Hopefully, we will get an early view of spring wildflowers at Whiteoak Sinks without parking issues. Our hike will begin at the Turkey Pen Ridge trailhead on Laurel Creek Road. We will go 3.4 miles to the junction at Schoolhouse Gap, turn left, and continue for a hundred yards to an unmarked junction with the trail into Whiteoak Sinks. The trail into Whiteoak Sinks dead ends but has a couple of spurs. We could cover up to 2.3 miles in the out and back into WOS. Depending on the weather we hope to see Hepatica, Blood Root, Spring Beauties and Violets. The return will be the same way for 11.2 miles total.

Rated difficult due to distance. Those wanting a longer hike could return to the cars by way of Schoolhouse Gap/Bote Mountain/Finely Cane for an additional two miles.

For carpooling, meet at Kroger at 244 S Hall Rd, Alcoa, TN at 8:00am. (52 miles round trip) @ $0.07=$3.75. Or meet at Turkeypen Ridge TH on Laurel Creek Road (5.7 miles from the Townsend Y) at 9:00am. Leader Randy Mitchell 865-406-6469, email: mitchell1982@tds.net