Prentice Cooper WMA II

Day One:                                                      Outcast Total Miles: 1404.12
Main trailhead parking to McNabb Gulf Campsite 8.7 Miles
West side heading South
Day Two:
McNabb Gulf Campsite to Main trailhead Parking 11.42 Miles
East side heading North
Total Miles:  20.13 Miles

Well Troy, Marco, Travis, and I headed out to Prentice Cooper WMA.  Marco and I had hiked it back in  2009, so this was a make up hike for Troy.

We hiked the outside loop and we did it counterclockwise.  It is a good trail with lots of ups and downs.  There are a lot of overlooks, wet weather water falls, rock formations, along with a Natural Bridge and a Rock House.

When we headed out they were calling for rain that night and scattered showers the next day.  We got a later start on the trail around 10:00am our time.  We were just short of the first overlook when we stopped for lunch.  The last time we hiked it, we had rain in the morning so we didn't get any overlooks.  This time they were beautiful.  Ransom Hollow Overlook is off a short side trail and well worth the stroll!  Just before we crossed Tower Drive, a group of about ten trail runners passed us heading the other way.  After we made sure that they were not being chased by anything bad, we continued our hike.  These were the only people we saw in two days.

We made it to camp by 5pm and Travis had a fire going in no time.  We set up our camp and got dinner going.  No stars tonight, but we got to listen to an owl.  The smoke kept us walking in circles as we took cough medicine and told lies.  This was Travis's first time to camp in a hammock.  Just as I crawled under my tarp, the rain began.  It didn't stop until daylight.  

We were woke up by the owl as now it was really close to camp.  Marco got up and got the fire going.  Travis not only survived the hammock, he liked it.  We took our time and got on the trail around 9am.

It actually got cooler as the day went on and the first half of it we were wearing our poncho's as the mist was keeping us wet.  Raccoon Mountain Overlook is over grown and the valley was clouded in.  When we got to the Natural Bridge we got to take off the poncho's and we did some climbing around.  The clouds had cleared out pretty good by the time we got to Snooper's Rock Overlook and we got some good pictures from there.  We got some pictures of the Indian Rock House and the Stone Door before we headed back up to the cars.  Another great hike.  We would rate these trails at moderate to difficult.

After we hiked we headed into Powell's Crossroads and ate dinner at the "Open Door" Restaurant.  They have really good meat and two dishes.  Good Food and Great service.    

Pictures:

Virgin Falls / Scott's Gulf

Virgin Falls Trail 8.2 miles                                                     Outcast Total Miles: 1383.99
Polly Branch Trail 2.2
Caney Fork River Trail 3.5
Yellow Bluff Trail 1.0
Road Walk 1.6
Total Miles 16.5

The weather cooperated and we headed to Sparta, TN to hike the Virgin Falls State Natural Area and the Bridgestone/ Firestone Centennial Wilderness Wildlife Management Area.  We had hiked this area before but had to change our route a little bit because of the Caney Fork river ford that we didn't realize was so deep this time of year.  This year we planned it out without a fording of the Caney.

Before we even got on the trail, Bob and Rick pulled into the parking area and headed down the trail.  We would meet them three more times on the trail.  They were doing a day hike to Virgin Falls.

There was still patches of snow on the ground and icicles on the rocks.  With the partial thaw there was also plenty of mud.  The sign on the kiosk warned of a strenuous and dangerous trail ahead.  This is one of those trails that is easy on the way in and a steady climb on the way out.  The hardest hiking area would be around Laurel Falls.  We did not take the overlook trail this time.

We got on the trail and made the many crossings of the creek.  The cable crossing was a lot safer than last time as the water was a lot lower.  The water falls were looking good.  We stopped between Laurel and Virgin falls for lunch.   After lunch we hiked on to the loop and took it counterclockwise going by Sheep Cave first.  We met up with Bob and Rick for the third time at Virgin Falls and then we headed back up to Laurel Falls where we met them for the last time.  We were stopped for a snack break when they came by.

We hiked up to near the trailhead and made camp.  It was a cool night as we sat by the fire taking cough medicine and telling lies.  Marco and Troy headed back to the creek for some more water when Marco saw a deer in the night.  We had a small amount of sleet a couple of times before we went to bed.  That night it rained for a while and we got some light snow as well.

We got up in the morning and headed up to the trailhead where we repositioned our cars to the Polly Branch trailhead.  We headed out on Polly Branch trail, which is a road bed to start with and then cuts through the woods where you ford the Polly Branch Creek.  From there you see the Upper Polly Branch Falls and then get back on a roadbed to go to the bottom of the Gulf where you take the Caney Fork River Trail.

The Caney Fork River trail follows the river but you are hiking up and down the side of the Gulf.  It is all old roadbed except for the crossing of Gun Stock Branch which really needs a bridge.  The dam of an old lake above the rim collapsed during a flood and washed out a large section of the mountain side, creating a chasm that should be crossed carefully.

The Caney Fork River Trail is not cared for and is not marked very well.  You ford the Polly Branch just above the lower Polly Branch Falls.  There is a lot of downed trees for you to go over and it drops down to the river a couple of times before it goes up higher and stayes up.  We did kick up a couple of Turkeys and got to see a hawk while we walked.

The crossing of Gun Stock Branch is a steep basically slide down to the water and a four legged climb back out.  The trail is not marked well at all here.  After you get across head up toward the rock bluff and catch the road bed.

There is a sign where the Yellow Bluff Trail connects to the Caney Fork trail, but it does not mention the Yellow Bluff Trail.  So when you get to a sign that looks like it should be at an intersection, look uphill across the trail from the sign and you will see a green hiking dude on a marker.  That is the trail which follows an old roadbed up the side of the Gulf.  It is not marked well at all and not worn either.  A good steep climb will bring you up at the Joe Holloway Rock House.

The trail from here is poorly marked and unfollowable, so we took the road back.  You can get back on the Yellow Bluff Trail at the trailhead when you pass it, but we just walked on back to the car.

This is a pretty area with lots of water falls for hiking.  It would be rated as difficult.

Pictures:

The Ten Essentials

Essentials for Any Hike

What You'll Need  - The Ten Essentials

#1. Map
Even if you are positive about where you’re headed and how to get there, it is always a good idea to bring a map with you on the trail. A good topographical map, or “topo” is indispensable. Know how to read your map and consult it often.  Visit the Trading Post for map info.

#2. Compass
A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain – especially in bad weather where you can’t see the landmarks. With a map and compass you can accurately determine your position, travel cross-country and avoid cliffs and other dangerous features in the landscape. Global Positioning Systems are great, but beware of their limitations. Batteries go dead, and, in gorges and beneath heavy forest canopy, GPS units may be unable to receive a signal. Speaking of signals, a compass with a sighting mirror will double as a signaling device to alert passing planes or distant hikers in an emergency.

#3. Water
Without enough water, your body can’t perform as well. Drink plenty of it and don’t drink untreated water. Many hikers assume the water is pure and about 48 hours later wonder why they have a queasy feeling. Even clear-looking water can contain the organism Giardia Lamblia, one of the causes of “travelers diarrhea”. If you are not carrying the water in yourself, treat all backcountry drinking water with purification tablets and/or a quality filter.

#4. Extra Food
You’ll need all your strength, especially on those steep grades out of the gorges.  Bring more food than you think you can eat. You can survive days without eating, but you think more clearly and react more quickly when you’re fueled up. Carry more food than you think you need, even if it’s just a bag of raisins or nuts.

#5. Extra Clothes
It almost doesn’t matter when you are hiking, the weather often changes quickly and with little warning. The key is to be prepared. Wet clothes can be a recipe for hypothermia. Remember to layer for insulation and carry raingear even when the threat of precipitation seems remote. A lightweight emergency shelter such as a tarp or space blanket is also advisable.

#6. First-Aid Kit
It’s important to be prepared for a range of mishaps: blisters, cuts, scrapes, sprained ankles, among other things. Always carry medical supplies adequate for minor injuries and blisters, including sterile bandages and antibiotic ointments.

#7. Pocket Knife
From slicing salami or opening a can to cutting an ace bandage to rigging an emergency shelter, a simple knife is the most useful tool you can carry on any hike. Better still are compact multi-tools like Swiss Army knives. Whatever you carry, keep the blade sharp and rust-free.

#8. Sun Protection
No matter where you live, or what season it is, hikers need to be aware of the hazards of the sun’s rays. Overexposure to the sun can leave you fatigued, dehydrated, and painfully burned. Don't be fooled by the forest canopy.  A combination of a hat, sunglasses, sun block and the proper clothing can keep you protected.

#9. Flashlight
It is good to carry a flashlight or headlamp with you every time you head out for a hike. Although you may have no intention of being on your hike past dusk, it’s easy to underestimate just how long a particular hike may take. A light can be inexpensive, lightweight, and along with an extra set of batteries, pretty reliable. Headlamps have the extra benefit of being hands-free. Whichever you choose, be sure to find one that’s waterproof. While you may never to expect to get caught in the dark in the rain, it’s worth the extra expense.

#10. Matches and Firestarter
Carry matches that have been waterproofed or wind and waterproofed, or else carry extra strike anywhere matches—along with something to strike them on—in a waterproof container. Keep these matches separate from your regular match or butane lighter supply. Keep them available for emergency situations. Fire starters are useful for quickly starting a fire, especially in emergency situations. They are also useful for igniting wet wood. There are several commercial fire starters available: magnesium blocks w/striking flint; chemically-treated fire sticks, etc.

Big Ridge State Park

DAY ONE: 5.8                                                                 Outcast Total Miles: 1367.49
Lake Trail 1.5
Ghost House Loop 1.2
Road Walk 0.5
Big Valley Trail 1.3
East Dark Hollow Trail 1.3

DAY TWO: 8.8
East Dark Hollow Trail 1.3
Big Valley 0.4
Indian Rock Loop 2.6
Sharp's Station 0.4
Big Valley 0.4
West Dark Hollow Trail 2.7
Loyston Overlook 0.5
Lake Trail 0.5

Total Miles: 14.6

Well we finally made it to Big Ridge State Park on Norris Lake.  Troy had to cancel for family reasons, but we had Travis join us.  This was his first backpacking trip.  So my Dad, Marco, Travis, and I made it to the park by 12:30.  We got our permit and then hit the trail.  The park ranger was extremely friendly and helpful.  The park only has around 16 miles of trail so we did some figuring to get as many in as we could.

We started out on the Lake Trail just North of the park office.  The first big thing you come to is the park dam which holds the lake up for the park.  The rest of Norris Lake was about 35 feet down from normal.  We continued on the Lake Trail and stopped to look at the Snodderly Cemetery.  From there we took the Ghost House Loop counterclockwise and then road walked past the old Grist Mill to the Big Valley trail.  We took the Big Valley trail to the East Dark Hollow trail to Norris Lake where we camped for the night.  With the water down on the lake, Travis and I hiked another quarter mile down to actually see the lake.

There is a spring next to the campsite so that is where we collected our water.  After being told that he was in charge of the fire, Travis had flames before we got our hammocks set up.  We visited and then ate just before dark.  Afterwards we told lies and took our cough medicine.

The next morning we hiked back up East Dark Hollow and took the Big Valley trail up to the Indian Rock Loop trail.  We hiked it counter clock wise.  When we got to the site of Peter Graves attack by Indians, I heard a big "Thump" where my Dad tripped over a root and hit head first on the biggest bolder he could find.  He is always looking for attention and I think he was teaching Travis why you never backpack alone.  He busted his forehead and nose open so we got to do a little of that first responder thing.  Luckily he does have a hard head so after getting some of his sense back, he hiked on like a true hero would.

When you drop off the side of Big Ridge, the trail goes straight down the side very steeply.  I wouldn't want to try it when it was wet!  The campsite on the Indian Rock Loop is only about a twenty foot circle.  There is another campsite on the Sharp's Station trail which also has a fire pit.  There is another plaque out at the lake's edge for Sharp's Station.

As the trail follows the edge of the lake it is covered with Raspberry thorns.  At the right time of year, you could eat your way along this trail.  After we climbed back up Big Ridge we took a break and saw two Bald Eagles fly by.  We ate some lunch here and then hiked back to Dark Hollow.

We took the West Dark Hollow trail back to the Dam.  We got to see a doe on this section and heard some more up higher on the ridge.  The campsite on this trail is bigger and there is a good water source there too.  After we crossed the Dam we climbed to the Loyston Overlook.  This trail is really not worth the climb as you really don't get any good views and probably none when there are leaves on the trees.

We got back to the car by one and the Ranger wanted to know what happened to dear old Dad.  We had to tell the story. 

We had a great hike.  The trails are in really good shape.  There are some hills that need some switch backs, but it will give you a good work out.  As for Travis, this is what he had to say for his first ever backpack:

"This being my first hike I was amazed to the tranquillity that can come over one. The hike was more than just a walk in the woods, when was the last time you were able the hear peace and quite, I mean real quite. The night came upon us with a whisper, the stars look so close you hit one with a stone and a good arm. I do not believe I have ever seen so many in the night sky. Under stand that I had to pay a price for the trip in the way of sore muscles, but I would gladly pay it again."

Pictures:

Mousetail Landing State Park II

Lady Finger Bluff Trail 2.7 miles                                  Outcasts Total Miles: 1352.89
Mousetail Overnight Trail 8.0 miles
Mousetail Day Loop 3.0 miles
Total Miles: 13.7 miles

Troy was out with tooth surgery.  Marco and I headed out through the rain.  We had issues with ducks and frogs, but made it through the storm with the Outcast Mobile speeding West.

By the time we got to our first hiking trail the weather had cleared.  From Interstate 40 you can follow signs all the way to Lady Finger Bluff except for the last two turns.  When the road turns to dirt, your next two turns are to the left and the trail is on the right.

Gnarled old cedars, limestone outcrops, fresh water springs and spectacular views of the Tennessee River make up the views of Lady's Bluff, a TVA Small Wild Area.  They have markers on the different trees that have the names of the trees on them.  We had to laugh at the one with the stump next to it.  I guess they need to either find another tree or plant one next to the sign. 

The Tennessee River below Lady's Bluff was once known as the "narrows." As you can watch one barge stop downstream while another passes through the strait, it should be easy to see how this portion of the river got its name. Two barges cannot pass through here as they can in other stretches of the river.

There is supposed to be a loop at the end of the trail, but after the bluff it just kinda fades out.  So we turned around and headed back.  There is a tree up there with two plaques on it from people that have climbed the bluff.

The next hike was to be at Mousetail Landing State Park.  We tried to take the short cut down McKnight road, but the slab was too deep for even the Outcast Mobile to cross.  We had to go back to 438 to get to the park.  There are no signs for Mousetail from Interstate 40 to the park.  Google shows it in Linden when it  is actually on the Tennessee River.

We packed up and headed out on the eight mile overnight trail.  We kicked up some deer and one other hiker with his dog.  We had stopped for a snake when he walked up to us.  We visited with him a while exchanging stories before heading to our shelter #2 for the night.  The last time I was here we got to see nothing but fog.  This time there is a great view of the river from the shelter .  We collected firewood and then got food going.  It was going to get down right cold tonight so we got lots of wood.

Later that night we got to hear owls and coyotes carrying on.  We saw a Coast Guard ship and barges going down the river.  Even got to listen to a couple through the night.

The next morning we got up to fog.  It was burning off as the sun came up and we got on the trail.  We completed the loop going past shelter #1 and headed back to the car.  On the way we passed our second hiker and visited with him.  He was prepping to hike the Appalachian Trail next year.  We were swapping stories with him when a Bald Eagle flew by.  Now that is exciting!

After we got to the car we headed out on the Day Loop trail behind the office.  It goes up and follows two ridges with access to the campground and picnic pavilion area.  We kicked some deer here as well.

Back to the car and off to Waffle House!  We will rate all these trails as moderate because of the ups and downs.

Pictures:

Long Hunter VII

Long Hunter                             Trail Rating                          Outcasts Total: 1339.19 Miles 
Volunteer Trail     6.0 Miles       Easy
Day Loop            2.0Miles        Easy
Volunteer Trail     6.0Miles        Easy
Total                14.0 Miles

The season has officially started.  Troy, Marco, and I headed out to Long Hunter State Park for an overnight hike.  This starts our seventh year of hiking together.  After seven years of hiking this trail, we got off trail for the first time and we did it going and coming back.  How did we manage this I do not know.  I do know that I am glad we didn't hike off a cliff because we would have all hiked off it.  Following each other and not paying attention to the trail.....basics!  We were busy talking and getting caught up on things.

The weather was great and the colors were in mid changing.  We enjoyed the views of the lake and the easy rolling hills of the trail.  There were lots of boats out and we did see a couple of hikers. 

After we got to camp we saw a crow chasing a hawk over the lake.  We set up camp and got to work. The fire pits were large piles of ashes as usual and there was no wood to be seen. We headed out through the woods to collected our usual stack of wood for a winter fire and got a fire going that you couldn't sit by if you had to. Life was good.  The wind was blowing a little to cool with the water temperature to do any swiming, but I did get to soak the feet a while.

For dinner we got to try out some other dehydrated meals that Troy brought along to test.  At sunset we hiked out to the end of the cove and got some great pictures.  We sat around the fire telling lies and taking cought medicine until we faded out one by one.  We got to hear an owl in the night talking.

We took an easy morning and then hiked out.  Troy who was suffering from an impacted tooth, was now suffering from a sinus infection.  When we got to the day loop that we usually take, we just hiked on out.

Another great hike and new beginning. 

Pictures:

Natchez Trace- Red Leaves Trail

Red Leaves Trail Lower Loop 26.35miles...........Outcast Total:1325.19 Miles

Well we headed out for a four day hike. When we got there, we were informed that the whole North end of the park was being Logged off due to storm damage. The trail was closed. So plan B was to hike what they did have and a long story short it turned out to be an overnight backpack.

Marco, Troy, and I headed out for the last scheduled hike of the season. It was hot and the ticks were out in force. Basically everytime you stopped, you pulled off ticks. We had hiked this trail four years ago and not much had changed. They did mark the trail alot better. It's rolling hills and you get to see three different lakes. They have a campsite on two of the lakes and we stayed on Pin Oak lake.

We got to do some swiming as the lake was warm. We got to see turtles, snakes, and a mess of wild flowers. It is a great park to hike in and we hope they get the North end opened soon.

Pictures: