Talk:Brumley Mountain Trail

This page has excerpts from the club newsletter to help with hike planning:

The Channels Natural Area Preserve – Saturday
Leader:
Rating: Moderate 6 mile round trip hike with 1,100’ elevation gain
The Great Channels are an unusual geological maze of large crevices in a sandstone bed. The formation is up on a ridgeline, thus also great views. The three mile path is part of the Brumley Mountain Trail - starting out as wide forest service road and then narrowing to a hiking trail. We’ll enjoy exploring the channels and lunch before returning to the cars. Departure time is 9AM from Colonial Heights. The 56 mile drive to Hayters Gap will take 75-90 minutes north on I-81 and then winding up the mountain. Expected return time is very later afternoon. For further information, check the trail wiki or call/e-mail the hike leader.
Leave: 9AM Col Hts
Arrive: 10:30AM (56 mile drive to Hayters Gap)
At crevices: noonish – have lunch and explore
Head back: 1PM
At cars: 2:30PM
Col Hts: 4PM

The Channels Natural Area Preserve, Sunday June 16, 2013
Vic Hasler reporting
Hiking to The Great Channels did not disappoint. The three mile path was lined with mountain laurel, rhododendron, flame azaleas, and other blooms. (See Gary’s photo spread below.) Paul was able to find all three traditional geocaches hidden along this trail section. Once upon top, the mountain ridgeline could be enjoyed from the rock outcropping, although darkening clouds were approaching. After a light snack, the crevices were explored for half hour, including helping to search (unsuccessfully) for a lost wallet. The roar of thunder in the distance gave warning that it was time to return to the vehicles; however, only a few drops were encountered once close to Kingsport. Enjoying the hike were Chris, Patti, Paul, and Lydia Garrett, Bill and Judy Tindall, Scott Thomsen, Mike Watt, Garry Luttrell, and Vic Hasler.

The Channels Natural Area Preserve, Sunday June 16, 2013
Contact: Vic Hasler
The Great Channels are an unusual geological maze of large sandstone boulders and eroded crevices. Bonus is that the formation is up on a ridgeline, thus also great views. The time required for this outing (both driving and hiking) is longer than what the club has defined for beginners and families. Departure time is 1PM from the parking lot below the “McDonalds” construction in Colonial Heights. The 56 mile drive to Hayters Gap will take 75-90 minutes north on I-81 and then winding up the mountain. The three mile path is now officially part of the Brumley Mountain Trail starting out as wide forest service road and then narrowing to a hiking trail with 1,100’ elevation gain. We’ll enjoy exploring the channels and a snack before returning to the cars. Expected time back in Kingsport is 7-8PM (which is still before sunset), so some may stop for fast food. For further information, check the trail wiki or call/e-mail the hike leader.