Tennessee Trails Association’s Plateau Chapter has hikes of about 5-8 miles every Wednesday and two Saturdays per month.
The hikes are open to public participation; ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Hikers are asked to pack water, snacks, lunch, tick/bug spray and sunscreen. They should also wear hiking boots or shoes, and bring hiking poles, water shoes and rain gear.
Check the Plateau Chapter blog at http://ttaplateauchapter.blogspot.com one hour prior to hike time for cancellation or for any other updates/changes to the schedule before hiking. Unless otherwise indicated, contact hike coordinator Deb Westervelt at plateauhikes@tennesseetrails.org or 931-267-2243 for more details.
December hikes include:
Wednesday, Dec. 3 — Big South Fork’s Darrow Ridge, Jamestown. This horse trail is a diamond in the rough with three spectacular features. This 7-mile hike starts at the campground and includes a rock wall, the Hippy Cave and Wildcat Den rock houses. Hippy Cave, which holds breathtaking markings on the ceiling is fenced for conservation efforts due to the rare sandwort plant species. There is also Fiddlers Arch, an arch in a rock house. Depart from the parking lot at Swafford’s IGA, Clarkrange, TN, at 8 a.m. Carpool cost is $5. Text hike leader Sheila Miller at 931-260-6065for information.
Wednesday, Dec 10 — Virgin Falls to Lost Creek, Sparta. Hikers can opt for a 9-mile through hike or a shorter 4-mile hike. There will be a 45-minute car shuttle. Depart from outer parking lot of Harbor Freight at 8 a.m. Carpool gas cost is $6. Text or call hike leader John Ford at 931-335-0349.
Saturday, Dec 13 — Cumberland Trail’s Black Mountain to Ozone Falls, Crossville. Hikers can opt for a moderate 4-mile in-and-out hike starting at Ozone Falls or a strenuous 6-mile hike from the top of Black Mountain to Ozone Falls. Depart from Sav-a-Lot at Interstate Drive, Crossville, at 8 a.m. Carpool cost is $3. Text hike leader Curt Brock at 931-510-0044.
Wednesday, Dec 17 — Big South Fork River and Recreation Area’s John Smith and River Trails, near Oneida. This new section of the trail will mostly be along the Big South Fork Cumberland River. Hikers can opt for a 4- to 5-mile in-and-out hike or a 7- to 8-mile hike. Depart from the southeast corner of Cracker Barrel rear parking lot off Interstate 40 Exit 317, Crossville, at 8 a.m. Carpool cost is $6.
Saturday, Dec 20 — Big South Fork River and Recreation Area’s John Muir Trail to Maude’s Crack. Jamestown.
This moderate 6-mile loop hike along No Business Creek ventures in and out of No Business Gorge and past some of the most interesting natural and historical features found in the Big South Fork, including a 100-foot climb through Maude’s Crack and relics of an early 20th-century settlement along No Business Creek. Expect rugged terrain, a stream crossing, and a 100-foot climb or descent through Maude’s Crack. Depart from Cracker Barrel’s rear lot in Crossville at 8 a.m. Carpool cost is $6.