Month: March 2012

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Spring Wildflower Hike April 7 – Margarette Falls

Joe DeLoach hike notice
(Scheduled for Saturday, April 7, 2012)

The combination of wildflowers and waterfalls has led to some popular Club hikes, and we’re hoping for the same with this short hike to Margarette Falls.  One of our prettiest area waterfalls, Margarette Falls drops about 60 feet and descends through a rocky canyon adorned by many spring flowers.  The Unaka Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest has improved the trail with some relocation and a bridge, and the trail makes a great family hike suitable for young children.  Round-trip distance is about 3 miles with an elevation gain of around 700 feet; see [[Margarette Falls|our listing in the Trail Wiki]] for more information.  The flowers are early this year with all the warm weather, but early April can be cold, wet, and fickle so bring layers of clothes and good raingear.  We’ll meet at 9:00 AM in the parking lot between McDonald’s and State of Franklin Bank in Colonial Heights.  A meeting point in Boones Creek can be arranged for people who live towards Johnson City.  We’ll plan on lunch at the falls and get you back in the early afternoon.  Please contact Joe if you’d like to go or for more information.

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Dismantling of Apple House Shelter

Apple House Shelter just north of 19E will be dismantled March 7, 2012. We have put warnings in the two primary books used by north bounders.  One is 2012 AT Guide to Hiking (North Bound edition) and the ALDHA Companion. 

There are also threads to that effect on White Blaze. Shuttlers and Hostel Owners in area are being notified: Mountain Harbor, Greasy Creek Friendly, Uncle Johnnie’s, Kincora.

We are posting notices in shelters south of Apple House shelter.

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From the Chair – March 2012

Vic Hasler, Steering Committee Chair – chair@tehcc.org  

In this column, I would like to highlight a few upcoming opportunities.  First is the Spring Dinner Meeting to hear the high moments and challenges of a thru-hiker – someone who used the national scenic trail that the club spends hours maintaining.  The second is a request for hike leaders to guide local Girl Scouts on easy sections of the AT during their centennial celebration in 2012.   Several hikes have been identified, so the need is for knowledgeable folks to explain the path to the girls.  Lastly (spouses, take note) is an alert to start cleaning those storage spaces where the equipment for outdoor activities is stashed.  TEHCC will again host a Gear Swap in April – with publicity forthcoming once the details are set.  Sell what is not being used to clear out the space, or swap for what you really want to try this year.  The club is active in several ways, so join in as you are available for your enjoyment.