:00

Work continues on the section of North Chickamauga Gorge trail between the old open coal mine and ladder # 1. Some sections have been rerouted away from muddy areas and now skirt along the base of the bluff through large boulder fields. These reroutes should significantly enhance the hiking experience.

Lunch break under rock shelf

BreakAway Day 14

2011-03-22T16:43:00.000-04:00

Today students were split into two groups. One group went to Little Soddy Historic Mining Area in Soddy Gorge off Hotwater Road to install signs that identify various areas of the long extinct mining operation. The second group returned to North Chickamauga Gorge and advanced into the second mile of trail where dramatic improvements to the trail are being made.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Bucket brigade relaying rocks up to trail

BreakAway Day 13

2011-03-21T16:21:00.001-04:00

With trail construction complete at the back end of North Chickamauga Gorge, efforts are now focused on repairing and modifying trail near the trail head, particularly along the old coal mining road that provides the first mile of trail. Erosion in conjunction with constant drainage across the trail creates rough and muddy sections. Trail modifications and construction of water bars should help alleviate these problems.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Hard working college students from New York

North Chick Survey

2011-03-19T14:08:00.002-04:00

Today's hike into North Chickamauga Creek Gorge was not a pleasure hike but instead a working hike where we inspected the trail for needed repairs and modifications. Although we only hiked to Boston Branch Overlook which is 2 miles from trail head, more than enough work was found to fill the entire last week of Spring BreakAway which begins on Monday.

Slide show of Don's photos

View from Boston Branch Overlook

Hiking New Trail

2011-03-18T16:39:00.002-04:00

Larry Cook, Caroline Woerner, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked the new section of Cumberland Trail in North Chickamauga Gorge that was just completed yesterday. We collected GPS data and measured trail length with a measuring wheel. This section connects the Cain Creek segment which was completed last year to the Cooper Creek segment which was completed the previous year. The length of contiguous trail from North Chickamauga trail head kiosk to end of Cain Creek segment is now 7.2 miles.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo on trail along Panther Branch

BreakAway Day 6

2011-03-08T17:07:00.000-05:00

Today’s pace may have slowed slightly from yesterday. Workers were split into two groups. A large group worked the south end of this new segment toward Cain Creek and had few obstacles except for deep side hill cuts that required much digging. A smaller group worked the northern end of this new segment toward Cooper Creek and encountered numerous obstacles that slowed the pace considerably. However, this project can still easily be completed ahead of schedule.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Moving lots of dirt

BreakAway Day 5

2011-03-07T16:21:00.004-05:00

Today’s group of 80+ students and many regular volunteers began work on the Cooper Creek end of this new segment and worked back toward the section constructed last week. This large group of workers combined with terrain that contained little vegetation and no rocks allowed a staggering amount of trail to be completed in just a few hours. A few more days like today and this trail could be completed well ahead of schedule.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Building trail

Maintenance Hike

2011-03-06T14:40:00.005-05:00

The goal of today’s maintenance hike from Heiss Mountain Road trail head to Big Possum Creek Bridge was to clean mildew from the bridge and remove a tree across the trail near the bridge. Cutting the tree the old fashion way with an axe proved much easier than cleaning the bridge. Although we removed a large amount of mildew from both wood and fiberglass components, there is still much to do but we will save it for a day when we have more brushes, water buckets, sprayers, and people.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo on Big Possum Creek Bridge

BreakAway Day 4

2011-03-04T15:45:00.004-05:00

On day 4, less time was spent extending the trail and more effort was focused on tying up loose ends. One group hiked ahead and cleared the route for trail to be constructed in upcoming weeks. Another crew performed maintenance on trail that was constructed last year as well as building spur trails to overlooks along the previously constructed segment. The last group finished the trail segment that was not totally completed yesterday.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Hard at it

BreakAway Day 3

2011-03-03T16:32:00.001-05:00

With ideal weather continuing on day 3, a hard working crew completed a substantial amount of difficult trail construction through pine thickets and steep terrain. At day's end, we had reached open woods. Day 4 working conditions in open woods may permit progress to surpass what was obtained on previous days.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Freshly built trail

BreakAway Day 2

2011-03-02T17:23:00.001-05:00

The combination of a larger crew and ideal weather provided the catalyst for significant progress on day 2. Rock steps and trail at Panther Branch were completed. A tough uphill section which passes through a Laurel thicket, required removal of numerous rocks, and also required a side hill cut before reaching a pine thicket on level ground was also completed. The distance to our Cooper Creek trail connection is slowly but surely decreasing.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Arriving at worksite

BreakAway Day 1

2011-03-01T16:45:00.001-05:00

Day 1 got off to an excellent start with superb weather and an enthusiastic crew, comprised largely of college students from Michigan. After a short quarter mile hike to the work location, we split up into two groups. One group went to Panther Creek to work a section of trail across the creek that was not completed during last BreakAway. The second group hiked a short distance to trail's end and began extending the trail toward Cooper Creek. The day ended with some quality trail completed.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Lunch break

Creek Clean-up

2011-02-26T16:10:00.001-05:00

Caroline Woerner, Katy Walker, Bob DeHart, Judy Varner, Ted Varner, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins were part of about 35 volunteers that turned out for first day of clean-up on a Hixson segment of Chickamauga Creek in preparation for extending the Greenway Trail toward North Chickamauga Gorge. We made a serious dent in trash along the bank but were unable to reach what was in the creek. A March 26 event may concentrate on what we couldn’t get today.

Rock Creek with CHC

2011-02-23T16:26:00.008-05:00

Today's big crowd met at Leggett Road upper trailhead and shuttled over to Retro Hughes Road where the hike began. Upon arrival at Retro Hughes trailhead we were pleasantly surprised to find a new parking area and although apparently not complete, is very usable.

Our hike plan called for a non-stop trip from Retro Hughes Road to Leggett Point Overlook where we would break for lunch. Turns out this was an ideal plan as no one starved to death before arriving at Leggett Point Overlook and the after lunch walk to awaiting vehicles was short.

Thanks to Che and CHC for a fun filled day.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo in new Retro Hughes trail head parking area

Ransom Hollow

2011-02-19T17:41:00.001-05:00

Anna Dennett, Maria Lubkowitz, Caroline Woerner, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked the Ransom Hollow segment of Pot Point Loop in Prentice Cooper which resulted in a 3.4 mile walk. A casual pace, perfect weather, and an extended lunch break at Ransom Hollow Overlook allowed us to more thoroughly enjoy the sights provided by Mother Nature.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo at Ransom Hollow Overlook

Cain Creek

2011-02-17T15:10:00.000-05:00

Ted Varner, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked the recently constructed Cain Creek trail to just beyond Panther Branch where the trail ends. We then continued hiking on the yet to be constructed route to Cooper Creek trail, an approximate .8 mile segment. Total distance from Cain Creek trail head to Cooper Creek trail is about 2.25 miles which made our round trip about 4.5 miles.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo in Panther Branch

Trail Construction Prep

2011-02-15T15:58:00.001-05:00

Tony Hook, Ronald Skiles, Danny Skiles, Brandy Selman, Bob DeHart, TC Varner, Judy Varner, Larry Cook, Erin Ouzts, Caroline Woerner, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked in to the temporary end of Cain Creek section of Cumberland Trail in North Chickamauga Gorge and began clearing the flagged route for trail to be constructed beginning February 27. This section will connect the Cain Creek trail to the Cooper Creek trail. Three chain saws and various hand tools turned what could have been an all day job into a few hours work.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Trail Maintenance

2011-02-13T17:52:00.004-05:00

Two sections of Cumberland Trail between Snoopers Rock and Indian Rock House in Prentice Cooper that detoured around fallen trees were returned to the original route today. We used a chain saw to remove trees and various hand tools to restore the trail. Participating volunteers were Caroline Woerner, Bob DeHart, Judy Varner, TC Varner, and Don Deakins.

Slide show of Bob's photos

Prentice Cooper

2011-02-12T17:27:00.002-05:00

Anna Dennett, Maria Lubkowitz, Sue LaGraff, Caroline Woerner, Jane Ellett, Teresa Jordan, Mark Jordan, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins enjoyed ideal hiking conditions on a 3.5 mile Prentice Cooper hike which began on Tower Road near Snoopers Rock and ended at the main trail head on Tower Road. This section of trail runs along the Tennessee River Gorge escarpment and provides a good view of the river below. An excellent trail, good weather, and a fun group of hikers made for a day I'd soon like to repeat.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo at rock outcropping along trail

Piney River

2011-02-09T18:31:00.006-05:00

Carol Deakins and Don Deakins joined Brandy Selman and Ronald Skiles of the Cumberland Trail maintenance crew for a Piney River maintenance hike between Duskin Creek and Piney River trail head. This hike included two side trips, one to Hemlock Falls and the other to Rockhouse Branch Campsite, the only official campsite on the Piney River segment. We dismantled other campsites not authorized by Cumberland Trail management, removed fallen debris from trail, and picked up trash along the way.

Slide show of today's photos

Group photo on rock settee at Rockhouse Branch Campsite

Soddy Gorge

2011-02-02T18:54:00.001-05:00

Jane Ellett, Caroline Woerner, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins joined Brandy Selman and Ronald Skiles of the Cumberland Trail maintenance crew for a 6+ mile maintenance and data gathering hike on the northern section of Soddy Gorge segment. Our plan was to hike from a maintenance access point off Young Road to Big Soddy Creek and retrace our steps back to the maintenance access point. We would have been greatly disappointed if we had planned to hike beyond Big Soddy Creek because the creek flow was much too great to attempt a crossing. A bridge across Big Soddy Creek will be a welcomed addition to Cumberland Trail.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Bob's photos

Group photo on Big Soddy Creek

GPS Exercise

2011-01-29T18:19:00.001-05:00

Today's off-trail hike at Prentice Cooper was intended to provide practical experience with GPS and I believe our goal was accomplished. Our first leg began at Davis Pond with a destination of a Cumberland Trail footbridge about .4 miles away through open woods. After easily finding the bridge and Cumberland Trail with GPS, we followed the trail to Natural Bridge and then began a 1 mile hike back to Davis Pond through open woods. Again we easily found our mark with the help of GPS. After a lunch break at Davis Pond, we moved vehicles to the junction of Tower Road and Pot Point Road and began another hike to Ransom Hollow Overlook using GPS to guide the way. One lesson reiterated today was that GPS will provide the shortest and most direct route to your destination but it surely won't provide the easiest route.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo underneath Natural Bridge

Mullens Cove

2011-01-26T15:39:00.003-05:00

Caroline Woerner, Sue LaGraff, Bob DeHart, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins hiked an approximate 3.5 mile section of Mullens Cove Loop at Prentice Cooper on a cold day that intermittently provided snow flurries and gusty winds.

Today's goal was to document a trail description of this segment which we accomplished, thanks to Bob's digital voice recorder. Looks like Snoopers Rock section might be our next project.

Group photo at precarious Mullens Cove Overlook

Soddy Gorge South

2011-01-19T14:29:00.001-05:00

Seventeen participants turned out for today's CHC hike on the south end of the Soddy Gorge segment of Cumberland Trail. This section of trail encompasses 4.9 miles between Mowbray Pike and Hotwater Road. It contains a couple of small creek crossings that sometime present an obstacle but water levels and flow were low today so we were able to cross with relative ease. Completion of this section allows numerous CHC members to mark Soddy Gorge off their bucket list.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo in Little Soddy Historic Mining Area

Snow Hike

2011-01-15T16:28:00.000-05:00

Don and Carol Deakins joined Mark Jordan, Teresa Jordan, Greg Jordan, and Manni Jordan for a hike on a snow covered trail into Big Possum Gorge from the Heiss Mountain Road trail head. We hadn't gone far down the trail when we encountered an old hiking friend, Mike White, along with his son and his son's girlfriend. After a short conversation we continued down the trail in temperatures that were much more comfortable than expected. And since previous hikers had already compacted snow on the trail, walking was much easier than anticipated. Comfortable temperatures combined with easy walking made this a hike in the snow that won't be soon forgotten.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo at old bridge site upstream from Big Possum Creek Bridge

Haley Road

2011-01-08T17:07:00.000-05:00

Our hike today had a purpose and that was to walk from the Prentice Cooper main trail head to Haley Road and compile a description of the trail which will be used in a trail booklet being assembled for the entire Cumberland Trail. Bob DeHart used a voice recorder to document the description as we hiked which greatly simplified the task. We also had the pleasure of meeting a group of Nashville hikers at the trail head and encountered them twice again along the trail, of which the second meeting prompted our group photo.

Today's photos

Group photo along trail with Nashville hikers

Spider Den Bluff

2011-01-05T20:27:00.001-05:00

Jane Ellett, Judy Varner, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins joined Chattanooga Hiking Club for a 6.5 mile Piney River hike from Newby Branch to Spider Den Bluff and back to Newby Branch. Cool weather provided incentive to keep moving but we did pause long enough for lunch at Spider Den Bluff along Duskin Creek where we built a fire and utilized chairs and a picnic table constructed of stacked rock.

Each trip with Chattanooga Hiking Club has proved to be exceptional so I'm already looking forward to the next hike with them.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo on Duskin Creek at Spider Den Bluff

New Year's Day Hike

2011-01-01T17:31:00.007-05:00

Although today’s weather forecast called for rain and rain it did for the entire hike, Joanne Denise, Derek Brown, Carol Deakins, and Don Deakins donned our rain gear and headed to Soddy Gorge.

This hike got off to an exciting start when we arrived at Mikel Branch, normally a gentle flowing brook, but after heavy rain was flowing fast and deep. We couldn’t safely ford where the trail crosses so we left the trail and began bushwhacking upstream along the creek in hopes of finding a suitable safe crossing. After a substantial distance without finding a desirable location, we began to consider other options, one of which was a log bridge. Fortunately we were able to find a suitable log on a slope above the creek. We wrestled it down to the creek, stood it up at creek’s edge, and let it fall across the creek. That log along with some overhanging limbs provided a precarious but successful creek crossing. Even though we hiked in rain all day, this creek crossing adventure and numerous other water hazards made the hike an exciting and enjoyable event.

Slide show of Don's photos

Group photo in dry spot under rock ledge

Piney Falls

2010-12-29T16:54:00.002-05:00

Our plans to hike Black Mountain Loop had to be cancelled when we arrived at the base of Black Mountain and discovered Owl Roost Road, the only road to the top, was covered in ice and snow which made it too treacherous. We then decided to stop at Piney Falls in Grandview on our way back to Spring City. Turns out this was a more enjoyable hike. Although shorter than Black Mountain Loop, the scenery consisting of two water falls and a beautiful trail connecting the two, more than made up for the lack of distance.

Slide show of Don's photos

Slide show of Earl's photos

At top of Piney Falls

Cumberland Trail Volunteers

Trail Maintenance

Soddy Gorge

Ransom Hollow

Stinging Fork

Clemmons Point

Soddy Mining Area

Possum Gorge North Video

Rock Creek

Board Camp Creek

Rock Creek

Possum Gorge Video

Piney River

Piney River Maintenance

Blanchard Creek

Possum Gorge Maintenance

More Rock Creek Video

Deep Creek

Rock Creek Video

Rock Creek Loop

Possum Gorge South

Rock Creek Again

Rock Creek

Piney Maintenance

Emory River Gorge

RiverRocks Hike

Trail Maintenance

Trail Inspection

Back To Sale Creek

Battle Creek with TVCC

Paddle North Chick

Trail Maintenance

Sale Creek

Hiwassee Island Overnite

Tadpole Branch

Hornet Hunt

And More Jeep Trails

More Jeep Trails

Kayak Demo

Paddling with Phyllis

Jeep Trails

Rock Creek Loop

Audubon Mountain

Mapping Jeep Trails

Another new boat

Ziegler Island

Possum Gorge Maintenance

Around Hiwassee Island

Rock Creek Maintenance

Possum Creek

Soddy Gorge Maintenance

Maclellan Island

North Chick Clean-up

Rock Creek Loop

Big Slough

Prentice Cooper

Hiwassee Island

Sale Creek Test Run

Possum Gorge

Kayaking and Picnicking

Hiwassee Island

Laurel Maintenance

Sale Creek

New Trail In North Chick

Trail Maintenance

Black Mountain

Deep Creek Maintenance

Earth Day

Ransom Hollow Maintenance

Piney River with CHC

North Chick Overnight

Hike with Memphis TTA

BreakAway Day 15

BreakAway Day 14

BreakAway Day 13

North Chick Survey

Hiking New Trail

BreakAway Day 6

BreakAway Day 5

Maintenance Hike