Gary Ruetenik poses near beautiful Salvage Falls — a TTA hiking destination for February.

Even in winter, TTA travels to beautiful sites

For The Vista

Perhaps taking a hike during the winter months would not be the first thing that comes to your mind when looking for something to do.

But the fact of the matter is, members of the Tennesee Trail Association’s Plateau Chapter can’t wait to get trekking to an assortment of gorgeous destinations in February.

The group has announced its busy February schedule of hikes.

First, on Saturday, Feb. 9, the TTA will travel to Yellow Bluff/Polly Branch Loop, in DeRossett, TN.

The moderate 7.75 mile hike features a hike of the Upper and Lower Polly Branch Falls, the Yellow Bluff overlook of the Caney Fork Gulf, and the Joe Hollway Rockhouse.

The falls are in the 15-30 foot class, but are very photogenic.

The group will depart at 8 A.M. from Tractor Supply in Crossville. For more information, contact Jim Hardy at [email protected] or 931-277-5154 or Steve Wesley at [email protected] or 785-249-0384.

Then, on Saturday, Feb. 16, the group will hike to the Savage Day Loop, in Palmer, TN. — a 4.2-mile trek rated easy.

This hike is quite beautiful with lush mountain laurel, hemlock trees, waterfalls, and overlooks of Savage Gulf.

The many points of interest include a suspension bridge across Boyd Branch Creek (lined with mountain laurel), Savage Falls Overlook and Rattlesnake Point Overlooking Savage Gulf.

The group can also take a half mile trip down the South Rim Trail, crossing Savage Creek on a suspension bridge and passing beneath a canopy of rhododendron along the cascading Savage Creek.

A wooden staircase leads to the deep pool of Savage Falls. The group plans to depart at 8 A.M. from Trinity Tabernacle.

Hiker Ginger Cass pauses at Upper Valley Cass Falls.

For more information, contact Cheryl Heckler at [email protected] or 931-456-6437.

On Thursday, Feb. 14, the Chapter Meeting will be held at 6:30 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church Annex, 69 Neecham Street, Crossville.

The program will be:  Restore Native Grasslands Plan by Lisa Huff, East Tennessee Natural Areas Manager.

Dinner will precede at Romo’s Mexican Restaurant, 965 Northside Drive, Crossville at 5 PM.

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

Keep in mind, there is 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 http://ttaplateauchapter.blogspot.com.

Check the blog for cancelations or changes before hiking.