Category: News

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From the Chair – Oct-2012

Vic Hasler, Steering Committee Chair

Our region is blessed with many places to enjoy the fall colors of changing deciduous trees.  The show starts in the highest elevations (above 4000’) by the start of October and continues down the mountains peaking around the second or third weekends.  So where to go for a “leaf peeper” hike?   Just opened last year, the [[Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower|Pinnacle Mountain Tower Trail]] (9 miles round trip) has wonderful 360 degree views in mid-October.  A shorter couple-mile hike up [[White Rock Trail]] in Buffalo Mountain Park offers views along the I-26 valley.  A five-mile hike out and back on the AT to [[AT – Little Rock Knob|Little Rock Knob]] is a forested walk to a scenic overview.  Joe DeLoach is fond of [[Rattlesnake Ridge|Rattlesnake Ridge Trail]] up Unaka Mountain to Pleasant Gardens Overlook (6-8 miles round trip).  This month is also the final push of the Mission Possible wellness program; so consider one of the Sunday afternoon hikes being offered.  Enjoy the color before it falls.

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Erwin Greenbelt – Trip Report

Mary Fanslow reporting
Event Date: August 19th

Sharon Burnett, Mary Fanslow and Pam McBride

Sharon Burnett, Pam McBride, Scott Thomsen, and Mary Fanslow enjoyed a six-mile stroll on the Erwin Linear Trail on Sunday, August 19.  Dozens of snapping turtles at the bass ponds and a few great blue heron along Indian Creek also took advantage of the weather to sun themselves.  We walked from the trail parking lot behind McDonald’s to the park adjacent to the fish hatchery, then reversed course to the wooden bridge over the wetlands.  One of us took occasional detours from the group to inspect “interesting non-wildlife” near the trail (mechanical equipment and machinery from nearby demolition and building sites). Another one stayed after the others left to jog eight miles on the path, continuing on out to the Riverwalk area.  We all agreed the Linear Trail was worth a repeat visit.

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Clinch River – Trip Report

Deb Reynolds reporting
Event Date: August 8th

I took advantage of one of the guided tours for the Highland Festivals to take a trip on the Clinch.  The trip was led by Clinch Valley Outfitters.  Although, I used my own kayak, I wish I had paid the extra $5 and used their equipment – less work getting there and getting out.  I was impressed with the selection and quality of their kayaks.  The river was high that day and very few rocks except at the put-in which was close to Fort Blackmore.  We stopped several times for Bill to talk about how the diversity of the eco-system or specific historical events with an opportunity to get out and walk a bit if needed. Bill was raised in Scott County and loves sharing his knowledge of the ecosystem and the history surrounding the Clinch Valley.  We saw several blue and green heron as well as the usual geese but not as many birds as I expected.  As usual, the end of the trip came too fast and we were soon climbing out of the kayaks for the trip back.  The trip out was quite a long haul up a mountain and probably required a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive, but we didn’t have to drive it!  We came out on Rt. 72 just a short distance from where we went down for the put-in with the Veterans Memorial in between.  I was very impressed with this outfitter and will keep them in mind for a future shuttle.

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Steele Creek Park, Bristol, TN – Trinkle Hollow Trails, September 23

Leader: Barry Griggs

Let’s combine several park trails in the Trinkle Hollow area to enjoy a total distance of 4-5 miles.  These trails are on the south side of the lake behind the Nature Center and are rated intermediate with lots of shade.  The leaves may even be starting to change colors by the hike date. We’ll meet between [[Meeting locations for TEHCC hikes|McDonald’s and State of Franklin Bank in Colonial Heights]] at 1:00pm expecting to finish up by 4:00pm.  Please call the hike leader to let him know you are coming or to arrange an alternate meeting location, such as at the park at a different time.

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Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course, Trip Report

Scott Fisher reporting
Event Date: July 27-29

We had an exceptional SWR class out at Big Rock!!  Congrats to the participants for doing the right thing by making the safety of their fellow paddlers and themselves a priority by taking this class.  Please join me in congratulating Jeremiah Tomlinson, Steve Hagood, Stacey Lowe, Pema Olivia Bhutia, Nicolas Machi, Ian Watson, Todd Emma, Nathan Vannoy, Josh Lawson, Kim Lawson Hayden Blake, Aaron Hillman and Ben Carr.   As always, the course was demanding, tiring and fun!

Big thanks go out to Wes Bradley, Dave Walters, Jeremy Gass and Jeff Vannoy for lending their time and expertise as assistant instructors!  Without their help these courses wouldn’t be possible.

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Appalachian Trail Community designation event in Abingdon

The Town of Abingdon joins the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club in cordially inviting you to participate in the official designation of Abingdon as an Appalachian Trail Community™.  This event will take place in Abingdon, VA on September 11th at 6pm at the Abingdon Farmer’s Market.  Come out early to the Higher Education Center for a “Hikers and Bikers” presentation and hear from ATC’s Executive Director, Mark Wenger, about his Appalachian Trail section hike.  The presentation begins at 4pm.  We’d love to celebrate with you and hope to see you on Tuesday, September 11th!

The Appalachian Trail Community™ program recognizes communities who are taking extra steps to promote and protect the Appalachian Trail.  Designation as an Appalachian Trail Community™ is intended to:

  • Engage community residents, Trail visitors, and stewards
  • Thank communities for decades of service to hikers
  • Catalyze sustainable economic development
  • Aid local municipalities and regional areas with conservation planning
  • Raise local awareness of the Trail as a community resource and asset

Please RSVP by September 1, 2012 to Tenille Montgomery (tmontgomery@abingdon-va.gov) 276-676-2282.

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F/B: Persimmon Ridge Park, Sunday September 9

Leader: Vic Hasler

Let’s explore the trails in the Jonesborough city park.  There are three routes which were constructed as Eagle Scout projects.  There is no record in the club newsletters of TEHCC having hiked here, so a Sunday afternoon expedition is in order.   The distance will be 3-4 miles depending on group preferences which is suitable for family/beginners – and dogs on leashes.  There are a half dozen easy geocaches to find if interested.  Hikers can either meet at 1PM in the parking lot below McDonalds in Colonial Heights to carpool – or at the park entrance by 1:30PM.  Bring water, snack, and comfortable footwear.  We should finish up by late afternoon.  Please call or e-mail the hike leader to know of your interest and where you want to meet.