Cumberland Trail -- Tennessee Gorge Segm ent

“Availability Confirmed

“This looks like a prime time to hit this part of the trail. I don't know if the hike has been planned out yet, but I would suggest doing the double loop, perhaps in a figure 8. I am a trail steward for the front coutry portion of this trail (Signal Pt. to Edwards Pt.) and would avoid that portion (can't park there overnight anyway).”

trailthumper
11:56:09 AM
7/21/05


“Close to home!!..

We just bought 20 acres 4 miles past the Prentice Cooper entrance off Suck Creek road.. we are going to build a log cabin.. looking forward to this trip.. hope I can make it..”

pacugirl
11:20:39 PM
7/26/05


“My brother lives a couple of miles up 127. The trail runs near his house I'm told. I may try to make this one.”

DeoreDX
12:42:29 PM
8/10/05


“i did the 8 a few years back on labor day or memorial day...a hot day whichever...lots of fourwheelers and park rangers hauling ass to catch them. The trail was pretty dry except at hemlock branch, a very small, rocky campground, 4 tent sites, and 1.5 hammock spots MAX.
I enjoyed the back mullins creek side to the TN river side.
Too many dirt roads crisscrossing the area in my opinion”

OPIE
4:19:58 PM
9/10/05


“I have done this section twice and really enjoyed it. We parked one car at the Rainbow Lake Parking lot,it is where the Cumberland Trail Association suggested we park, it is about 1/4 mile walk to the trail head at Signal Point. We parked the other car at the trail head in the Prentice Cooper State Forest and started from there.Hope I can make this trip.”

earlyriser
7:15:49 PM
9/19/05


“My apologies to everyone regarding this trip. I had pretty much forgotten I had it posted until I got an email from a guy telling me how excited he was to go.

As I've posted before, I am totally swamped with life right now. I have not been hiking/backpacking since Ewker and I did Gregory Ridge. Maybe later this winter I will find time to get away again.

Again, my apologies for not being a good "leader".”

TownDawg
9:04:05 AM
10/06/05


“Hello all. Rescheduled an earlier trip. Finally have a weekend I can go.

If you were listed as a possible attendee, let me know if you have interest.”

TownDawg
7:56:36 AM
3/06/06


“Again.. anyone who can go, or offer suggestions on best routes.. please feel free to chime in. I called Mark last night (my local Cumberberland Trail expert), and I've been looking over the map today.

I have Friday the 28th off work -- so I can travel down on Thurs.. hike Fri/Sat/Sun. My buddy John (you know him as Stix) is prolly going also.

Other than that we are in the early planning stages.””

“I can't leave until Friday evening so I would have to meet up with you late that night or Sat morning”

“I love the CT!!!!!!!!”

“embear, come on back and hike it”

“I'll be back around at the end of may, but wont have time for hiking :( I'm in a wedding.”

“So, when is this hike?”

“em, you're getting married!!”

“No, not yet Eddy, my best friend is though... :)”

“yam is getting married ????”

“

"Again, my apologies for not being a good 'leader'."
TownDawg

Fear not, we can always use you as a bad example!


LOL.”

“I should be back in hiking form in time for this.”

“When is this hike. Last weekend in April. I got Friday off, so I will travel on Thursday the 27th. I can hike all day Fri/Sat/Sun. For anyone who does not have Friday off, or can't get off on Friday -- hike Sat/Sun. The whole thing is a huge figure-8 with a 10 mile tail. Once I get a little more time, I can plan a trip that anyone can meet up on Thurs night, Friday night or even Saturday.. I'm sure there is plenty of space for everyone.. and we don't all HAVE to hike the same routes -- we can just ramble the 30-something miles and end up in the same campsites at night.”

“Hey TD I got your e-mail. Thanks for reminding me of the trip but my schedule doesn't work that weekend. Have fun guys.”

“Hey TownDawg, I might be up for this hike. I have yet to check out the CT. Probably can't commit for sure until it gets closer, but keep me posted.”

“Sounds good Bill. I will try to get an itinerary up soon.. so we can see how everyone's plans fit in.”

“Greetings. There are four campsites listed. To anyone who knows this are, which campsites do you like the best?

I saw where you can only park overnight at Prentiss Cooper. Studying this map, trying to make the smartest route out of the 35 miles. What route would you suggest?

Since they won't let you p[ark over night at the other parking area? Which part os the trail and extra loops did you like best? I'm trying to decide the best way to walk it.

Any ideas? I'm thinking I put myself at North Suck Creek campsite on Saturday night and hike all the way to Edwards point or so as a dayhike == go all the way to Rainbow Falls, and head back?”

“Hello all --

Possible itinerary for your review:

Thursday 4/27: I will get off work Thursday afternoon, and because it’s a 3-4 hour drive, I will drive to the entrance of Prentice Cooper SF (off Hwy 27) and overnight at the checkpoint station just as you enter the WMA. I talked to the ranger this morning as there is a bathroom outbuilding, and a hand water pump (quality of water is questionable due to iron (Fe) content). I can’t predict my arrival time due to a multitude of factors, but the ranger has assured me that the security gate is beyond this point, and therefore is accessible 24/7.

Friday 4/28: Move all cars to Snoopers Rock access point and parking area. Sign in at checkpoint. Set up basecamp at Hemlock Branch CS. Enjoy Mullen’s Cove Loop trail (approx 9 miles), and overnight at Hemlock Branch CS. Include an “out-N-back” to Poplar Spring CS if anyone is interested.

Saturday 4/29: Enjoy Pot Point Loop trail (approx 11 miles), and overnight at Hemlock Branch CS. Include an “out-N-back” to Davis Pond CS if anyone is interested.

Sunday 4/30: Move all cars to Prentice Cooper trailhead.
• Option 1: Use one car to shuttle everyone to Signal Mountain parking area. Enjoy Tennessee River Gorge segment of the Cumberland trail (approx 13 miles). Once we get back to Prentice Cooper trailhead, one person can shuttle owner of shuttle car back to his/her vehicle.

• Option 2: Use one car to shuttle everyone to Hwy 27 trail access parking area. Enjoy an “out-N-back” to Edwards Point CS (approx 13 miles). Shuttle everyone back to Prentice Cooper trailhead.”

“From Michael Meek (Cumberland Trail Conference):

Dear Chris,

You are right about the parking lot at Signal Point Park - if you leave your vehicle there after 10:00 pm, it will be impounded. However, you can park your car overnight at the trailhead of Prentice Cooper State Park. Chris, if you have any further questions, let me know - and send me an email telling me about your hike.”

“Ooo - will check calendar! Good to hear from you TD!”

“From Michael Meek (Cumberland Trail Conference):

Dear Chris,

Here is some new information that you may find useful: I spoke with Sam Powell yesterday, one of the founders of the Tennessee Trail Association, and he told me that there is an informal agreement with the Signal Mountain Police that may allow you to park your car there overnight. Call them and explain that you are doing a long hike and that you would like to leave your car there overnight. It's my understanding that they will probably allow you to do so - be sure and mention that your info came from Sam Powell by way of the Cumberland Trail Conference.

Otherwise, it sounds like you've come up with a good plan for your hike. If you do contact Signal Mountain in an attempt to leave your car overnight, please let me know about the outcome.”

“Yes. There is new information. The Signal Mountain Police Department allows overnight parking at the trailhead if they are given complete information.

Instructions are to contact them (423.886.2124) with license plate, vehicle make/color, and provide them with a cell phone number if possible. This will ensure that they will NOT mistake your vehicle, and it will NOT be impounded if you want to leave it there while enjoying the trail.”

“Hello all --

One of my friends HATED my original itinerary, so here is another possible itinerary for your review:

Thursday 4/27: I will get off work Thursday afternoon, and because it’s a 3-4 hour drive, I will drive to the entrance of Prentice Cooper SF (off Hwy 27) and overnight at the checkpoint station just as you enter the WMA. I talked to the ranger this morning as there is a bathroom outbuilding, and a hand water pump (quality of water is questionable due to iron (Fe) content). I can’t predict my arrival time due to a multitude of factors, but the ranger has assured me that the security gate is beyond this point, and therefore is accessible 24/7.

Friday 4/28: Move all cars to Prentice Cooper trailhead. Contact local police for authorization, and use one car to shuttle everyone to Signal Mountain parking area. Hike “front country” to Poplar Spring CS (approx 9 miles).

Saturday 4/29: Hike “back country loop” trail (approx 14 miles), and overnight at McNabb Gulf CS.

Sunday 4/30: Continuing along “back country loop” trail, hike to Prentice Cooper trailhead (approx 9 miles). Once we get back to Prentice Cooper trailhead, one person can shuttle owner of shuttle car back to his/her vehicle.”

“NOTE: Trip description has been updated to current information. Contact me (731.415.7315) if you need directions or have any questions regarding the trip.”

“Heyas. Hope everyone is well. My friend John tried to go to the Smokies this past weekend -- said that the weekend storm closed Hwy 441 and dumped 20" of snow -- which I know has NOTHING to do with THIS trip, but I stil thought it was interesting!

Anyways, looking forward to hiking this segment of the Cumberland Trail. Don't know exactly who's going and who isn't -- but I'm definitely going. The place is big enough for all of us, so if you don't have plans for the last weekend in April -- hope you'll consider hanging out with me a couple days.”

“Towndawg, I am still going to try to make it on this trip, but will not know for sure until almost last minute.

I am thinking about doing a water-perspective version of it this weekend by canoeing the TN River Gorge...canoe partner cancelled so it will be solo, but I will let you know how it goes...should be neat to get two perspectives from the same place.”

“I'm starting to believe I'm not going to make this trip.. I've had several conflicts come up for this weekend.. and trying to sort everything out..

I've done all the research for you, so it won't stop anyone from going.. it might still work out, but wanted to let everyone know that I might have to be a no-show.”

“Anybody still considering this trip?”

“bump... I am still considering some or part of this hike. Weekend before last I paddled the Tennessee River Gorge almost in its entirety (45 miles or so). Camped on Williams Island the first night, and paddled through the Prentice Cooper section the 2nd day (will eventually post a trip report)...but was thinking of this trip as a chance to take pics from the overlook perspective vs. the river pics I got on that trip....anyone still considering this?”

“Guess this trip will have to wait for another weekend for me. Doesn't seem like there is any interest in it since Towndawg had to cancel. I am going to stay a little closer to home and do a little hiking. Let me know if you wannna reschedule this trip sometime Towndawg.”