LOCATION
Bear Waller Gap Trail follows along Cordell Hull Lake. It travels from the Defeated Creek Campground to the power plant. There are great views of the lake and two campsites.
DIRECTIONS
I-40 to the Carthage exit. Travel north 7 miles to Hwy 263 then take a right on Hwy 85 going East. Follow the signs to Defeated Creek Campground. You can also got to the Cordell Hull Dam and hike from that end.
DESCRIPTION
• Beautiful views
• Rocky trail
• Abundant wildlife
ACTIVITIES
• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Fishing
• Kayaking at campground
ISSUES
• Steep elevation changes
• Mountain bikes on parts of path
• Snakes
POSITIVES
• Great views
• Fishing opportunities
• Trail is secluded from a lot of hikers
SYNOPSIS
My family and I haven’t been hiking lately and decided to try this trail. After a short drive from Nashville, we arrived and set out. The beginning of the trail on the campground end was not marked well but we managed to find out way. We hiked in for 2 miles, ate lunch over the lake on a bluff, and returned. We never saw another hiker (maybe it was because the temperature was 30 degrees). Our next hike we will begin on the dam side and work our way back to the bluff where we ate lunch.
LINKS
http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/op/cor/rec/bearwaller.htm
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Grundy State Natural Area- Fiery Gizzard Trail (part of the South Cumberland)
Grundy Forest State Natural Area is located just outside of Tracy City, TN. The main trail within this area is the Fiery Gizzard Trail and connects to Foster Falls Small Wild Area 12+ miles away. The trail also travels through The Little Gizzard Creek Small Wild Area. There is another trail on the Tracy City end of the Fiery Gizzard. 1.5 miles in Dog Hole Trail begins and takes you to the Raven Point Campsite 2.8 miles away and then re-intersects with The Fiery Gizzard.
DIRECTIONS
Take I-24 to the Monteagle/Sewanee exit (exit 134). Drive into Monteagle and turn left onto Hwy 41. Drive toward Tracy City. Look for a brown sign for the Grundy State Forest on your right just outside of Tracy City. Turn right drive toward a school. The Grundy Forest parking lot is just behind the school's softball field.
DESCRIPTION
• Large Hemlocks
• Wildflowers
• Rock Chimneys
• Bluffs
• Fiery Gizzard Creek
• Waterfalls
ACTIVITIES
• Picnicking @ trail head
• Hiking
• Backpacking
ISSUES
• Snakes
• Slippery rocks
• Slight elevation decrease at beginning of trail (100-200 ft)
• Rock garden crossing at @ 2 miles
• Dog Hole Mine is not barricaded
POSITIVES
• Rarely travelled
• Beautiful scenery of waterfalls
• Raven Point
SYNOPSIS
This trail is a favorite of my families. In the winter when there is snow on the ground it is our “go too”. In the summer and the temperature is above 90 degrees, it is our “go too” trail as well. It feels like the temperature drops 10-15 degrees in the gorge. The Fiery Gizzard Trail is a must for this area.
LINKS
http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
South Cumberland State Park
LOCATION
The South Cumberland State Park is located in Middle Tennessee, southeast of Nashville and Northwest of Chattanooga. It is near the towns of Monteagle, Gruetli-Laager, Altamont, and Sewanee. This recreation area encompasses a few different parks- The Savage Gulf, Foster Falls, and Grundy Forest to name a few.
In order to review the area it must be broken down into smaller sections. Therefore, clink on the link to the left titled “LABELS” to read a review of each area.
DIRECTIONS
Directions are too the visitors center. Directions to each area will be on each post.
I-24, exit Hwy 41- Sewanee, Tracy City, Monteagle. Drive east towards Monteagle. Take a left on Summerfield Rd (there is a sign pointing towards the visitors center). The visitors center is a couple of miles on your left.
DESCRIPTION
• Beautiful views
• Mixture of hardwood and hemlock forests
• Great waterfalls
• Best Middle Tennessee snow hikes in winter
• Stone chimneys
ACTIVITIES
• Hiking
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Fishing
• Rock climbing
ISSUES
• Crowded at waterfalls not requiring a hike in
• Some campsites are crowded on weekends
• Slick rocks on trails
• Snakes
POSITIVES
• Wonderful views
• Large forests
• Geological wonders
• Trails are not crowded once 1-2 miles in
SYNOPSIS
My family and I refer to this area as our “go too” park for weekend hiking. It seems that we always find something new here even though we have been hiking this area for a number of years. Our favorite day hike trail is The Fiery Gizzard. Our favorite view trail is the Stone Door Rim Trail. When the heat of summer is burning us up; we hike the Fiery Gizzard. The stream and forest canopy seem to cool us off.
After a hike, we usually ride over to The University of the South for lunch at Shenanigans. It is a local eatery and close to the university in Sewanee.
LINKS
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/SouthCumberland/index.shtml
http://www.mapquest.com/
http://www.sewanee.edu/
The South Cumberland State Park is located in Middle Tennessee, southeast of Nashville and Northwest of Chattanooga. It is near the towns of Monteagle, Gruetli-Laager, Altamont, and Sewanee. This recreation area encompasses a few different parks- The Savage Gulf, Foster Falls, and Grundy Forest to name a few.
In order to review the area it must be broken down into smaller sections. Therefore, clink on the link to the left titled “LABELS” to read a review of each area.
DIRECTIONS
Directions are too the visitors center. Directions to each area will be on each post.
I-24, exit Hwy 41- Sewanee, Tracy City, Monteagle. Drive east towards Monteagle. Take a left on Summerfield Rd (there is a sign pointing towards the visitors center). The visitors center is a couple of miles on your left.
DESCRIPTION
• Beautiful views
• Mixture of hardwood and hemlock forests
• Great waterfalls
• Best Middle Tennessee snow hikes in winter
• Stone chimneys
ACTIVITIES
• Hiking
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Fishing
• Rock climbing
ISSUES
• Crowded at waterfalls not requiring a hike in
• Some campsites are crowded on weekends
• Slick rocks on trails
• Snakes
POSITIVES
• Wonderful views
• Large forests
• Geological wonders
• Trails are not crowded once 1-2 miles in
SYNOPSIS
My family and I refer to this area as our “go too” park for weekend hiking. It seems that we always find something new here even though we have been hiking this area for a number of years. Our favorite day hike trail is The Fiery Gizzard. Our favorite view trail is the Stone Door Rim Trail. When the heat of summer is burning us up; we hike the Fiery Gizzard. The stream and forest canopy seem to cool us off.
After a hike, we usually ride over to The University of the South for lunch at Shenanigans. It is a local eatery and close to the university in Sewanee.
LINKS
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/SouthCumberland/index.shtml
http://www.mapquest.com/
http://www.sewanee.edu/
Friday, October 23, 2009
Hiwassee River- Cherokee National Forest
LOCATION
The Hiwassee River is located in the Cherokee National Forest between Cleveland and Knoxville, TN. Reliance, TN is its home town. Reliance consists of a post office, campground, and two outfitters. The town is small, but the river is what you go for. This river was my “home” river growing up and possibly the best trout fishing in Middle Tennessee. Outside of fishing, The Cherokee National Forest offers great hiking, backpacking, and class II-IV whitewater kayaking.
DIRECTIONS
I-75 to exit 20 (Cleveland, TN). Travel 6 miles to the Ocoee exit (Hwy 64). Travel east on 64 thirteen miles. Exit Hwy 411 North. Six miles north of Benton, TN turn right on Hwy 30. Travel 6 miles to Reliance, TN and the Hiwassee River.
For people traveling south on I-75 from Knoxville, it is quicker to take the Athens/Decatur exit over to Etowah. From Etowah, follow Hwy 411 South to the Hwy 30 junction that takes you to Reliance.
DESCRIPTION
• Hardwood forests
• Clear water
• Beautiful views
• Wildlife abundant
• Wildflowers
ACTIVITIES
• Fishing
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Float trips
• Hiking
• Mountain biking
ISSUES
• Bears
• Poisonous snakes
• Water generation, check the release schedule
• Slick rocks
POSITIVES
• Seclusion
• Quality trout area
• Great whitewater kayaking
• Multiple campgrounds nearby
• Kayak, canoe rentals
SYNOPSIS
I have probably fished this river 300 times in my life and always find something new. I have spent days catching nothing, too days catching 30- 9-12” trout, too days when I caught 1- 24” trout. I have hiked, backpacked, or biked almost every trail in the forest. It is my early spring “retreat” area and spend a week there every year.
For the hunter- Benton, TN has a trap and skeet range that is excellent when you need a break from the forest. Prices are reasonable and can include a golf cart for the lazy.
LINKS
http://www.hiwasseeoutfitters.com/
http://hiwassee.net/
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/
The Hiwassee River is located in the Cherokee National Forest between Cleveland and Knoxville, TN. Reliance, TN is its home town. Reliance consists of a post office, campground, and two outfitters. The town is small, but the river is what you go for. This river was my “home” river growing up and possibly the best trout fishing in Middle Tennessee. Outside of fishing, The Cherokee National Forest offers great hiking, backpacking, and class II-IV whitewater kayaking.
DIRECTIONS
I-75 to exit 20 (Cleveland, TN). Travel 6 miles to the Ocoee exit (Hwy 64). Travel east on 64 thirteen miles. Exit Hwy 411 North. Six miles north of Benton, TN turn right on Hwy 30. Travel 6 miles to Reliance, TN and the Hiwassee River.
For people traveling south on I-75 from Knoxville, it is quicker to take the Athens/Decatur exit over to Etowah. From Etowah, follow Hwy 411 South to the Hwy 30 junction that takes you to Reliance.
DESCRIPTION• Hardwood forests
• Clear water
• Beautiful views
• Wildlife abundant
• Wildflowers
ACTIVITIES
• Fishing
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Float trips
• Hiking
• Mountain biking
ISSUES
• Bears
• Poisonous snakes
• Water generation, check the release schedule
• Slick rocks
POSITIVES
• Seclusion
• Quality trout area
• Great whitewater kayaking
• Multiple campgrounds nearby
• Kayak, canoe rentals
SYNOPSIS
I have probably fished this river 300 times in my life and always find something new. I have spent days catching nothing, too days catching 30- 9-12” trout, too days when I caught 1- 24” trout. I have hiked, backpacked, or biked almost every trail in the forest. It is my early spring “retreat” area and spend a week there every year.
For the hunter- Benton, TN has a trap and skeet range that is excellent when you need a break from the forest. Prices are reasonable and can include a golf cart for the lazy.
LINKS
http://www.hiwasseeoutfitters.com/
http://hiwassee.net/
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/
Kayak Modification for Duck Hunting
ITEMS NEEDED
• Kayak
• Plastic paint primer
• Camouflage spray paint in black, green, light and dark brown
• Stencil kit & razor
• PVC glue
• Rope and clips
• Camouflage cloth
• Raffia and assorted vegetation to match your area
• Needle and thread
STEPS
• I primed it with plastic paint primer and put a flat green base coat down.
• From there I used stencils I made myself. The stencils consist of marsh grass, cattails, tiger stripes, and leafs.
• I started with the tiger strip in black, continued with the marsh grass in light and dark brown.
• On the top I stenciled leafs. Starting with light brown and shaded over the top with the dark brown.
• On the sides, I stenciled the cattails in light brown.
• I also made a curtain out of camouflage cloth and PVC for the standards. Hanging it like a “shower curtain” for access. I proceeded to stitch grass and raffia on the sides for 3D concealment.
SYNOPSIS
I have scouted and hunted with this boat a number of times since I modified it. I can paddle silently and sneak up on ducks and geese within 10-15 yards before they see me. When I am in the “blind” ducks have landed with 5 yards of the boat. The only issue I have is that the polyethylene does not hold paint very well. It does scratch. When it does, I spray a light coat of green over the scratches.
Elk River- Tims Ford State Park
The Elk River is in southern middle Tennessee and connects with Tims Ford Lake. The area reviewed is from the damn tailwater downstream. It flows along private land, consisting of farms and forests. Trout fishing and boating are the main activities on this area of the river; however, Tims Ford State Park is nearby for camping, short hikes, biking, and lake activities.
DIRECTIONS
• Hwy 55 towards Lynchburg, TN. Take Hwy 50 towards Winchester (if you are coming from Winchester take Hwy 50 towards Lynchburg). Hwy 50 crosses over the damn.
• Northwest of the damn on Hwy 50 is Lois Ridge Rd. It will turn into West Prong Rd and Farris Creek Rd. There are fishing and boating accesses along the roads.
DESCRIPTION
• Beautiful views along river
• Rock bluffs
• Hardwood forests
ACTIVITIES
• Trout fishing
• Canoeing/Kayaking
• Hiking and Camping at Tims Ford State Park
ISSUES
• Crowded fishing accesses
• Slick rock bottom
• Grassy bottom in some areas
• Deep holes
• Tailwater generation, check the release schedule
POSITIVES
• Quality brown trout
• Stocking of fish
• Quiet
• Easy class I-II river
SYNOPSIS
I fish this river often with my son. My family and I also kayak it occasionally; however, we like kayaking the part near Fayetteville, TN the best. The fishing access is limited and the fish tend to congregate in areas that require permission from landowners or boating. Dog Hole Access and Farris Creek Bridge are your best bets for fly-fishing. They are located off Lois Ridge Rd. Mayfly nymphs, midges, and woolly buggers are your best bet for fly-fishing.
Lynchburg, TN is the home of Jack Daniels Distillery. The tour is free and takes about an hour. Lynchburg also hosts the Jack Daniels BBQ Cook-off in the fall.
LINKS
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/TimsFord/
http://www.mapquest.com/
http://www.lynchburgtn.com/
http://www.timsfliesandlies.com/
Pickett State Park
LOCATION
Pickett State Park is located in the Cumberland Mountains, west of The Big South Fork and Near Jamestown, TN. It is within the Pickett State Forest and offers an abundance of natural wonders to view.
DIRECTIONS
I-40 to Exit 317 and take Hwy. 127 north for 46 miles. Turn right on Hwy. 154 and drive 12 miles to the park entrance
DESCRIPTION
• Hardwood and White pine forest with laurels
• Large rock houses
• Natural sandstone bridges
• Scenic bluffs
• Mountain streams
ACTIVITIES
• Hiking
• Camping
• Fishing on Arch Lake
• Cabin Rental
• Horseback riding
ISSUES
• Slick when wet
• Steep trails to rock houses
• Road maps to trails are incomplete
POSITIVES
• Beautiful forest
• Wildflowers
• Rock Houses are incredible to see
• Not very crowded
SYNOPSIS
My family and I always spend at least one day hiking Pickett when we are in the Big South Fork. The Hazard Cave and Indian Rock House trails are short and across the street from each other. We always make these a stop because of the wonderment of each. All the trails are short, but offer great sites to behold.
Historic Rugby, TN is nearby and the breakfast at the town restaurant is a must eat.
LINKS
http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Pickett/index.shtml
http://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm
http://www.historicrugby.org/
Pickett State Park is located in the Cumberland Mountains, west of The Big South Fork and Near Jamestown, TN. It is within the Pickett State Forest and offers an abundance of natural wonders to view.
DIRECTIONS
I-40 to Exit 317 and take Hwy. 127 north for 46 miles. Turn right on Hwy. 154 and drive 12 miles to the park entrance
DESCRIPTION
• Hardwood and White pine forest with laurels
• Large rock houses
• Natural sandstone bridges
• Scenic bluffs
• Mountain streams
ACTIVITIES• Hiking
• Camping
• Fishing on Arch Lake
• Cabin Rental
• Horseback riding
ISSUES
• Slick when wet
• Steep trails to rock houses
• Road maps to trails are incomplete
POSITIVES
• Beautiful forest
• Wildflowers
• Rock Houses are incredible to see
• Not very crowded
SYNOPSIS
My family and I always spend at least one day hiking Pickett when we are in the Big South Fork. The Hazard Cave and Indian Rock House trails are short and across the street from each other. We always make these a stop because of the wonderment of each. All the trails are short, but offer great sites to behold.
Historic Rugby, TN is nearby and the breakfast at the town restaurant is a must eat.
LINKS
http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Pickett/index.shtml
http://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm
http://www.historicrugby.org/
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