Cove Lake Chapter TTA

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Aug. 15, 2009

Sheltowee Trace - Daniel Boone National Forest - July 25, 2009

Norris Watershed Area - Mar. 7, 2009

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Feb. 21, 2009

Leatherwood Ford Loop Trail - Big South Fork NRRA - Feb. 7, 2009

Emory Gap Falls - Frozen Head SP - Jan. 24, 2009

Yahoo Falls - Big South Fork NRRA - Jan. 17, 2009

Once at the parking lot, we stopped to read the park information kiosk before heading out on the Object Lesson Road Trail. This road is one of many throughout the U.S. which were built as a demonstration of how much better a well paved, well drained road is than the muddy, rutted roads prevalent during our earlier times. After passing through hardwood and hemlock woods, as well as reclaimed clearings of old U.S. Hwy. 25E, the trail brought us to the Saddle of the Gap, where we claimed the bench and took a break. Richard and George climbed the nearby knoll to survey the area and get some pictures.

From there we picked up the Wilderness Road Trail, which follows what is to the best of our knowledge the original Daniel Boone Trace over the Gap. John told us at Indian Rock about how Indians and, later, other scoundrels would jump out from behind this rock to attack unwary travelers. Richard was glad that Jerry, who has been know for such tactics, did not get there before he did. After following the old road a ways, the trail turned into the woods to connect back to the Thomas Walker Trail, which we followed back until we reached the Fitness Trail.

This lovely trail follows the creek on the other side of the picnic area at the foot of high cliffs before climbing up a mountain and then back down to the far end of the parking lot of the Visitor Center.

All in all, the hike was a success, with good weather and some late summer, early fall wildflowers to brighten our way. Thank you, John, for another wonderful trip in beautiful Cumberland Gap Park.

Once at the Sheltowee Trace trailhead, we headed down the trail, which follows the Van Hook Branch of Cane Creek. After passing a connector trail on the right, we eventually arrived at Van Hook Falls, where we stopped for a snack and some exploration and picture-taking of the falls.

We retraced our steps a short ways to where we picked up the Rockcastle Narrows Trail. This trail follows beautiful Cane Creek as it makes its way down to Rockcastle River, first high on a bluff overlooking the Creek, and later along its shores, after passing down through the cliffs. Just before the trail reaches Rockcastle River, it passes by the trailhead for Winding Stair Gap Trail, though we never saw it.

Soon we were following the shore of the River, where we presently stopped for a break on a large beach. This section of the river is called The Narrows, which boasts Class III-IV rapids. It is quite lovely with its huge boulders, green hills and blue sky framing it. Back on the trail, it is not long before the river turns a sharp left, and we leave it to huff and puff our way back out of the river valley.

As the trail passes the rock cliff lines, we see rockhouses and a wet-weather stream trickling and falling down the side of the bluffs. Finally the trail eases in its climb, and we come out on a side road which takes us to Forest Road 119. At the entrance to the connector trail, we decide that we have had enough trail hiking for the day, and take the road back to the vehicle.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the hike, especially the opportunity to experience Rockcastle River in the Narrows. Patricia hiked like a trouper, and we were all proud of her. Back in London, we patronized a Mexican restaurant and dubbed the trip a success.

The Norris City Watershed blankets approximately 2300 acres interlaced with more than 25 miles of maintained trails. Twelve eager Cove Lake TTA Chapter members assembled on this warm sunny morning at the historic Rice Grist Mill for a hike of the Norris Watershed.

Hike planner, George Miceli, kicked off the day’s trek from the Grist Mill assembly point, following the gentle upward sloping Lower Clear Creek Trail to the wooden vehicle bridge. Along the way, the group explored two small man-made dams and the remains of one now-defunct, beaver-built dam. Schools of trout fingerling swam to the water’s edge as if prior hikers had been feeding them. A Pileated Woodpecker and a dozen pairs of ducks acknowledged our passing with suspicious stares. Trail-side flora with hints of green promised warm weather beauty to come.

Seven-tenths of a mile into the hike, the “daring dozen” veered off the scenic creek-side trail to the more challenging Reservoir Hill Trail. Their climbing efforts were ultimately rewarded at the peak with a beautiful view of the Clinch River Valley and Norris Dam. The return trek followed the backside of the Reservoir Hill Trail down through the Dyer’s Hollow Trail, paralleling its spring fed creek to the larger Lower Clear Creek. From there, the group back-tracked their kickoff trail to the Grist Mill starting point and the parked cars. Beautiful day, great scenery, terrific company and energizing exercise! Priceless.

We began our hike in the Cumberland Gap Park at the Daniel Boone Visitor Information Center, taking the Boone Trail to the park campground.  We skirted the campground on Colson Trail, and then hiked two of the nature trails: Honey Tree Spur Nature Trail, and Greenleaf Nature Trail.  While on Honey Tree, we topped a hill with a beautiful overlook of the area.  After a lunch break back at the campground, we headed up Lewis Hollow Trail towards Skylight Cave.  Before reaching the cave, we turned down the Hollow on an old park road back to Boone Trail, and retraced our steps to the Information Center.