(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

1 - Mon Frozen Head: Spicewood – South Old Mac

6 - Sat Greenbrier Pinnacle via Old Trail

14 - Sun Meadow Branch <off-trail>

21 - Sun EZ: Haw Ridge Park: West Shore & Twister Trails

27 - Sat Rainbow Falls (& Rocky Spur, maybe)

Meeting Places

Coming Events

Nothing like a good hike to start the New Year off on the right foot. Join this trek in Frozen Head State Park. We begin at the main Trailhead parking area, and after a short walk along an old road, we immediately begin to follow Spicewood Branch. Soon we initiate a steep climb onto a mountain shoulder, and from there follow the trail in a rather steep ascent to another old road which is near the crest of the ridge. After a fairly level section, we arrive at the intersection of the South Old Mac trail and also the short spur road leading to the lookout Tower on Frozen Head. If the day is pleasant and views are to be had, a trip to the summit will be made with lunch on top.

Then it’s downhill on South Old Mac with an expected early arrival at the cars. This hike has some steep sections, and as always, for mid-winter hikes, expect the unexpected. If there is ice/snow on the trail, this could be difficult or even un-do-able. On the other hand, if the weather co-operates, this could be a really pleasant excursion.

Meet at the ex-Food City in Oak Ridge <see list> to leave at 9:00. Round trip mileages: drive- 50, hike- 6.5 (plus 0.8 to visit the recently-butchered tower). Elevation gain is 1600 feet. Rated moderate, but see above caution

The hike begins with a 1.5 mile walk up the Ramsey Prong Road (now Trail). The historic Greenbrier Pinnacle Trail (which last appears on NPS maps in 1981) departs from the terminus of the road at the old turnaround loop. The trail first ascends the pinnacle on a series of wide switchbacks. After about 2.5 miles, grand views develop culminating in an impressive view from a perilous ledge where we plan to eat lunch overlooking Greenbrier Cove, Mt. LeConte and Gatlinburg. Depending upon the time and weather, an additional 0.5 mile into the woods to visit the site of the old fire tower and cabin is possible. Return to the cars via the same route.

Meet at Asheville Hwy Food Lion <see list>to leave at 8 AM. Round trip mileages: drive- 92, hike- 9 (10 for those who visit the tower site); climb 2600’, rated moderate in dry conditions, difficult in snow and ice.

Meadow Branch drains the area between Turkey Pen Ridge and Chestnut Top Lead and dumps into Laurel Branch as a cascade near the tunnel on the Laurel Branch Road. Though Meadow Branch is fairly close to the Laurel Branch Road, it seems very remote and is an area that few people have visited other than the nitty-gritty group known as the SMHC. We will begin our hike from the Townsend Wye.  After about a mile and a half on the Chestnut Top Trail, we will descend steeply off-trail into the Meadow Branch watershed. Once arriving at the creek, we’ll follow it upstream to the point where it originates near the Schoolhouse Gap Trail. We will be crossing the creek a number of times but, normally, the creek is fairly small and crossings pose little trouble. You’ll probably look like you’ve been off-trail once you reach the Schoolhouse Gap Trail.

From the point where we intersect the trail, our hike is all-trail as we follow the Schoolhouse Gap Trail to the Chestnut Top Trail by which we will return to our cars. Nasty weather or the mood of the group may call for a car shuttle from the Wye to the Schoolhouse Gap trailhead which would, of course, make possible a shorter hike.

Meet at the Alcoa Food City <see list> at 8:30. Round trip mileages: drive- 41 (to the Wye), hike- about 9 (or 5 if we shuttle). Rated moderate because of the 2 miles off-trail. 

Meet 9 AM at Haw Ridge Trailhead 1 mile east of TN-62 on Edgemoor Rd (TN-170) just at the Oak Ridge end of the Melton Lake bridge. Look for the parking area by the Signboard.

This hike is often done in the winter in hope of seeing the great blue-white ice cone reaching upward and the icy stalactite reaching downward from the rim of the falls. Of course the weather has to have been freezing for weeks before and we haven’t had that recently. Anyway the 80’ falls can be a great sight in any weather. Some may not have had enough of a hike and can go on to Rocky Spur for a view. Moderate uphill climb on a rocky trail.          

Meet at Asheville Hwy Food Lion <see list> at 8 AM. Round trip mileages: drive- 80, hike- 5.2 (+ 6.2 for Spur).

"Food City in Alcoa"= on right between 3 rd & 4th stoplight (on Hall Rd., TN 35), just before Big Lots- where we are not wanted.

4 - Sun Frozen Head: Bird Mtn & New CT Section

10-11 - S&S BP: Little River to site #30

25 - Sun Mt Sterling via Big Branch Manway/ Baxter Creek