General hiking tips: Wear hiking boots/shoes. Bring hiking poles and rain gear (just in case). Bring plenty of electrolytes, water and a snack. 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.
Saturday, Nov. 1: Alley Ford Trail in Wartburg, TN
This hike is moderate to strenuous five miles with a total 944-foot elevation gain. The hike begins out of the Rock Creek Campground located off Catoosa Road past the Nemo Day use area. Experience the beauty of sandstone rock formations and the sound of the Emory River on this Autumn hike. The trail runs through the Obed Wild and Scenic River from Nemo Bridge to Alley Ford and travels by a rock house, as well as interesting rock formations and on top of a strip mine berm, a remnant of the coal mining industry from the 50s and 60s. Depart from the Save-a-Lot outer parking lot in Crossville at 8 a.m. CST. Carpool gas cost is $6. For additional information, contact the Hike Leader Mark Rule at 865-207-2816 or mrule860@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 5: Big South Fork — Honey Creek, Oneida, TN
This hike features waterfalls, rock houses and gorge overlooks. Bring water shoes and extra socks just in case. Short Hike: The 3.5-mile section of the loop exiting the trail at the overlook with a road walk back to the cars. Long Hike: The trail is six miles and is somewhat difficult because of rock scrambles, stream crossings and steep slopes. Also, a portion of the hike is in a creek bed, so bring water shoes if it rains before the hike. 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 in the Southwest corner at 8 a.m. CST. Carpool cost is $6. For additional information, contact Hike Coordinator Deb Westervelt via email plateauhikes68@tennesseetrails.org or text/call 931-267-2243.
Thursday, Nov. 6: Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park: Ambers Den Trail Sparta, TN
This is a joint hike with Murfreesboro. This will be a 5.5-mile through hike requiring a two-mile car shuttle. Meet at the Virgin Falls parking to set up the shuttle. The hike will start at Welch’s Point Overlook and descend the mountain on a gravel/dirt road. One stop will be near the Ambers Den Overlook. The hike will ascend the mountain via the Hemlock trail. The hike features interesting boulders and views of the Caney Fork River. The destination is Big Laurel Falls, the lunch location to enjoy the falls. The hike will finish at the Virgin Falls trailhead. Depart from the outer parking lot of Harbor Freight at 145 Highland Square in Crossville at 8 a.m. CST. Carpool gas cost is $5. For additional information, contact Hike Leader Sheila Miller at 931-260-6065.
Saturday, Nov. 8: Parker Mountain trail to Buffalo Arch Trail, Stearns, KY
The hike will lead to a natural sandstone arch. It’s called Buffalo Arch because long ago, Native Americans used this high spot to help them when they were hunting buffalo. The arch is around 18 feet high and over 80 feet wide. The hike features oak, pine and hickory trees. Some local wildlife may be spotted, such as white-tailed deer or wild turkeys. Depart from the Crossville Cracker Barrel rear lot at the Southwest corner at 8 a.m. CST. Carpool gas cost is $8. For additional information, contact Hike Leader Evelyne Kornreich at 845-325-5749 or evie417@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 12: Cumberland Trail: part of Soddy Creek Gorge Section (North) near Soddy Daisy
About seven miles, moderately strenuous due to rocks and hiking into and out of gorges. Optional shorter hike, about five miles, moderate, exiting by the climbers’ parking lot. This hike has a short shuttle. The hike will begin at the Little Soddy trailhead on Hotwater Road. The hike features gorges created by Little Soddy Creek, Deep Creek and Big Soddy Creek, with bridges at all creek crossings. Eventually, we will descend to the bottom of the plateau, cross the new bridge over Board Camp Creek, and walk along Big Soddy Creek to the parking lot off Back Valley Rd. Depart from the Southeast parking lot of Central Baptist Church at 1346 S. Main St. in Crossville at 8 a.m. CST. Carpool gas cost is $7. For additional information, contact Hike Leader Deb Westervelt at 931-267-2243 (text or call).
Thursday, Nov. 13: Plateau Chapter Meeting
The meeting will be held at First United Methodist Church Annex located at 69 Neecham St. in Crossville.
The chapter meeting will review the 2025 Tennessee Trails Association annual meeting and discuss the presentation plans to host the 2026 annual meeting.
Wednesday, Nov. 19: Cumberland Trail: Heiss Mountain Possum Gorge in the North Section
Rated as strenuous due to length and elevation changes. Long hike: This 8.8-mile in/out strenuous hike is from the Retro Hughes Trailhead along Coalbank Branch and Little Possum Creek to Imodium Falls, and back. The hike features waterfalls, overlooks, an abandoned coal mine, bluff lines and steam crossings. Short Hike: This hike is 4.6 miles in and out. Depart from Central Baptist Church located at 1346 S Main St. in Crossville at 8 a.m. CST. Carpool cost is $7. For additional information, contact Hike Leader Beth at 928-782-5564.
Rated as strenuous due to length and elevation changes. Long hike: This 7.2-mile in/out hike is from the Heiss Mountain Trailhead north along Little Possum Creek to Stacked Rock and back. The hike features waterfalls, overlooks, an abandoned coal mine, bluff lines and stream crossings. Short Hike: This hike is four miles in/out to Perkins Point Overlook and back. Depart from the Southeast parking lot of Central Baptist Church located at 1346 S. Main St. in Crossville at 8 a.m. CST. Carpool gas cost is $7. For additional information, contact Hike Leader Deb Westervelt at 931-267-2243 (text or call).