(Extracted from the published Newsletter*)

*The printed Newsletter sent to members and subscribers also contains reports of hikes done, info on new members, full names of leaders plus e-addresses, plus the Appalachian Trail Maintainers Newsletter. To subscribe: $10 to SMHC, Box 1454, Knoxville, TN 37901. (If start after August issue, subscription is good through next year.) After one signs in on 3 Club hikes an application for membership is provided.

Newsletter Editor: Charlie Klabunde (865) 483-8055

5 - Sun Frozen Head SP

8 - Wed FHSP: North& South Old Mac Mtn trails

12 - Sun Rich Mountain Loop

22 - Wed Lone Mtn SF loop

25 - Sat Three Gaps: Mids- Huskey- Cucumber

25 - Sat A.T. Maintainers Dinner ALL Invited -see ATMN

This loop hike plans to follow Spicewood Branch Trail up Chimney Top Trail, through Mart Fields to Chimney Top lookout, then back to the Visitor Center. With a little snow and ice this can be a challenging winter hike. Expect some steep slopes, rough trails and occasional blowdowns. Bring winter gear for unexpected conditions on top.

Meet at Oak Ridge Food City <see list> at 8:00. Round trip mileages: drive- 50, hike- 9, with 2500’ elevation gain. Rated moderate to difficult depending on conditions.

Leaders: Les 690-3814

Feb 8 - Frozen Head North and South Old Mac 8 miles

Both: 9:00 AM at Oak Ridge Food City

It has been a long time since the club has hiked the standard version of this classic loop in Cades Cove. From the parking area just before the loop road, the hike begins with an easy walk to the John Oliver Cabin. Then we’ll make the steady climb up the Rich Mountain Loop Trail. We will pause at the overlook above the Cove before stopping for lunch near the old fire tower site. Depending on the weather, we could be treated to a rime ice display, which can accumulate along the ridge top in cold winter weather. We’ll descend the steeper Crooked Arm Ridge trail, and enjoy a second overlook along the way.

This is a nice winter hike. All major creek crossings will be via bridge. There are several mini creek crossing on Mids Gap Manway that should not be a problem. This hike starts from Elkmont Campground and follows Mids Gap Manway to Sugarland Mtn trail. From there we take a right on Sugarland Mtn trail, another right on Huskey Gap trail, then a short distance on Little River Trail until we connect up with Cucumber Gap Trail. This returns us to the upper part of Elkmont. A short walk back to our cars completes this loop.

Meet at the Food City in Alcoa <see list> at 8:00 AM. Round trip mileages: drive- 94, hike- ~8 miles. Rated moderate without snow, difficult with snow.

Meet 9:00AM Alcoa Food City.

Alternate (if weather bad): Alcoa-Maryville Greenbelt

"new Food City in Oak Ridge" on NE side of Illinois Ave. (TN-62), just SE of O.R. Turnpike, (TN-95). Meet in front edge near street, to right as you enter.

10 - Fri Spring Slide Show (Oak Ridge)

11 - Sat Cades Cove Loop by Moonlight

19 - Sun Spruce Flats Falls

25 - Sat Shuckstack via Lewellyn Branch <off trail>