Note: This is the third time this outing has been scheduled. Weather has been a problem, but it is too good of an outing not to keep trying.

Description: We will caravan from the Exxon to the Lower Piney River Trailhead to start a shuttle leaving some cars there. We will then carpool to the Stinging Fork Falls Trailhead. From there we hike back to the Piney River Trailhead. This section of the Cumberland Trail was completed in the fall 2018. What spring flowers we will see is hard to predict. The route is truly scenic. Total walking distance will be about 6 miles if you choose. The trail is up and down with many steps. If covid prevents a shuttle we will do an In-and-back-out.

Alternatives: People are welcome to head back early to the Stinging Falls Fork Trailhead. They will need a car there or will have a wait till the afternoon when the shuttle is completed. With this alternative you could drive back from the Stinging Fork Trailhead to the Piney River Trail Head and walk in along the flat trail by Soak Creek to meet the rest of the group as they reach Soak Creek.

Meeting/Carpool Places/Times:

1. Oak Ridge at the Gold’s Gym/Books-A-Million parking lot (meet at the end close to S. Illinois Avenue, near Salsarita’s) in time to leave Oak Ridge at 8:45 a.m. Eastern.
2. Rocky Top/ Exxon/ MacDonald’s on US 27 in Spring City at 10 AM Eastern.

Difficulty:  Strenuous at times with some steep sections.

Lunch: Bring lunch, water, and bug spray.

Facilities: At meeting places.

Leader: Larry Pounds. If you RSVP it helps with planning and allows contacting in case of cancellation, Phone/email: 865-705-8516, PoundsL471@aol.com