Adventures with Uncle Bob
Directions: This is a multi-point adventure to several nearby areas in Tennessee.
Located between Nashville and Chattanooga, take the exit at Monteagle off I-24. Go left to Tracy Cit. Park just past the fairgrounds for the Fiery Gizzard 100 mile trail (a two mile loop can be done too). The other trail terminus is Foster Falls on Hwy 4. This rugged trail traverses canyons, waterfalls, rock houses, cascades, rock formations, bluff top walks. Other trails are too numerous to discuss here but let me highlight several:- Follow Hwy. 56 to Altamont. Just north of town is a sign to the trail for Greeter and Broadtree Falls -outstanding!
- At Jct. of TN 56 at TN 108, follow TN 108 to 55th Avenue sign. Go north to the trailhead for Suter and Horsepound Falls. The cliff setting for these falls is very unique. The trail is rugged.
- Follow TN 56 north from Altamont to Savage Gulf Natural area. Except for the tree, the overlook reminds one of the Grand Canyon. Many canyon trails originate from this point. If you are not camping, accommodations are plentiful near I-24 in Monteagle.
- Go west from the exit to Sewanee and take TN 56 south until you see a sign for Sewanee Natural Bridge. After taking in this sight, continue south on the highway as it winds down long switchbacks until you see the parking area for Buggytop Cave Trail. This trail is steep at first and then levels out for 2 - 3 miles. The cave has a top and bottom entrance. This self-guided cave is worth the trip.
- Upon return to Sewanee, proceed to the college and take North Carolina Ave on out to the parking area for the twenty mile Perimeter Loop Trail. It offers numerous mountaintop views as well as descents below the cliff lines for interesting rock formations, shelter bluffs, cave, and waterfall.
For additional information on these or other outing locations, call Bob Tyson at 684-5643 or mailto:robkay43@webtv.net ■