All Tennessee Trails Association Plateau Chapter hikes can be found in the Crossville Chronicle Scene Section calendar, at https://tennesseetrails.org/chapters/plateau-chapter/ or on Facebook.
Most hikes are in cooperation with the Tennessee Trails Association Upper Cumberland Chapter.
Hikers are advised to bring hiking poles, wear hiking boots, rain gear, (electrolytes) water, lunch and a snack, as well as tick/bug spray and sunscreen.
All hikers ages 18 and older are welcome to participate. All participating minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Chapter members said they look forward to walking in the woods with hikers.
Unless otherwise indicated, contact hike coordinator Deb Westervelt at plateauhikes68@tennesseetrails.org or 931-267-2243.
Wednesday, Dec. 4. Big South Fork: Honey Creek.
This is one of the group’s more popular hikes, which features waterfalls, rock houses and gorge overlooks.
Short hike: 3.5 miles half of the loop exiting the trail at the overlook with a road walk back to the cars.
Long hike: The trail is 6 miles and is fairly difficult because of rock scrambles, stream crossings, and steep slopes.
Views are definitely worth the effort. Also, a portion of the hike is in a creek bed; bring water shoes and extra socks. A hundred yards or so of the creek bed is slippery and must be hiked with extreme care.
Depart from the Crossville Cracker Barrel rear lot southwest corner at 8 a.m. Carpool cost is $6.
Saturday Dec. 7. Cumberland Trail: Head of Sequatchie, part of Hinch Mountain Section.
Out-and-back, about 8 miles, maybe 1,500-2,000 foot elevation gain.
The hike starts at Head of the Sequatchie with a bang, going up moderately for a while, and then steeply up. This is followed by more moderate uphills and downhills, traversing the side of Hinch Mountain, and then heading more or less southeast turn around and head back from here.
Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically.
Depart from Central Baptist Church at 8 a.m. Carpool is $3. Hikers planning to participate are asked to contact hike coordinator Sheila Miller at 931-260-6065.
Wednesday, Dec 11. Stinging Fork State Natural Area, to Piney River Spring City, TN.
Short hike: 3 strenuous miles to Stinging Fork Falls and back.
Long hike: Cumberland Trail is mostly strenuous 7 miles but is absolutely gorgeous. Requires a car shuttle. There is a 1-mile easy mile walking through the woods midway for a reprieve.
Stinging Fork State Natural Area features a 35-foot waterfall and cascade. There are numerous feeder streams along the way. Hikers can expect numerous elevation gains and descents, possibly slick rocks.
Depart from Central Baptist Church at 8 a.m. Carpool cost is $4. Contact hike coordinator Beth at 928-782-5564.
Thursday, Dec. 12. Plateau Chapter Christmas party, Crossville Methodist Church Annex, 69 Neecham St.
Party starts at 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share at potluck dinner. Gift exchange is optional; those wishing to participate in the gift exchange should bring a $15-20 gift for the Left Right Gift exchange game. Wear an ugly Christmas sweater. The Chapter will furnish plates and silverware. No alcohol is allowed on church property.
RSVP intention to attend party to Bill at ttaplateauchairperson@gmail.com or 931-335-9360.
Wednesday, Dec. 18. Cumberland Trail North Chickamauga Section, Soddy Daisy, TN.
Short hike: 5-mile round trip to Panther Branch Overlook and back. If necessary, the short hikers can drive all the cars to the Montlake Road Trailhead for the long hikers.
Long hike: 8.3 miles starting from the Barker Camp Road trailhead along and across Cooper Creek; bring water shoes. There is a nice overlook near Panther Branch. After descending several switchbacks hikers will cross Cooper Creek to Stephen’s Campground then pass old mines to Montlake Road Trailhead. Requires a car shuttle.
Depart from Central Baptist Church at 8 a.m. Carpool cost is $7.