Walters State Community College’s Outdoor Club has announced its fall semester hiking schedule. The club is open to everyone and has no fees or requirements. Hikers ranging in age from nine to 70 have participated in the past. Hikers provide their own food, drink and transportation. However, the group does carpool when possible. Unless indicated otherwise, the group departs promptly at 8 a.m. from the parking lot beside the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex on the Morristown campus. The club will also meet hikers at specified locations along the way to the mountains and at the parking areas of the trailheads.
Participants typically hike until lunch, eat, relax and return between 2 and 4 p.m. Hikers should feel comfortable to hike at their own pace and distance. Bring a camera and rain gear.
The schedule may change at any time due to weather and times and place of departure may change. Please call Gary Acquaviva, the club sponsor, at (423) 585-6949 to confirm hike destinations or check for weather cancellations. Information is also available at www.valueviva.com. Click on the yellow book for up-to-date hiking information, including directions.

Sept. 13: Roan Mountain
The Applachian Trail offers spectacular views of the mountains below on this hike as the trail climbs above 6000 feet. The drive is long, but the hike is short with a moderate climb to the ridge top.
Sept. 20: Cumberland Mountain State Park.
This is an easy hike to the Sand Cave with the possibility of continuing to the lookout at White Rocks.
Sept. 27: Mt. Sterling
A hike up to the Mt. Sterling fire tower will offer an amazing 360 degree view of the fall colors from an elevation above 5,800 feet. This is a 2.5-mile hike with a 2000 feet elevation gain.
Oct. 4:  Mt. Cammerer
This hike begins with a 2.5-mile trek to Low Gap and then another 2.5 miles along the ridge to the lookout tower on Mt. Cammerer. The tower offers a view of the eastern Smoky Mountains and the valley. This hike is strenuous.
Oct. 11: Old Settlers Trail East
The group will travel from McCarters pioneer barn to Laurel Creek Road. An extensive trail description is available at www.rodsguide.com. For this hike, the group will meet in front of Crazy Horse Campground about 5.5 miles from the Cosby Post Office on State Road 321
Oct. 13: Old Settlers Trail West
The group will travel from Noisy Creek west to Copeland Creek and to Parton Cemetery.  Hikers should again meet at Crazy Horse Campground.
Oct. 25: Sutton’s Overlook
This easy hike begins in Cosby and travels into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The group should return early on this day.

Nov. 1:  Greenbrier along Little River
This easy hike travels along Little River and down Copeland Creek Trail going past several pioneer cemeteries. The hike begins at the first parking lot on the right at the Greenbrier entrance.
Nov. 8: Greenbrier on Grapeyard Ridge Trail
This is an easy-to-moderate hike leaving from the ranger station.
Nov. 15: Make-up date for any hikes rained out.

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