For The Vista

The Tennessee Trails Association hiking group has annunced its schedule for the month of February, highlighted by journeys to Northwest Georgia and Yellow Bluff/Caney Fork River.

On February 11, the group will sponsor the Scott’s Gulf: Yellow Bluff/Caney Fork River hike, which will be seven or eight miles in lengths and is rated strenuous due to the length and the climb at the end.

Karla Miller heads down a trail during a recent hike.

Features of the hike will include wood trails, scenic overlooks and a nice rockhouse. Hikers should be prepared to cross three small streams. The group will meet at Tractor Supply at 8 a.m..

For information contact Jim Hardy at 931-277-5154 or email [email protected]

Saturday, February 25, 2012 Hike — Cloudland Canyon, Rising Fawn, Georgia (Northwest GA)

Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in Georgia, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas.

The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek with elevations from 800 to 1,980 feet. The hike is along the West Rim and Waterfalls Trail and includes a 600-step staircase on the way to two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below.

Hiker Bill Eldridge enjoys a wonderful view from a bluff.

The total hiking distance will be about five miles and about three to four hours in length. The driving time from Crossville is a little over two hours. Hikers should bring water, lunch, and snacks and will meet at 6:45 a.m. at Trinity Tabernacle Church on Highway 127.

To register and for more information, call Bill Harris at 931-484-9152,

Also, every Wednesday, there is a leaderless hike (typically five to seven miles).  For additional information, contact Bill Harris at 931-484-9152 or visit the Plateau Chapter Blog at http://ttaplateauchapter.blogspot.com. Rain cancels the event.

It should be noted that on Feb. 9, the Chapter Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 69 Neecham Street in Crossville.