P. O. BOX 1912, Johnson City, TN 37605
A HIKING CLUB SERVING JOHNSON CITY, KINGSPORT,
BRISTOL AND ELIZABETHTON, TN
CHARTERED FEBRUARY 19, 1976
AN IRON MOUNTAIN TRAIL-MAINTAINING CLUB
Activity
Schedule: Winter 2010
(January,
February, March)
Overview of this quarter
Several
of our hikes will be on the Appalachian Trail. There will be two overnighters
for those who would like to check out their cold weather camping gear and
technique.
Schedule on the web: http://jat.esmartweb.com/hikers/mid-app-hiland-club.htm. Our
new website has been redesigned and we have selected a new domain name. Please
check it out: hiketennessee.net The board chose this name as one that is easy to remember
and can be given orally to prospective hikers when writing it down is not
feasible.
Hiking
mileage is round trip. Driving distance is one way. Phone numbers are area code
423 unless otherwise indicated.
Passengers
are encouraged to help with gas at $0.07/mile per hiker.
The
gathering point listed as Arby’s is directly south of the Arby’s at South Roan
Street and University Parkway.
The
gathering point listed as Elizabethton is in the lot near the Elizabethton High
School Flagpole, “E” Street and Bemberg Rd.
Hiking
schedules will now be sent primarily by e-mail but printed copies will still be
available to those who prefer it. If you have e-mail and would like to receive
your schedules this way, please let us know your e-mail address.
Cut-off
time for work trips is 3 PM. Work will cease at that time, and the crew will
hike on out.
Please dress appropriately for winter
hikes—good footwear, gaiters for deep snow, raingear, gloves and/or mittens,
and warm layers (no cotton).
Hike
Leaders
Here are some admonitions modified from the spring
1996 schedule:
1.
Know your trail. Try to visit the trail before leading others over it.
2. Be present at the point of departure, regardless of the
weather, to inform those who may show up that the hike has been cancelled, if
that decision has been made.
3.
As leader, your primary task is to make every effort to help all participants
enjoy the activity, return home safely and on time.
4.
When you greet participants at the place of departure, be sure to have your enrollment form and
have everyone sign it. Get the address of nonmembers so that an invitation may
be mailed to them to join, with a current schedule. You send the form to the
activity coordinator, presently Craig Haire, P. O. BOX 1912, Johnson City, TN 37605.
5.
Remind all participants about appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear.
6.
Appoint a person to be the “sweep” for the duration of the hike. Remind all
participants that they must not get ahead of the leader nor
behind the sweep without permission.
7.
Discourage picking wildflowers and disturbing plants and wildlife.
8.
Remind participants that they are individually responsible for their safety and
the safety of minors which they may bring with them. Participation in club
activities carries with it the obligation to hold the club and its
representatives harmless and free of liability for individual safety.
9.
Remind all participants that when walking on established trails, they must
remain on the trail and refrain from taking shortcuts at switchbacks in order
to minimize erosion.
10.
Carry out all trash and try to remove trash left on the trails by thoughtless
individuals.
11.
Wear blaze orange when hiking during hunting season.
12.
Suggest participants carry waterproof matches, compass, and first-aid kit (see
below).
13. Dogs are not permitted on club hikes. Thank you
for leaving them at home.
Suggested First-Aid Items Optional Extras
8
bandaids, assorted sizes insect
repellent
4
alcohol prep pads antihistamine
lotion
2
squares moleskin premoistened
towellettes
sewing needle sunblock
cream
small scissors & tweezers large, clean bandana
vial of oral analgesics(Tylenol, Advil, etc.) mylar 4' X 7' rescue blanket
vial of personal medications ziplock bags (for fashioning cold
compresses)
antibiotic ointment 4
X 4 gauze pads
compact first-aid/survival manual roll of adhesive tape
ACE
elastic wrap
loud whistle
Fri. Jan. 1, 2009 Mt. Rogers
Hike: 8.6 miles Drive: 58.28 miles Depart-Arby’s-8:00 AM (Elizabethton 8:15)
Leader: Dave McMillin Phone: 913-2345
Rating: moderate Topo: White Top Mtn.
This
is our traditional New Year’s hike to Virginia’s highest peak. We will begin at
Elk Gardens on VA 600. We always find surprises on this hike. Sometimes it is
even clear, sunny and warm! Sometimes knee
deep snow! Sometimes an enchanted
rime-bejeweled world! Be sure to take
extra clothing and rain gear. You may need them. Our elevation gain is 1295
feet to the summit of 5729 feet. What a great way to start the new year.
Sat. Jan 2 Laurel Fork Falls
Hike: 5 miles Drive: 57.3 miles Depart: Arby’s-10:00AM
(Elizabethton-10:15AM)
Leader: Jan Young Phone: 737-0057
Rating: easy Topos: Elizabethton, Watauga Dam
We
usually do this hike on Sunday, but let’s make it an easy Saturday hike. There
are several ways to reach this beautiful waterfall. We’ll park at the trailhead
on US321 and hike the blue blazed trail to the AT. Then we can take the AT to
the falls, where we can have lunch. By returning via the blue blazed high water
route we can pass the Laurel Fork Shelter. The shelter and the falls are both
within the Pond Mountain Wilderness.
Sat. Jan 9 Stone
Mtn. Trail
Hike: 6-8 miles Drive: 20 miles Depart: Arby’s-8:00AM
Leader: James Price Phone: 213-0042
Rating: moderate to
strenuous Topos: Unaka Mtn.
This
hike starts off Sciota Rd. on USFS 5340. This is an old trail no longer in use.
We’ll try to locate the mountain’s summit for views of Hump Mtn. and Johnson
City.
Sun. Jan. 10 Grandfather
Mountain
Hike: 3.2 miles Drive: 20 miles Depart: Elizabethton-1:15 PM
Leader: James Price Phone: 213-0042
Rating: easy Topos:
We
start from the Boone Fork parking area on the Tanawha Trail to the Nuwati
Trail, then return the same way.
Fri. Jan. 15, 6:30 PM Winter Dinner Party/Program
Speaker: Steven
Kinser Place:
Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church
Our
annual winter dinner program will again be a covered-dish dinner. This time it
will be held Friday, January 15 in the Melting Pot dining room of Munsey
Memorial United Methodist Church - dinner to begin at 6:30 PM (arrive at 6:15).
Steven Kinser has been invited to bring the program this year. His topic and
slide show will be on hiking from Mexico to Canada. We will dispense with
assigned menu selections--bring whatever potluck item you wish. The Board will
supply beverages, plates, and utensils.
Munsey
Memorial UMC is on the north corner of Market and Roan Streets (across Roan
Street from the old John Sevier Hotel) and it can most easily be reached by
taking Exit 32 off from I-26 and proceeding southwest on Market Street (one
way). You will pass the main entrance to Munsey on the right before reaching
the Roan Street traffic signal. Turn right on Roan, pass the sanctuary and the
Samuel Cole Williams historic marker, and turn into the driveway just beyond
the Mayne Williams Public Library building (now a part of the Munsey Complex).
The entrance to the lower-level Melting Pot dining room is close to the street
on the right; parking will be found in the lot to the left of the driveway, and
straight ahead you’ll see the portico of Munsey’s new Christian Life Center.
(Additional parking will be found in the upper lot and the lot off Market
Street northeast of the Sanctuary.) All are encouraged to come to renew old
acquaintances and enjoy a good meal and an evening of fine fellowship.
Sat. Jan. 16 Iron Mountain Trail /Sandy Gap to
Cross Mountain
Hike: 5 miles Drive: 34.5 miles Depart: Arby’s-8:00AM (Elizabethton-
8:15)
Leader: Craig Haire Phone: 737-0057
This
hike is on the first section of our trail. It is mainly on the crest. There is
a fine overlook in all seasons in mile # 1. If you would rather just hike on
through, let the leader know so that appropriate vehicle arrangements can be
made.
Sat. Jan. 23 A.T./
Nolichucky River to Indian Grave Gap
Hike: 8.3 miles Drive: 38 miles Depart:
Arby’s-9:00AM
Leader: Helga Mitchell Phone: 773-8037
Rating: moderate Topos: Chestoa, Huntdale
We’ll
leave a drop car at Indian Grave Gap before beginning our hike at the
Nolichucky River bridge. Since it is winter, we will
be hiking more uphill, generating some body warmth. After 4.2 miles we reach
Curley Maple Gap Shelter, where we can have lunch.
Sat. Jan. 30 A.T./ Carvers
Gap to Shell Creek/ overnight to Overmountain Shelter
Hike: 7 or 5 miles Drive: 10 miles Depart: Arby’s-8:00AM
(Elizabethton 8:15)
Leader: Craig Haire Phone: 737-0057
Rating: moderate Topos: Carvers Gap
Sun. Jan. 31 A.T./ Jones Falls
Hike: 5.2 miles Drive: 21 miles Depart: Elizabethton-1:15 PM
Rating: moderate
We
go past the town of Roan Mountain to where the AT
crosses 19E. We'll turn left onto Bear Branch Road and continue 1.8 miles to a
stop sign. Turning left onto Buck Mountain Road we continue for 1.7 miles to
Buck Mountain Baptist Church. The AT goes to the right, down a steep slope.
It's about an hour hike to a real gem, one of the best-kept secrets of the A.T.
It can be frozen over in winter.
Sat: Feb. 6 Mtns. To Sea/ 25A to
Folk Art Center
Hike: 6 miles Drive: 83 miles Depart: Arby’s-8:00AM
Leader: Ernie
Hartford Phone: 543-1276
Rating: easy Topos: Asheville,
Oteen
This
will be a beautiful and easy six-mile hike. The leaves will be off the trees
and we will have excellent views of the countryside, including the Swannanoa
River. The trail will pass through forests of mixed hardwoods and conifers.
There are no steep climbs and this should be a hike all can enjoy on a
beautiful winter’s day.
Sat. Feb 13 A.T./
Sams Gap to Devils Fork Gap
Hike: 8.2 miles Drive: 38 miles Depart:
Arby’s-8:00AM
Leader: Susanne
Seiler Phone: 647-1085
Rating: moderate Topos: Sams Gap, Flag Pond
After
the first 1.7 miles we will have ascended to High Rock. Then we descend past
Hogback shelter into Rice Gap. After ascending Frozen Knob, the highest point
of today’s hike, we reach an open field with an excellent vista for Big Bald
and the Black Mountains. This is altogether an excellent hike with many points
of interest.
Sun. Feb. 14 Erwin
Greenway
Hike: about 4 miles Drive: 15 miles Depart: Arby’s-1:15 PM
Leader: Laura Norris Phone: 543-1114
Rating: easy Topo:
This
is an easy walk along the edge of Erwin. It passes through some woods and
alongside of streams and ponds. It is paved and also allows bicycles.
Thurs. Feb. 18 Board
Meeting
First Presbyterian
Church, Johnson City Time:
7:00 PM
President: Jan Young
Sat. Feb. 20 A.T./Sams Gap to
Spivey Gap
Hike: 13.6 miles Drive: about 30 miles Depart: Arby’s-8:00 AM
Leader: James Price Phone: 213-0042
Rating: moderate to strenuous Topos:
About
6.5 miles into this hike we will reach the summit of Big Bald where we can
enjoy its panoramic views. About a mile after that we pass the Big Bald
shelter. Nearing the end of the hike we reach the viewpoint at High Rocks
before descending the last couple of miles to Spivey Gap. Be prepared for wind
and cold.
Sat. Feb. 27 Iron Mountain
Trail/Shingletown to Damascus
Hike: 5.7 miles Drive: 44 miles Depart: Arby’s-8:00AM
(Elizabethton-8:15)
Leader: Roy Holcomb Phone: 926-1313
Rating: moderate Topo:Laurel
Bloomery TN-VA
Today’s
hike will be on the northernmost section of our trail and the work will be
somewhere on the section. After the climb from Shingletown we reach the trail
which follows the ridge with good views to the right of Doe Valley. We descend
to Damascus in the last couple of miles. If anyone would prefer just to hike
this day, let the leader know so transportation arrangements can be modified.
Sun. Feb. 28 Moses Cone to Bass Lake
and Loop
Hike: 4.4 miles Drive: 59 miles Depart: Elizabethton 1:15 PM
Leader: Mitch and
Alice Link Phone: 743-8003
Rating: easy
This
new hike explores some of Moses Cone’s carriage routes that we have not
previously travelled. It was cancelled last quarter due to bad weather and a
closed Blue Ridge Parkway. This time we will walk down through some of the area
we gaze at across from the front porch of the house. Along the way through
fields and forests we will pass Bass Lake, which contains trout.
Sat. Mar. 6 A.T./
Low Gap (US421) to Cross Mtn.
Hike: 6.9 miles Drive: 25.5 miles Depart: Arby’s-9:00 AM
(Elizabethton-9:15)
Leader: Teresa
Frazier Phone: 474-2149
Rating: easy to
moderate Topos: Shady Valley, Doe
This
hike provides some vistas of distant mountains as well as some fine views of
Shady Valley. Our lunch spot will probably be the Double Springs Shelter which
is about halfway. The total climbing is 1800 feet, none of which is very steep.
All should be able to enjoy this hike with easy grades and good tread.
Sat. Mar. 13 Iron Mountain Trail/Sandy Gap
to Shingletown
Hike: 8.7 miles Drive: 41.44 miles Depart: Arby’s-8:00AM (Elizabethton 8:15)
Leader: Dave McMillin Phone: 913-2345
Rating: moderate Topos: Doe, Shady Valley,
Laurel Bloomery
This
time the hike will be on the long middle section of our trail. If you want to
just hike through without working let the leader know so he can arrange the
cars so you can go on home without having to wait for all the work to be done.
There are ups and downs along the way but nothing too steep until the descent
to Shingletown. This can also be a work day for any who are interested.
Sun. Mar. 14 Bike/Blue Springs to Wilbur
Lake and Back
Bike: 11 miles Drive:
5 miles Depart:
Elizabethton-1:15 PM
Leader: Roy Holcomb Phone: 926-1313
Rating: easy Topo:
This trip will start on the lower end of Blue Springs
Road just off SR 91. When Blue Springs Road turns left away from the river we
will travel straight ahead on Steel Bridge Rd. After crossing the bridge we
will continue upstream never straying far from the river. There is only one
short hill to climb. These roads are otherwise surprisingly flat. Because it is
always kept full, Wilbur Lake is pretty all year and we will ride along the
full length of it. Since Spring is starting lets get
our bikes out and hit the road.
Sat. Mar. 20 Buffalo Mountain
Park (work trip)
Hike: 4+ miles Drive: 2 miles Depart: Arby’s:8:00AM
Leader: James Price Phone: 213-0042
Rating: moderate Topo:
We
did great work this past year on this fire-devastated trail on Buffalo
Mountain, and it’s looking really good in places.Tread rehab is still needed in
some areas. Tools will be provided, but bring a Pulaski if you have one.
Overgrowth has gotten pretty bad, so loppers and clippers would also be useful.
This will be a joint hike with Johnson City Hikers under the direction of Tom
Dosser. Trailwork will stop at 3 PM.
Sun. March 21 Buffalo Mountain, Lone Oak Rd
to Tip Top
Hike: 4 miles Drive: 10 miles Depart: Arby’s-1:15 PM
Leader:Carl
Hamilton Phone: 926-1313
for info
Rating: moderate Topo:
Let’s
check out our progress on the trail, built by Tom Dosser, which we were working
on the previous day and for the past several quarters. We can go up and back or
do a key swap, with some starting out at the Buffalo Mtn. trailhead, meeting at
Tip Top, and coming down the Lone Oak Trail.
Sat. Mar. 27 Fork Ridge Trail to A.T., A.T. to
Flint Mtn Shelter (overnighter)
Hike: 8 miles Drive: 36 miles Depart:
Arby’s-8:00 AM
Leader: Craig Haire Phone: 737-0057
Rating: moderate to
difficult Topos: Flag Pond, Greystone
The
Fork Ridge Trail climbs 1700 feet in 1.9 miles to meet the Appalachian Trail
just south of Jerry Cabin. Traveling north on the A.T. we will cross some
meadows which offer extensive views of Greeneville and surrounding areas. After
about 2 miles on the A.T. we will reach Big Rock with its views of surrounding
mountains and valleys. We will pass the Shelton Grave after another 1.5 miles
and begin our descent from the crest of Cold Spring Mountain in another 0.6
mile. Two more miles will take us to the Flint Mountain Shelter. We can take a
leisurely Sunday morning and join the afternoon hikers for the 2.7 miles to
Devils Fork Gap.
Sun. Mar. 28 A. T. - Devils Fork Gap to
Flint Mtn Shelter
Hike: 5.4 miles Drive: 28 miles Depart: Arby’s-1:15PM
Leader:Marie Graves Phone:
773-9971
Rating: easy Topos: Flag Pond
This
is a hike that the Club has taken many times. It is an easy hike, only 5.4
miles round trip, with gentle elevation changes and no creek crossings except
one near the shelter which is easily crossed on stepping stones. The trail
takes us through a heavily forested area which is rich in wildlife.