Strenuous 12 mile hike from Bowlens Creek to Mt. Mitchell. This is a joint hike with the Mid Appalachians Hiking Club. Starting at Bowlens Creek, climb 3,000 feet to Celo Knob. Then on to the Black Mountains where we cross Horse Rock, Mt. Gibbs, Winter Star and Deer Mtn. enroute to Deep Gap. Cross Potato Hill, Cattail Peak, Balsam Cone, Big Tom and Mt. Craig to Mt. Mitchell where we will have a car waiting. At this high elevation the trail can be in the clouds and severe weather could cancel the hike. Meet at Long John Silver’s** at 8:00 AM. Leader: James Price, phone: 423-213-0042

Moderate 7.6 mile hike from near the old Limestone Cove Campground. Thisis a joint hike with the Mid Appalachians Hiking Club. We start on the gravel road, and then find the flagged connector route to the Stamping Ground Trail. Handsaws, pruners and loppers could be useful in this section. After just a little bit of work we will find the trail and follow it up the mountain. The Stamping Ground consists of open areas high on the slopes of Unaka Mountain where we can enjoy marvelous views and possibly lunch. Then, as we start down, we will take the left fork, which is the Limestone Cove Trail. This trail will take us back to Limestone Cove and our cars. Meet at Long John Silvers** at 9:00 AM. Leader: Dave McMillan, phone 423-913-2345.

New Hike! Strenuous 11.5 mile hike on the Pine Mountain Trail from the Austin Gap Loop to Bob Gap. Leave Meadowview Conference Center*** at 8:00 AM or meet the leader at McDonalds at the first Big Stone Gap exit on US 23 at 8:45 AM. Questions? Call the leader, Bill Strang at 276-523-2120, strangwn@yahoo.com

Moderate to strenuous 8 mile hike. After climbing the 2.8 mile Backbone Rock Trail we will follow the AT to and through Damascus, ending at a nice ice-cream shop where, of course, we can have ice cream after our warm July hike. Leave Long John Silver’s** at 8 AM. Leader: Howard Guinn 752-4072, wegonehiking@embarqmail.com

Strenuous 13 mile hike on the AT from Sam’s Gap to Big Bald and return. Extra food and water please. Leave the Jonesborough Post Office at 8 AM. Leader: Howard Guinn 753-4072 or e-mail wegonehiking@embarqmail.com

Strenuous 8 mile hike on the AT from Newfound Gap to Clingman’s Dome parking area. This will be a joint hike with the MAH club. This will be a long drive to the Smokies. Leave Long John Silver’s** at 8 AM. Questions-call the Leader Howard Guinn 753-4072 or e-mail wegonehiking@embarqmail.com

For those who might want to hike on this Saturday but not drive so far come hike on the Lone Oak Trail with the person that made the trail. Mr. Dosser is still digging trail and hiking at 80 years old (will you be doing that when you are in your 80’s?) Leave Long John Silvers** at 9 AM. Leader Tom Dosser 282-6682 or 755-9907

Strenuous 10 mile hike in the White Rocks/Dennis Cove area. This loop hike will follow the Coon Den Falls trail to the AT to Laurel Fork Trail. There are two nice waterfalls (Coon Den and Denis Cove). There are ten streams crossings, most can be rock hopped and some will be to your knees. The crossings are in a 2.5 mile stretch near the end. A good way to hike this loop is to wear your normal hiking shoes first 7 miles and then into water durable footwear for the entire 2.5 miles of creek crossings. That stretch is mostly level and an easy walk in sport sandals. It would save time and hassle not to change footwear at each crossing. Crossing barefoot is not recommended. Lacy Trap and Laurel Fork trails are not maintained but are likeable. Elevation gain is 1,600 feet in the first three miles. Leave Long John Silvers** at 8 AM or you can meet the group at Food City in Elizabethton at 8:20 but you must call the leader or we will not stop. EXTRA food and water please. Questions-call the leader Joel Zabel 423-926-3587 or joyjoelz@yahoo.com

Moderate 5 mile hike at Big Creek. Follow a railroad bed along the creek and enjoy the delightful cascades on a slow grade trail up to a campground. Pass Mouse Creek Falls. Leave the Jonesborough Post office at 8 AM. Leader Marcia Pruner 276-889-5714.

Strenuous 6 mile hike from Wolf Laurel to Spivey Gap. This is a joint hike with the MAH club. Meet at Long John Silvers** at 8 AM. Leader: Marcia Pruner 276-889-5714, marcia.pruner@cingular.com

Moderate 4 or 5 mile hike at Rock Creek Park to Rock Creek Falls. There will be creek crossings. Leave Long John Silvers** at 9 AM or the Erwin McDonalds at 9:30 AM. Leader Luke Carter 737-6428

New Hike! Strenuous 11 mile hike on the Pine Mountain Trail from Pound Gap to Kenny Phillips Road. Leave Meadowview Conference Center*** at 8:00 AM or meet the leader at McDonald’s at the first Big Stone Gap exit on US 23 at 8:45 AM. Questions? Call the leader, Bill Strang, at 276-523-2120, strangwn@yahoo.com

Moderate to Strenuous 10½ mile hike from Lower Higgins Creek Road (Unicoi County) to Rocky Fork via Wilson Knob. This hike follows Higgins Creek the first two miles, passing an outstanding 50+ foot high cascade. We ascend steadily to the summit of Wilson Knob, elevation 4,580 feet, the highest peak of Rich Mtn. (a very long ridge). Total elevation gain is 2,340 ft. in five miles. Three of those miles will be on the ridge crest of Rich Mtn. on abandoned former Forest Trail 117, which has had some trimming this year by volunteers. Second half of hike descends on dirt roads through hardwood forest with only the last 1.5 miles on the route we hiked on April 28 (beside Rocky Fork). Bring food and water for a full day, and preferably long pants. Meet at Long John Silver’s** at 8:20 AM where we will join the other club for an 8:30 AM departure. Leader: Kendall Harris 423-952-0285 or KendallGHarris@aol.com.