Plateau Chapter of Tennessee Trails Association will explore Cumberland County and nearby trails on their July hikes.
“We look forward to walking in the woods with you,” said Deb Westervelt, who is leading a number of the July hikes.
Hikers are reminded to bring along tick/insect repellant and sunscreen. They should also pack plenty of water (electrolytes), snacks and a lunch.
Members of the public ages 18 and older are welcome to participate. Any participating minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Look for a schedule of hikes in the Calendar, published each Tuesday in The Scene section of the Crossville Chronicle and Wednesday issue of the Glade Sun. Or go to tennesseetrails.org/chapters/plateau-chapter or the chapter’s Facebook group.
Upcoming hikes include:
Wednesday, July 2. Martha’s Pretty Point, Yellow Bluff and Welch’s, Clifty community. Participants will take a 4.5-mile moderate hike on the loop to Martha’s Pretty Point, then two short hikes out to the other overlooks.
Depart 7:30 a.m. from Harbor Freight parking lot on West Avenue; carpool cost is $4. Contact hike leader Deb 931-267-2243 for information.
Wednesday, July 9. Blueberry picking and Piney Falls Trail, Grandview, TN. Participants will first pick blueberries; bring cash and a small cooler for blueberries. Those wishing to take a dip in the pool below the waterfall should also bring a towel and wear swim gear.
Long hike: 3.2-mile moderate loop with two waterfalls, the 80-foot-tall Upper Piney Falls and Lower Piney Falls, with the hike descending down to the lower falls then back up to the upper falls. The trail is generally easy going under the upper falls along the base of bluff until the climb to top of the bluff, with the assistance of a rope, then crossing the creek at the top of the falls. Short hike: 3-mile moderate loop with only the Upper waterfall and cable assisted bluff climb.
Depart 7:30 a.m. from Central Baptist Church, South Main Street; carpool cost is $4. Contact hike leader Deb 931-267-2243 for information.
Wednesday, July 16. Colditz Cove and Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole, Allardt, TN. This is a combined 3.5 mile moderate hike. Colditz Cove features a pristine 1.5-mile loop to the 60-foot-high Northrop Falls. A short drive takes hikers to the Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole for an additional 2-mile hike. The hikes will be followed by a lunch stop at RM Brooks General Store.
Depart from the Crossville Cracker Barrel rear parking lot at 7:30 a.m.; carpool cost is $5. Contact hike leader Bill Wisniewski at 931-335-9360 for information.
Saturday, July 19. Savage Day Loop plus Savage Falls Spur. This is a moderate 5.0-mile lollipop loop with spur. Hikers will leave East Savage Gulf Ranger Station, cross a suspension bridge over Boyd Creek and then walk through the woods and along the edge of Savage Gulf to a couple of overlooks.
Toward the end of the loop, they will cross Savage Creek and travel downstream to Savage Falls, a vertical falls with a huge pool bordered by a stone cathedral and big boulders where we can cool off before finishing the hike. Those wishing to get into the pool should wear a swimsuit and bring water shoes.
Depart 7:30 a.m. from Central Baptist Church, South Main Street, Crossville; carpool cost is $7. Contact hike leader Kristi at 541-223-8550 for information.
Wednesday, July 23. Prater Place & Hemlock Falls, Spencer, TN. Two options: Prater Place and Hemlock Falls Trail followed by Wheeler Farms Loop Trail, 8.5 miles, moderate, about 1,000-foot total elevation gain; or only Prater Place and Hemlock Falls Trail, 7 miles, moderate, 646-foot elevation gain.
All hikers will start on the well-maintained and beautiful Prater Place and Hemlock Falls Trail. This includes a peek into Camps Gulf Cave, famous among cavers for its large chambers. This short trail is reported to have a natural bridge, a fine waterfall, and “cool rock formations.”
Depart 7:30 a.m. from Central Baptist Church, South Main Street, Crossville; carpool cost is $5. Contact hike leader Beth at 928-782-5564.
Wednesday July 30. Cumberland Mountain State Park – Kayaking plus Pioneer Loop trail, Crossville, TN
Kayaking on Byrd Lake at Cumberland Mountain State Park. Meet 8 a.m. at the boat house parking area. Kayak rental is $8 per hour on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental starts 8 a.m., with last check-out time at 5:30 p.m. Participants will hike the easy 4-mile Pioneer Loop before or after kayaking.
Contact hike leader Deb at 931-267-2243 for information.