Qualifying Centennial Challenge Hike

For the Wednesday version of this Centennial Challenge hike, we will begin in the former Cherokee Orchard area, where the first SMHC hike originated in 1924, but instead of climbing a mountain as the first hikers did, we will hike through six formerly settled creek watersheds which have all been frequently visited by numerous club outings over the past 100 years. We will go by Baskins Creek Falls, the wrecked steam engine on Injun Creek, and discuss the history of this once well-populated area. We will be hiking back to our cars on the Injun Creek manway, instead of all the way out on Grapeyard Ridge (however, this still counts in your 100 mile challenge!) The hike is 10.3 miles, rated moderate. A shuttle will be provided by the Gatlinburg recreation department from the Greenbrier Ranger Station (note different meet-up point) to the entrance of the Motor Nature Trail in Cherokee Orchard with a 24-person bus for a fee of $60 to be split equally between the group. To carpool, meet at the Cracker Barrel at Strawberry Plains exit 398 of I-40 (1510 Cracker Barrel Lane), ready to leave at 7:00 am or at the Greenbrier Ranger Station (on the right side of Greenbrier Road 1 mile from the Greenbrier entrance on HWY 321) ready to leave at 8:00 am. Drive 68 miles RT @ $0.07 per mile = $4.75 from Cracker Barrel. The leader will meet the car-poolers at Cracker Barrel and plan to meet the other hikers at the Greenbrier Ranger station parking lot at 8:00am.

Leader: Diane Petrilla

Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.