This hike begins along TN32 as an easy stroll through open woods and gentle slopes and soon follows the course of Rowdy Creek to a lovely rock-wall waterfall. Above the waterfall the terrain transitions to that of a field of boulders interspersed with thick clusters of luxurious ferns. Ranging along the upper reaches of the boulder field high cliffs form a vanguard defending the north flank of Cammerer Ridge. Buttressing the cliffs is Leadmine Ridge with the Miner Stairs arranged along its spine. The Miner Stairs are layers of sandstone arranged in a stair-step configuration and impeded with impenetrable thickets of dense laurel yet affording superb views deep into the Tennessee Valley. The stairs terminate just below the access trail leading a short distance to the Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower. After a leisurely lunch at the tower, the hike will continue, but becoming a mad, reckless headlong dash down the steep muddy exceedingly-slick Groundhog Ridge manway, terminating in less than an hour at the starting point along TN32. Total trip: off-trail 3.5 mile, on-trail 0.4 mile, 6 hours, drive 100 miles RT. This off-trail trip is rated difficult.

Leader: Greg Harrell and Greg Hoover

To register, contact the leader directly via email, text or phone. You can find contact information in the October 2022 newsletter writeup for this hike.