Tennessee Hike Series 2009-2010

[Joshua Szulecki]

Hey folks,

I know this is ALAtrails, but since I'm in Tennessee and have done relatively little hiking in Tennesse, I want to put together some hiking trips in Tennessee for the next few months.

The first trip I would like to take is to the Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness. I'd like to do this in December, before it gets any colder.

Also on the list are:
- Savage Gulf (multiple locations)
- Fall Creek Falls SP (been there but never hiked anywhere)
- Frozen Head SP (spring)
- Big South Fork


I'd also like to do a little mountain hiking in or around GSMNP, but I've leave a destination up in the air.

Chime in if you would be interested in any of these hikes, and we can get talking on when/how/etc...

[Ewker]

Yeah I would be interested esp since I live in Tenn.

 I don't know anything about the trails in Alabama so I am lost when I read about trips or trails here.

[Cuffs]

Ewker! 

You've always got me here in Alabama to hike with!  Sorry I missed out on the hike with you and E, but it was because I was hiking too! 

[dogwood]

Sounds like fun!  If i can work the time out, i'd love to go along...

[weathermansam]

The Friends group: http://www.friendsofscsra.org/ I keep bookmarked.  They've got some good info. 

I'll be up for something in december.  I need to get away for a bit. 

[Pully]

I'm definitely interested in Virgin Falls and Savage Gulf. Since I'm going to Big South Fork tomorrow, I will not want to go back so soon.

So what date do you have in mind for Virgin Falls? I prefer the weekend of Dec 18th.

[jaybird]

Where exactly is this Virgin Falls?

[Ewker]

Virgin Falls is east of Sparta, Tn.

google Virgin Falls and a few sites will come up.

Big South Fork is a great place to go for overnight trips. there is the John Muir Trail which is 50 miles long approx. Also the southern terminus of the Sheltowee Trace (270 miles long) starts in Pickett State park which is right next to BSF

[Ewker]

Ewker! 

You've always got me here in Alabama to hike with!  Sorry I missed out on the hike with you and E, but it was because I was hiking too! 

tis ok. I think E and I are doing the Hidden Passage Trail on Dec 5th. It isn't a long trail but good enough for an overnighter. then again we may hit the Savage Gulf area..who knows

[Joshua Szulecki]

Pully suggested the weekend of Saturday December 19th and 20th as a potential date for a Virgin Falls PW hike. I like that date.

Some information on Virgin Falls PW:
http://www.state.tn.us/en...nment/na/natareas/virgin/
http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/vfpw1.htm

A map of the area:
http://www.state.tn.us/en...atareas/virgin/virgin.pdf

I've never hiked there, but I know from secondhand reports that the area is pretty cool. Includes several decent waterfalls and interesting geology. It is a 4-mile each way hike. It is a long ride (4.5 hours) from Birmingham, and a long hike (8+ hours according to most) so camping might be a good idea. Other good state parks are in the area (Fall Creek Falls, Rock Island, Burgess Falls), and some offer camping with amenities. There is also backcountry designated-site camping in the PW. If I was going to camp I'd prefer something close to the car, because I'll have no choice but to bring the dog, and if he got too cold I've have to have the option to ditch out.

The parking is about here: 35.862848, -85.291028

[jaybird]

I'm leading the Pinhoti Challenge hike on the 19th, so count me out.

[Ewker]

I will be in St Louis that weekend

[Joshua Szulecki]

I screwed up anyway. I am leaving that weekend for NY.

How about either the weekend of Dec. 12th or January 2nd? Chime in.

[dogwood]

Don't think i can make either weekend.  Will be hiking on the Pinhoti the weekend before the 2nd.  Maybe some other time..