GA Weekly Getting Outdoors

I'll admit, the kayak I was using that day was no speed demon but I was out there most of the day paddling and got to 2 of the waterfalls and that was enough for me. Wasn't willing to put in the effort for a 3rd.

 

Looking for trail recommendations along the route to Chattanooga. We have family coming in to watch our kids next weekend and I think my wife and I are going to head up to TN. She actually suggested that we find a trail to run on the way up there.

So first question: Anyone know of a good trail that direction?
Second question: anyone interested in getting a group going?

 

For when?

 

Friday.

 

Ok, so sort of considering:

Forest Road 630: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/georgia/forest-road-630--3

Cashes Valley: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/georgia/cashes-valley-road

Nimblewill Gap Rd: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/georgia/nimblewill-gap-road
^appears to have been graded back in 2011 or so and is mostly flat and scenic now.

Old Buck Town Rd: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/georgia/old-buck-town-road

Old Tickanetley Rd: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/georgia/tickanetley-road


Also considering skipping the trails and hiking Cloudland Canyon. That's been on my to-do list for a while but haven't cared to make the drive or the hike with the kids.

 

I would hike the Canyon, you’ll love it

 

I'd vote Cashes Valley or Cloudland Canyon.

 

Two of those sound like a fun drive. The one with the lake could be good if you have a kayak.

 

Foster Falls

Foster Falls Rd
Sequatchie, TN 37374
United States

Get your hike on and swim under a waterfall! Super nice! Short hike, but it’s no joke. If you got bad knees or don’t have good balance, just check it out from the top.

 

@FirstGenTundra , you ever do Persimmon Road Loop?

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/tennessee/persimmon-loop-trail

As of right now, I think the plan is to do Cloudland Canyon, then hit up Foster Falls. If there is enough daylight, it looks like Persimmon road is right there.

 

No I've never explored that area but it looks fun. One of those roads in Prentice Cooper has a notorious water crossing. I'll see if I can find it. Savage Gulf is great if you wanted to do some hiking. It's not far from there.

 

How long does it take to run Coppinger Cove?

 

I’ve been told, you never come back from Coppinger Cove!

 

Well from this vid I might agree with you. I'm almost set up for this but not quite yet! i would have some concerns with my current set up. I'm sure the crossings are weather related though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnpYll563s4

Ok I'm even close!

 

https://youtu.be/xvaEJzoaYZk

 

So you changed your avatar too! I pay attention! I do like the song though!

 

Well, between the two waterfall hikes, I'm not sure that we'll have time to do Coppinger. So that'll just give me reason to go back!

Depending on time, I'll probably drive Persimmon Loop. It looks like a mostly flat gravel road.

 

If your at Foster Falls, take the loop around Grundy Lakes. Its very close and super quick.
And if you want a nice overlook, then check out Green View. There is a killer hike up there, however keep people and dogs away from the ledges, a fall would be fatal.

Grundy Lake Number One
Tracy City, TN
United States



750 University Ave
Sewanee, TN 37375
United States

 

We ended up not having time for anything more than Cloudland Canyon. We were kind of on the fence about driving over to Foster Falls and opted to head over to Chattanooga for dinner and a couple of breweries. I'll upload some pics shortly.

 

CLOUDLAND CANYON

From the overlook:





Hemlock Falls:



Cherokee Falls:



Unknown falls:

(mini arch falls? on the left)


BIGFOOT OCOEE OUTFITTERS



For those who haven't met me, I'm the blue helmet in the front.

I've never been whitewater rafting before, and I would HIGHLY recommend Bigfoot Ocoee Outfitters. The price was very reasonable, especially after looking at outfitters on other rivers (closer to family). Our guide was AWESEOME. Most of the rapids we encountered were a Class III and some were borderline Class IV. Not once did I feel unsafe. This might need to be a future TW outing.