What we’re about
We will have a lot of hikes in Middle Tennessee. However we will also do a lot of hiking in the Cumberland Plateau and Cumberland Mountains which are between Nashville and Knoxville and between Nashville and Chattanooga. Most of these hikes will be long day trips but are very awarding hikes.
We will also offer longer hikes that involve overnights. These hikes are from anywhere from the Smoky Mountains to the Rocky Mountains or anywhere there are good hikes that the group would like to hike.
In addition to hiking we will be open to all kinds of outdoor activities from kayaking, biking, horseback riding, sitting around a fire, camping, caving, having a picnic, listening to live music outside, rock climbing or pretty much anything that is outdoors.
We may also have some social activities as well such as dinners or other activities that will help us all get to know each other.
We are always looking for people who are will to host meetups and I am always willing to help you organize your first few meetup events so let me know if you would like to be an Event Organizer
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Blazing Stars + Butterflies in the Prairie @ Long Hunter State ParkLong Hunter State Park, Hermitage, TN
* To register for this event, please go ahead and RSVP here on Meetup, but you must also sign up on the park's event page at
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/event_details/long-hunter/#/?event=blooms-and-butterflies-07-14-25Meeting Time: 11:00 AM
Meeting Place: Deer Trail traihead beside the Visitor Center parking lot
Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
Program Leader: Ranger LeslieBlazing Star (Liatris spicata) is the star of the Deer Trail this time of year. The tall spikes of lavender hue attract swallowtails and other butterflies that drink the nectar to their content. In addition, Praying Mantis, Green lynx spiders and Wheel Bugs hide amongst the blooms and catch unsuspecting butterflies.
Join Ranger Leslie for a short examination of this splendid prairie to see what we can find!
All of this activity is only a short walk from the office parking lot along the first 100 feet of the mile-long trail. Don’t forget your camera for some terrific butterfly photo ops and selfies. Tag us if you get some good photos! #LongHunterBlazingStars
* Note: This program is limited to the first 10 who sign up on the park website. I'm posting here to give Meetup members first dibs. Once the hike is full, the park website will say "Sold Out" and will not allow anymore signups. Thank you!
Directions To Deer Trail:
Enter Long Hunter State Park at the main park entrance (2910 Hobson Pike) and then take the first right and proceed to Visitor Center parking lot. The trailhead for the Deer Trail is at the back corner of the parking lot. - Bald River Falls / Bald River Gorge Trail - 10 miles - ModerateBald River Falls, Tellico Plains, TN
Combined hike with Chattanooga Outdoor Adventures:
www.meetup.com/chattanooga-outdoor-adventures/events/308046221/Bald River Falls / Bald River Gorge Trail - 10 miles - Moderate
Bald River Falls, Tellico Plains, TN
Trailhead Coords: 35.3247,-84.1775PLEASE NOTE, Eastern Time: 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM EDT
Looking for a cool hike on a hot summer day? Bald River Falls is a 90-foot waterfall near Tellico Plains, TN (Cherokee National Forest). Bald River Gorge Trail is a 10-mile out-and-back hike that follows Bald River. Covered by a dense forest canopy, and Rhododendron tunnels, the nearby river acts as natural air conditioning.
There's a very cool pool/swimming hole at the top of Bald River Falls, and another at the base of Baby Falls (around the bend on the Tellico River). I suggest bringing a swimsuit. There are also picnic tables at Baby Falls. Consider bringing snacks/picnic food to eat and/or share for after the hike.
The parking situation has only marginally improved after the year-and-a-half bridge reconstruction project, so attendance is limited to 18 total for now (12 from COA, 6 from Middle TN. Hiking Meetup, car-pooling 4 cars to the trailhead parking area). There may be flexibility in the final days based on interest and willingness to shuttle cars from 1 mile away.
Friday night camping
A number of us are camping Friday, July 25th at Indian Boundary Overflow Campground. It's first-come-first-served and is $10/night/site (up to 5 people and 2 cars per site). I plan to arrive early to secure a site (or sites, depending on how many want to camp).Some overflow attendees from the Knoxville Hiking Meetup campout may be camping with us too.
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Standard Notice, Disclaimer:
Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions as you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possible death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant -including you- at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of a claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.
