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 under must be accompanied by an adult.
Melissa Love has replaced Bill Wisniewski as chapter chairperson, and her email is: ttaplateauchairperson@gmail.com She is using the same email Bill had. Hike coordinator Deb Westervelt’s email is : ttaplateauhikes68@tennesseetrails.org
The chapter website is: https://tennesseetrails.org/chapters/plateau-chapter
Unless otherwise indicated, contact Westervelt at 931-267-2243 for any questions.
Listed hiking expeditions for March 2026 include:
Wednesday, March 18: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m CST **Earlier departure due to distance** Eagle Bluff to Tank Springs, Cumberland Trail, LaFollette, TN.
All hikers are encouraged to come hike with us on the beautiful Eagle Bluff section of the Cumberland Trail. This part of the trail is near Cove Lake State Park in Caryville and follows the ridge of the Cumberland Mountains up to the trailhead at Tank Springs near LaFollette.
Along the way we will see large rock walls, sandstone cliffs, a stone arch window, and overlooks of the Powell River Valley. This section of the trail is approximately 7 miles and rated moderate to difficult as there is uphill and downhill grades with some rock scrambling and narrow rock ledges that have to be traversed. A car shuttle from Tank Springs to Eagle Bluff will be required. We will depart from the Crossville Save A Lot parking lot at 7:30 a.m. CST. The carpool cost is $7.
Everyone should plan for a long day; it will be into the evening before we arrive back in Crossville. Sturdy hiking boots and hiking sticks are recommended. Bring lunch, snacks, (electrolytes) water, bug spray and sunscreen. Persons 18 and over, members and non-members are welcome. Contact the hike leader, Deb, text 931-267-2243 for more info.
Wednesday, March 25: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. CST *Earlier departure due to distance Norris Watershed and Norris Dam State Park, Norris, TN
First, we will hike the 3.2 mile moderate to strenuous River Bluff Trail above the Clinch River to the ridge top and back down. About 30 different species of wild flowers are found on the lower section, and this hike should be well timed for trout lilies, bloodroot, and other early blossoms.
Then we will drive to the state park and visit the gristmill, threshing barn, and fascinating southern Appalachian Lenoir Museum before heading out on the 3.8 mile moderate to strenuous, sometimes steep. It will include a hillside hike along the Cliff Trail to Observation Point overlooking Norris Lake and then out via Reservoir and Clear Creek Trails.
Options to shorten the hike to Observation Point and back or to do the easy 2-mile Songbird Trail are available. We will depart at 7:30 a.m. CST from Crossville Save A Lot, 229 Interstate Drive. The carpool cost is $10. Hikers would wear hiking boots/shoes, bring hiking poles, rain gear, water (electrolytes) and lunch/snacks.
Don’t forget tick spray and sunscreen. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Text or call the hike leader Kristi for additional information at 541-223-8550. Check back here the morning of the hike.
Saturday, March 28: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST *Earlier departure due to distance Hwy. 68 Brady Mtn. to Head of Sequatchie, Grassy Cove, TN
It is a long hike. The Brady Mountain to Head of Sequatchie through hike is approximately 11 moderate, sometimes difficult (first 2 miles is steep grade up), miles with a 1,000 foot altitude change. The hike includes nice overlooks, rock formations, and a small arch. A car shuttle will be required.
The short hike is a 6-mile strenuous trip. It goes up to the overlook and returns. We will department at 7:30 a.m. CST from the southeast parking lot of Central Baptist Church, 1346 S. Main St. Crossville. Carpool cost is $5. Hikers should wear hiking boots/shoes, brring hiking poles and rain gear (just in case). Don’t forget tick/bug spray and sunscreen.
People aged 18 and over, members, and non-members are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information text hike leader John Ford at 931-335-0349. Check back here the morning of the hike before departure.