Sinking Waters: Difference between revisions

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<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  Please scroll down to edit the main content of the article. -->{{Infobox Trail
{{Trail
| Image Name = Sinking Waters information sign.jpg
|Banner Image=File:WPSP SW Boardwalk.jpg
| Trail Number =  
|Trail Highlight=Three connected loops and a stream that disappears into a sinkhole
| Park = Warriors Path State Park
|Park=Warriors' Path State Park
| City = Kingsport
|Trail Marking=Green, Yellow, Blue
| State = Tennessee
|Trail Use=Hiking
| Marking = None
|Trail Features=Vistas, Caves
| Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Dogs}} {{Fishing}}
|Difficulty Rating=Easy
| Difficulty Rating = Easy
|Hike Time=1 hr
| Hike Time = 1 Hour
|Trail Distance=1.75 mi
| Round Trip Distance = 2.23 Mi
|Round Trip Distance=2.14 mi
| Trail Distance = 2.23 Mi
|Trail Type=Loop
| Trail Type = Loop
|High Point=1,607 ft
| Elevation Gain = 751 Ft
|Low Point=1,325 ft
| Elevation Loss = -751 Ft
|Elevation Gain=338 ft
| High Point = 1,637 Ft
|Elevation Loss=338 ft
| Parking coords = 36.516591,-82.473665
|Elevation Change Direction=Counter Clockwise
| Trailhead coords = 36.516591,-82.473665
|Parking location=36.51659, -82.47366
| Medical = Indian Path Hospital
|Trailhead location=36.51659, -82.47366
}}<!-- End Infobox template table-->
{{Trail page needs
| Hide needs =
| KML =
| Updated KML =
| Detail route description =
| Photos =
| Winter photos = True
| Remove prefix =
| Update infobox =
| Infobox data update =
| Trail pins =
| Other = Historical information
| Comment =
| Date reviewed = 10/16/2015
}}
}}
<!-- Start of Main Page -->
{{Trail Map}}
 
__TOC__
 
== Trail Overview ==
== Trail Overview ==
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
Located in [[Warriors Path State Park]]. Nice quick hike nearby for those in Kingsport. Interesting view of a stream flowing and disappearing into a sink hole (thus the name sinking waters). Can also be made part of a nice jogging route. Good views to the south for those that make it to the ridge top, especially on winter early mornings. Also a good location for blackberries and raspberries during the warm summer months.
Located in [[Warriors' Path State Park]]. Nice quick hike nearby for those in Kingsport. Interesting view of a stream flowing and disappearing into a sink hole (thus the name sinking waters). Three connected loops offer many options to create a hike or run, to suit your interest. Good views to the south for those that make it to the ridge top, especially on early winter mornings. Also a good location for blackberries and raspberries during the warm summer months and paw paws in September.


== How to get there ==
== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
From the [[Warriors Path State Park#How to get there|park headquarters]]...
From the [[Warriors Path State Park#How to get there|park headquarters]]...
# Take Fall Creek Rd across the Holston River.  
# Take Fall Creek Road north across the Holston River.  
# Continue past the golf course and turn left on Moody Lane.  
# Continue past the golf course and turn left on Moody Lane.  
# Turn left on to Cedar Branch Rd
# Turn left on to Cedar Branch Road.
# Gravel parking lot on your left as the road turns right
# Gravel parking lot on your left as the road turns right.
 
'''Warning!''' There is a gate to the parking lot on Cedar Branch Road. I have often found it closed and locked well into late in the morning (no clue about other times as that's my usual hike time). If it's during daylight hours, you can try contacting the park office to request an unlocking. Call the main office at 423-239-8531.


== Route Description==
== Route Description==
[[File:Sinking waters profile.png|thumb|right|Profile chart]]
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
The trail can be made very short or long by taking the loops as desired. The description below is for an "always turn right" route, (almost always) taking the trail to the right when it splits.
The trail consists of three connected loops. Starting from the typical access point on Cedar Branch Road is the greenish blue blazed forest or ridge loop offering some views to the south. The middle loop is the yellow blazed field loop. The final loop and location of the sinking waters namesake is the blue blazed wetlands loop. The wetlands loop is connected to the park golf course.  


{| class="wikitable" border="1"
<tab class=wikitable border=1 sep=comma head=top>
|-
Section,Distance (mi),Marking
!Miles Out
Parking to Forest Loop Connector,0.09,Green
!{{PAGENAME}}
Forest Loop,0.64,Green
!Miles Back
Forest and Field Loop Connector,0.08,Green
!Elevation (ft)
Field Loop,0.56,Yellow
|-
Field and Wetlands Loop Connector,0.14,Yellow
|0.0
Wetlands Loop,0.39,Blue
|Trail head
Wetlands Loop Golf Course Connector,0.1,Blue
|2.19
</tab>
|1,479
 
|-
The trail can be made very short or long by taking the loops as desired. The description below is for an "always turn right" route starting from Cedar Branch Road, (almost always) taking the trail to the right when it splits.
|0.05
 
|Trail bridge and spring house
<tab class=wikitable border=1 sep=semicolon head=top>
|2.14
Miles Out;{{PAGENAME}};Miles Back;Elevation (ft)
|1,457
0.0;Trail head;2.19;1,479
|-
0.05;Trail bridge and spring house;2.14;1,457
|0.1
0.1;Trail head;2.09;1,494
|Trail head
0.3;Pass ridge sign and trail high point;1.89;1,637
|2.09
0.5;Descend ridge on stairs;1.69;1,499
|1,494
0.54;Rejoin lower trail at sign;1.65;1,448
|-
0.62;Turn right at bench for 2nd loop;1.57;1,426
|0.3
0.73;Bench on upper part of the middle loop;1.46;1,498
|Pass ridge sign and trail high point
0.95;Trail head;1.24;1,373
|1.89
1.0;Bench and sign at paved section and small bridge;1.19;1,382
|1,637
1.09;Enter boardwalk section;1.10;1,330
|-
1.2;Turn right to head to golf course;0.99;1,368
|0.5
1.29;Trail head;0.90;1,388
|Descend ridge on stairs
1.44;View sinking waters;0.75;1,375
|1.69
1.48;Leave boardwalk section;0.71;1,479
|1,499
1.6;Stay right for middle loop;0.59;1,372
|-
1.63;Sign about Coffman family;0.56;1,373
|0.54
1.83;Complete middle loop;0.36;1,418
|Rejoin lower trail at sign
1.9;Begin lower portion of the first loop;0.29;1,443
|1.65
2.1;Complete the first loop;0.09;1,499
|1,448
2.19;Hike complete;0.0;1,479
|-
</tab>
|0.62
|Turn right at bench for 2nd loop
|1.57
|1,426
|-
|0.73
|Bench on upper part of the middle loop
|1.46
|1,498
|-
|0.95
|Trail head
|1.24
|1,373
|-
|1.0
|Bench and sign at paved section and small bridge
|1.19
|1,382
|-
|1.09
|Enter boardwalk section
|1.10
|1,330
|-
|1.2
|Turn right to head to golf course
|0.99
|1,368
|-
|1.29
|Trail head
|0.90
|1,388
|-
|1.44
|View sinking waters
|0.75
|1,375
|-
|1.48
|Leave boardwalk section
|0.71
|1,479
|-
|1.6
|Stay right for middle loop
|0.59
|1,372
|-
|1.63
|Sign about Coffman family
|0.56
|1,373
|-
|1.83
|Complete middle loop
|0.36
|1,418
|-
|1.9
|Begin lower portion of the first loop
|0.29
|1,443
|-
|2.1
|Complete the first loop
|0.09
|1,499
|-
|2.19
|Hike complete
|0.0
|1,479
|}


== Typical Conditions ==
== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
The trails are fairly well maintained with boardwalks in the wetter parts and stairs on the steeper parts. Some side trails exist without posted signs. No trail blazes.
The trails are fairly well maintained with boardwalks in the wetter parts and stairs on the steeper parts. Some side trails exist without posted signs.


==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
Line 181: Line 97:


In recent times the land was owned by (?) who bought it for his daughters to have a spot to ride horses. In (?) he donated to the park.
In recent times the land was owned by (?) who bought it for his daughters to have a spot to ride horses. In (?) he donated to the park.
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
<display_map center="36.514327,-82.478399" type="terrain" zoom="15" width="auto" height="450" gkml="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/WPSP_Sinking_Waters.kml">
36.516591,-82.473665~Parking and trail head~[[Image:WPSP SW parking lot.jpg|150px|Parking lot sign]]~MarkerA.png
36.51005,-82.481275~ ~[[File:Sinking Waters sinkhole.jpg|150px|The namesake sinking waters disappearing into a hole]]<br>The namesake sinking waters<br>disappearing into a hole~MarkerB.png
36.512945,-82.480961~Unmarked trail turn~Must turn right uphill or left to follow the creek on your right to continue in the correct direction. Not sure where the other path will take you~MarkerT.png
36.515965,-82.477991~Trail sign~[[Image:WPSP SW sign on NorthEast loop.jpg|150px|Sign on ridge of the first loop]]~MarkerG.png
36.514836,-82.477365~Trail stairs~[[Image:WPSP SW stairs.jpg|150px|Stairs coming off of the ridge]]~MarkerG.png
36.514300,-82.476834~Trail sign~[[Image:WPSP SW trail sign near stairs.jpg|150px|Sign near stairs of 1st loop rejoining]]~MarkerG.png
36.513507,-82.477734~Bench~[[Image:WPSP SW bench at 2nd loop split.jpg|150px|Bench]]~MarkerK.png
36.513756,-82.479150~Bench~[[Image:WPSP SW bench on North middle loop.jpg|150px|Bench on North leg of 2nd loop]]~MarkerK.png
36.512311,-82.479665~Trail sign~[[Image:WPSP SW Sign on South mid loop.jpg|150px|Sign on south end of the middle loop]]~MarkerG.png
36.511608,-82.480456~Trail sign~[[Image:WPSP SW sign at mid loop rejoin.jpg|150px|Sign between 2nd and 3rd loop/boardwalk]]~MarkerG.png
36.511634,-82.480276~Bench~[[Image:WPSP SW bench at paved portion.jpg|150px|Bench between 2nd loop and boardwalk]]~MarkerK.png
36.510686,-82.481056~Trail signs~[[Image:WPSP SW boardwalk sign front.jpg|150px|Front side of boardwalk sign]]<br>[[Image:WPSP SW Boardwalk sign back.jpg|150px|Back side of boardwalk sign]]~MarkerG.png
36.509158,-82.481430~Trail sign~[[Image:WPSP SW Golf Course Entrance.jpg|150px|Golf Course Entrance sign]]~MarkerG.png
36.508427,-82.481489~Collapsed shed~[[Image:WPSP SW Collapsed shed 1.jpg|150px|Collapsed shed]]~MarkerV.png
36.508385,-82.481618~Structure remains~ ~MarkerV.png
36.516404,-82.474316~Water bridge~[[Image:WPSP SW bridge.jpg|150px|Bridge near parking]]~MarkerL.png
36.515910,-82.475133~Trail sign~[[Image:WPSP SW Sign on SouthEast Loop.jpg|150px|Sign on south end of the first loop]]~MarkerG.png
36.516526,-82.474229~Spring house~[[Image:WPSP SW spring house.jpg|150px|Spring house]]~MarkerG.png
</display_map>


== Photos ==
== Photos ==
<gallery>
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below.  Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
{{Map Marker
Image:Sinking Waters sinkhole.jpg|The namesake sinking waters disappearing into a hole
|Icon Type=Parking
Image:WPSP SW bench at paved portion.jpg|Bench between 2nd loop and boardwalk
|Marker Title=Parking and trail head
Image:WPSP SW bench at 2nd loop split.jpg|Bench at 2nd loop split
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW parking lot.jpg|150px|Parking lot sign]]
Image:WPSP SW bench on North middle loop.jpg|Bench on North leg of 2nd loop
|Marker Location=36.516591,-82.473665
Image:WPSP SW Boardwalk sign back.jpg|Back side of boardwalk sign
}}
Image:WPSP SW boardwalk sign front.jpg|Front side of boardwalk sign
{{Map Marker
Image:WPSP SW Boardwalk.jpg|Boardwalk
|Icon Type=Photo spot
Image:WPSP SW bridge.jpg|Bridge near parking
|Marker Title=The Sinking Waters
Image:WPSP SW Collapsed shed 1.jpg|Collapsed shed
|Marker Description=[[File:Sinking Waters sinkhole.jpg|150px|The namesake sinking waters disappearing into a hole]]<br>The namesake sinking waters<br>disappearing into a hole
Image:WPSP SW Collapsed shed 2.jpg|Collapsed shed
|Marker Location=36.51005,-82.481275
Image:WPSP SW Golf Course Entrance.jpg|Golf Course Entrance sign
}}
Image:WPSP SW parking lot.jpg|Parking lot sign
{{Map Marker
Image:WPSP SW sign at mid loop rejoin.jpg|Sign between 2nd and 3rd loop/boardwalk
|Icon Type=Trail sign
Image:WPSP SW sign at sink hole.jpg|Sinking waters sign
|Marker Title=Unmarked trail turn
Image:WPSP SW sign on NorthEast loop.jpg|Sign on ridge of the first loop
|Marker Description=Must turn right uphill or left to follow the creek on your right to continue in the correct direction. Not sure where the other path will take you
Image:WPSP SW Sign on South mid loop.jpg|Sign on south end of the middle loop
|Marker Location=36.512945,-82.480961
Image:WPSP SW Sign on SouthEast Loop.jpg|Sign on south end of the first loop
}}
Image:WPSP SW spring house.jpg|Spring house
{{Map Marker
Image:WPSP SW Squirrel Attack 1.jpg|Squirrels attracted to synthetic decking
|Icon Type=Point of interest
Image:WPSP SW stairs.jpg|Stairs coming off of the ridge
|Marker Title=Trail sign
Image:WPSP SW trail sign near stairs.jpg|Sign near stairs of 1st loop rejoining
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW sign on NorthEast loop.jpg|150px|Sign on ridge of the first loop]]
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
|Marker Location=36.515965,-82.477991
</gallery>
}}
 
{{Map Marker
<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. Please keep the State category. To make a new category just type [[Category:mycategory]]. Keep in mind categories are case sensitive. -->
|Icon Type=Point of interest
[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Warriors Path State Park]] [[Category:Kingsport]] [[Category:Dog Friendly]] [[Category:Easy]]
|Marker Title=Trail stairs
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW stairs.jpg|150px|Stairs coming off of the ridge]]
|Marker Location=36.514836,-82.477365
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Trail sign
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW trail sign near stairs.jpg|150px|Sign near stairs of 1st loop rejoining]]
|Marker Location=36.514300,-82.476834
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Bench
|Marker Title=Bench
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW bench at 2nd loop split.jpg|150px|Bench]]
|Marker Location=36.513507,-82.477734
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Bench
|Marker Title=Bench
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW bench on North middle loop.jpg|150px|Bench on North leg of 2nd loop]]
|Marker Location=36.513756,-82.479150
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Trail sign
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW Sign on South mid loop.jpg|150px|Sign on south end of the middle loop]]
|Marker Location=36.512311,-82.479665
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Trail sign
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW sign at mid loop rejoin.jpg|150px|Sign between 2nd and 3rd loop/boardwalk]]
|Marker Location=36.511608,-82.480456
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Bench
|Marker Title=Bench
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW bench at paved portion.jpg|150px|Bench between 2nd loop and boardwalk]]
|Marker Location=36.511634,-82.480276
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Trail signs
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW boardwalk sign front.jpg|150px|Front side of boardwalk sign]]<br>[[Image:WPSP SW Boardwalk sign back.jpg|150px|Back side of boardwalk sign]]
|Marker Location=36.510686,-82.481056
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Trail sign
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW Golf Course Entrance.jpg|150px|Golf Course Entrance sign]]
|Marker Location=36.509158,-82.481430
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Old structure
|Marker Title=Collapsed shed
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW Collapsed shed 1.jpg|150px|Collapsed shed]]
|Marker Location=36.508427,-82.481489
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Old structure
|Marker Title=Structure remains
|Marker Location=36.508385,-82.481618
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Trail bridge
|Marker Title=Water bridge
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW bridge.jpg|150px|Bridge near parking]]
|Marker Location=36.516404,-82.474316
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Trail sign
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW Sign on SouthEast Loop.jpg|150px|Sign on south end of the first loop]]
|Marker Location=36.515910,-82.475133
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Spring house
|Marker Description=[[Image:WPSP SW spring house.jpg|150px|Spring house]]
|Marker Location=36.516526,-82.474229
}}

Latest revision as of 17:53, 14 December 2019

Sinking Waters

(log in to submit report)
WPSP SW Boardwalk.jpg
Highlight Three connected loops and a stream that disappears into a sinkhole
Park Warriors' Path State Park
Located Kingsport, TennesseeLocation inherited from associated park
Trail Marking Green, Yellow, Blue
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail

Hiking

FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail

Vistas
Caves

Difficulty Rating Easy
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. 1 hr0.0625 Days <br />60 Min <br /> round trip
Distance: 1.75 mi2.816 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 2.14 mi3.444 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car
Trail Type Loop
Low / High Point 1,325 ft441.667 Yards <br />403.86 Meters <br /> / 1,607 ft535.667 Yards <br />489.814 Meters <br />
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. 338 ft103.022 Meters <br /> / (338 ft103.022 Meters <br />) – Counter Clockwise
Trip ReportsFrom user "hiked it" submissions<br />Recent is within last 90 days 21 logged hikes (0 recent)
NearbyWithin 5 mi<br />Click link to view list 24 trails / 17.8 mi of trail
Parking 36° 30' 59.72" N, 82° 28' 25.18" W Map
Trailhead 36° 30' 59.72" N, 82° 28' 25.18" W Map
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Trail Overview[edit]

Located in Warriors' Path State Park. Nice quick hike nearby for those in Kingsport. Interesting view of a stream flowing and disappearing into a sink hole (thus the name sinking waters). Three connected loops offer many options to create a hike or run, to suit your interest. Good views to the south for those that make it to the ridge top, especially on early winter mornings. Also a good location for blackberries and raspberries during the warm summer months and paw paws in September.

How to get there[edit]

From the park headquarters...

  1. Take Fall Creek Road north across the Holston River.
  2. Continue past the golf course and turn left on Moody Lane.
  3. Turn left on to Cedar Branch Road.
  4. Gravel parking lot on your left as the road turns right.

Warning! There is a gate to the parking lot on Cedar Branch Road. I have often found it closed and locked well into late in the morning (no clue about other times as that's my usual hike time). If it's during daylight hours, you can try contacting the park office to request an unlocking. Call the main office at 423-239-8531.

Route Description[edit]

Profile chart

The trail consists of three connected loops. Starting from the typical access point on Cedar Branch Road is the greenish blue blazed forest or ridge loop offering some views to the south. The middle loop is the yellow blazed field loop. The final loop and location of the sinking waters namesake is the blue blazed wetlands loop. The wetlands loop is connected to the park golf course.

Section Distance (mi) Marking
Parking to Forest Loop Connector 0.09 Green
Forest Loop 0.64 Green
Forest and Field Loop Connector 0.08 Green
Field Loop 0.56 Yellow
Field and Wetlands Loop Connector 0.14 Yellow
Wetlands Loop 0.39 Blue
Wetlands Loop Golf Course Connector 0.1 Blue

The trail can be made very short or long by taking the loops as desired. The description below is for an "always turn right" route starting from Cedar Branch Road, (almost always) taking the trail to the right when it splits.

Miles Out Sinking Waters Miles Back Elevation (ft)
0.0 Trail head 2.19 1,479
0.05 Trail bridge and spring house 2.14 1,457
0.1 Trail head 2.09 1,494
0.3 Pass ridge sign and trail high point 1.89 1,637
0.5 Descend ridge on stairs 1.69 1,499
0.54 Rejoin lower trail at sign 1.65 1,448
0.62 Turn right at bench for 2nd loop 1.57 1,426
0.73 Bench on upper part of the middle loop 1.46 1,498
0.95 Trail head 1.24 1,373
1.0 Bench and sign at paved section and small bridge 1.19 1,382
1.09 Enter boardwalk section 1.10 1,330
1.2 Turn right to head to golf course 0.99 1,368
1.29 Trail head 0.90 1,388
1.44 View sinking waters 0.75 1,375
1.48 Leave boardwalk section 0.71 1,479
1.6 Stay right for middle loop 0.59 1,372
1.63 Sign about Coffman family 0.56 1,373
1.83 Complete middle loop 0.36 1,418
1.9 Begin lower portion of the first loop 0.29 1,443
2.1 Complete the first loop 0.09 1,499
2.19 Hike complete 0.0 1,479

Typical Conditions[edit]

The trails are fairly well maintained with boardwalks in the wetter parts and stairs on the steeper parts. Some side trails exist without posted signs.

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

None needed, just park and go.

Misc. Information[edit]

Blackberries and raspberries abound in late June and July.

At night along the boardwalk a barred owl may ask "who cooks for you, who cooks for y'all."

According to the signs, the Coffman family settled in the area in the late 1860's. They tried to farm, but frequent floods swept away their cornfield and peach orchard. To get by they switched to blacksmithing and built a shop in the area.

In recent times the land was owned by (?) who bought it for his daughters to have a spot to ride horses. In (?) he donated to the park.

Photos[edit]










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