All of the Plateau Chapter Tennessee Trails Association hikes can be found in the Crossville Chronicle Scene calendar, at tennesseetrails.org/chapters/plateau-chapter or on Facebook.
“We look forward to walking in the woods with you,” said Missy Fell of the Plateau Chapter.
All hike times are Central and are with the Upper Cumberland Chapter.
Hikers should bring snacks, (electrolytes) water, lunch, hiking poles and hiking boots. Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen.
The public is welcome to participate; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Unless otherwise indicated, text or call Deb at 931-267-2243 for more information.
Wednesday, Nov. 6. Cumberland Trail Upper Piney River, Spring City, TN.
Hikers start on the southern end of the newly opened Upper Piney Section and hike north. Long hike: Choice of in/out 8 miles total or 12-mile through hike to Shut-in Gap Road. Both are strenuous/difficult due to lots of steps and elevation change. Depart 8 a.m. from the southeast parking lot of Central Baptist Church, 1346 S. Main St., Crossville.
Saturday, Nov. 9. Walls of Jericho. Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area on the west side of Winchester.
Long hike: 8 miles rated strenuous due to rocky terrain and elevation. A short vehicle shuttle is necessary. Short hike: 5 miles in/out rated moderate to strenuous. This gorge straddles the Tennessee-Alabama state line, and the hike will begin from the Tennessee trailhead. Hikers will cross Turkey Creek on a foot log bridge past Clark Cemetery, and a primitive hiker campsite. From there we will hike beside Turkey Creek alongside a bluff line to reach the beautiful, natural walled amphitheater. The return trip will be ascending switchbacks to the trailhead in Alabama. Depart 8 a.m. from the southeast parking lot of Central Baptist Church, 1346 S. Main St., Crossville. Call hike leader Bill at 931-335-9360.
Wednesday, Nov. 24. Big South Fork Devil’s Den and Eye of the Needle, Oneida, TN.
Long hike: 10-plus miles round trip Short hike: easy to moderate 6 miles. Leatherwood Ford Parking Area to O&W bridge, then some elevation gain to Devil’s Den (large rock shelter), and on to Eye of the Needle. The latter is a cave-like rock shelter that contains a low stone arch, a ladder down to a lower level, and a “window” through the rear wall. It is probably the most unique feature in Big South Fork. Hikers must traverse deeply eroded, and usually muddy, horse trails from Devil’s Den to Eye of the Needle. It is suggested that Eye of The Needle be undertaken by seasoned hikers only; those taking the short hike will turn around and return to the parking area. Depart 8 a.m. from Cracker Barrel off I-40 Crossville Exit 317. Gas cost $7.
Wednesday, Nov. 20 and Wednesday, Nov. 27. Hike to be announced.
Text or call hike coordinator Beth at 928-782-5564 for Nov. 20 hike information.
Saturday, Nov. 23. Cumberland Trail Upper Piney River, Spring City, TN.
Long hike: Moderate to strenuous 8 miles from Shut-in Gap Road to the suspension bridge then head south on the newly opened trail. Short hike: Moderate 5 miles. Depart 8 a.m. from the southeast parking lot of Central Baptist Church, 1346 S. Main St., Crossville.