Weather permitting, we will take an alternative route for the winter standby hike of Chestnut Top trail. After carpooling from Food City in Alcoa we will leave a few cars at the Townsend Wye. For those that prefer to meet at the Wye we will shuttle another 3.9 miles on Laurel Creek Road to Schoolhouse Gap. From Schoolhouse Gap our hike will climb about 500 ft. in 2 miles to intersect with the Chestnut Top trail. If interested (or map marking), hikers can continue another 0.2 miles to the park boundary and return to begin Chestnut Top Trail. After climbing for 1.5 miles to the high point of Chestnut Top Trail there is a descent of 2.7 miles to the Wye. If icy roads force a road closure of Laurel Creek Road we will do the traditional out and back from the Wye. Total miles 6.7. Rated moderate. Meet at Food City in Alcoa at 8:00 a.m. or at the Townsend Wye at 8:30 a.m. Round trip drive 42 miles. 0.10 X 42 = $4.20

Leader: Randy Mitchell

Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.