For The Vista

The Tennesee Trail’s Plateau Chapter has announced its busy March schedule of hikes.

There will be a leaderless hike (typically 5 – 7 miles) every Wednesday morning.

For additional information, contact Bill Harris at 931-484-9152 or visit the Plateau Chapter Blog at www.ttaplateauchapter.blogspot.com.  Rain cancels.

Here is the schedule:

On Saturday, March 2, the group will head to Maude’s Crack, Big South Fork, Jamestown, TN.  This approximately 7-mile moderate hike will begin at the junction of Watson Cemetery Rd and Terry Cemetery road in the Big South Fork NRRA and proceed down Watson Cemetery road to the cemetery where they will pick up a little known trail down to John Muir trail.

There they will follow the trail along the South fork of the Cumberland River to an old homestead and natural spring along Parched Corn creek.

From there they will retrace our path back past Watson Cemetery trail to Maud’s Crack a large crack in the side of the cliffs that the trail goes to the top of the bluff.

Here there is a wonderful overlook of No Business Creek valley below.

Bring your water and lunch. Depart from the back of Cracker Barrel in Crossville at  A.M.

Contact Curt Thomas for more info at [email protected] or phone: 931-260-2140.

On Saturday, March 9, there will be a joint hike with Upper Cumberland – Max Patch, Pisgah National Forest, Hot Springs, NC.

There will be spectacular views atop the grassy bald. The 6-mile hike will begin at Lemon Gap and is rated moderate. Bring lunch, water, snacks, and hiking boots. For those leaving from Crossville they will depart at 7 A.M.  from Vanity Fair parking lot in Crossville.  Registration is necessary by March 6.  For information and to register contact Linda Barclay at [email protected] or 931-456-2857.

The Chapter Meeting will take place on Thursday, March 14 at 6:30 P.M.  at the First United Methodist Church Annex, 69 Neecham Street, Crossville.

The program will be:  “What New Hiking Gear is Out” by Brent at Plateau Outdoors.  Dinner at Gondola’s Restaurant will follow at 5 P.M.

Contact Chapter Chair, Cheryl Heckler at [email protected] or 931-456-6437 for info.

On Saturday, March 16, hikers will enjoy Angel Falls Overlook, Big South Fork, Jamestown, TN.

Hikers of the TTA will be able to take in the wonderful view overlooking Angel Falls.

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. For more information and to register, call Bill Harris at 931-484-9152.

Saturday, March 23.  Cumberland Trail, Piney River Segment, Spring City, TN. This trail winds along streams and the Piney River most of its 7.5 mile length and has a great wildflower display.

Sites of interest along the trail include a picturesque 100 foot suspension bridge and the remains of an old dinky railroad bed. A visit to the Spider Den will be included, if enough hikers are interested.

They will depart at 8 A.M. at the Trinity Tabernacle.

For more information and to register, contact Carolyn Miller by e-mail at [email protected] or at 931-839-3213.