Polly Branch Trail TTA

 

Betsy led a great hike on what was supposed to be a rainy day. It rained on the way to the trailhead, but stopped by the time I got there. 6 hikers with rain gear ready, started out to explore and see the waterfalls. Waded across the creek barefoot, as did a couple others, didn't bring my water shoes. Upper and Lower Polly Branch Falls were beautiful. When we got to the third waterfall, it was gushing water and had flooded the trail on the other side. We decided not to chance it, even tho Betsy tried to find a way to wade the Caney Fork instead....   Not today. Hiked back to the campsite for lunch beside another creek. It started misting rain as we hiked back, at the parking lot it was sprinkling a little. 

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Little Cedar Mountain, Girls Who Hike Tennessee

 

Dawn invited us to hike with her on an unofficial GWHT.  Jennifer, Dawn, LouAnn and I explored the moss covered limestone rocks, kind of eerie in the fog and drizzle. Beautiful and so interesting here, this treasure right beside the Interstate, and the Tennessee River. We did a figure 8 to see all the trails. Odd finds with a pair of toddler socks, then a pair of crutches abandoned? Hmmm. The river views were cool. Dawn said she and her dad had explored here lots, so it would be cool to come back and explore more.  Picture credits to Dawn and Jennifer.

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Soak Creek TTA Scenic City

 Tammy led a great hike at Soak Creek. We met at the Piney River parking area to arrange a shuttle for the 15 hikers. We started the hike at the Stinging Fork trailhead. Several folks had not been here before. The waterfall was beautiful today with lots of water. Then forward, following the creek, up and down the ridges. Saw quite a few hepatica leaves, a few violet leaves, and one buttercup blooming, jut a couple hundred yards from ice still below a rock wall.  Tennessee weather, cold enough for ice, warm enough to make flowers bloom.  

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