The Plateau Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association has announced their hiking schedule for October 2009.
• There is a leaderless hike (typically 5 - 7 miles) every Wednesday morning. For additional information or to get on an e-mail list for the hikes, contact Bill Harris at 484-9152 or visit the Plateau Chapter blog at http://ttaplateauchapter.blogspot.com. Rain cancels.
• October 3 — Walls of Jericho, Tennessee/Alabama line Winchester, TN and Jackson County AL.
The Walls of Jericho is a large, bowl-shaped natural amphitheater that is part of more than 21,000 acres of rivers, forested uplands and caves spreading across the Alabama and Tennessee state line acquired by the Nature Conservancy. The hike is about 4 miles in length, one way, and is downhill most of the route into the gorge. It is a strenuous hike, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, lunch, and snacks. The trail is well marked but often is muddy for days after a rain shower. There are several stream crossings, so either bring a second pair of river shoes or plan on getting a little wet. The driving time from Crossville is a little over 2 hours. The hiking time will be about five hours. Meet at the Tractor Supply in Crossville at 7 a.m. CDT to carpool. For more information and to register, contact Joe Matlock at (865) 354-6101.
• October 8 — Chapter meeting. Art Circle Public Library Community Room, 6:30 p.m. CDT. Russell Lewis, DVM, will speak about his efforts to treat and rehabilitate injured wild birds. Members also need to plan hikes for November and discuss the chapter’s participation in the November annual meeting in Townsend.
• October 24 — Angel Falls Overlook, Big South Fork. This is a 10-mile hike rated difficult due to its length, but the footing is good and the overall grade is downhill. The hike passes several rock houses, a small waterfall and a couple overlooks on the way to Angel Falls Overlook, which is a massive rock outcropping several hundred feet above the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Hikers will shuttle cars and depart from the Bandy Creek trailhead finishing at Leatherwood Ford. Wear boots, bring water and lunch. Meet behind Cracker Barrel at 8 a.m. CDT. For more information and to register, call Bill Harris at 484-9152.
