The Vista: An American Hiking Society Blog

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January 25, 2007

The Cumberland Plateau:
A Trip to Fall Creek Falls State Park

Morning breaks over the frosty Cumberland Plateau

On Wednesday I drove up from Chattanooga to Fall Creek Falls State Park to give a presentation at the "Meeting of the Minds" conference - put on by the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association.

I set out early at 6:30 AM (Eastern Time) and drove for the first hour in the dark. As I climbed (in my vehicle) up out of the Sequatchie Valley onto the Cumberland Plateau, the day's first light began to shine. The Cumberland Plateau is simply gorgeous, and reminds me of my former home in the Hudson Valley area in New York.

Mist rises off the lake at Fall Creek Falls State Park

I finally arrived at Fall Creek Falls State Park shortly 7 AM (Central Time) and found my host. After a quick breakfast I gave a one-hour presentation on Best Practices for Volunteer Program Management (PDF 1 MB). The presentation and the document it was based upon were developed by Mayes | Wilson Associates for American Hiking Society.

After the presentation I headed back to my office in Chattanooga. Along the way I saw a large fire tower off of HWY 111, so I followed some side roads until I found myself at the base of the tower.

I had to take great care climbing up the wooden steps, because I was wearing loafers, and the steps were still slick with the morning's first. Although the entrance to the tower was locked, I was afforded great views in all directions from the tower. What remains of the hardwood forests of the plateau harbor an astonishing array of biological diversity. Much of the original hardwood forests have been cut and replaced by pine plantations. Currently, the paper industry is divesting much of their lands on the plateau, so the future of this area is unknown. Thankfuly, the State of Tennessee is acquiring some of the land that has has been sold by one of the largest paper companies - Bowater. Some of this newly acquired land will become part of the Cumberland Trail State Park.

The view of the Cumberland Plateau from the fire tower off HWY 111

Heading home, I took my time and stopped to view a beautiful cascade alongside the highway. I also stopped to look at and photograph the beautiful Sequatchie Valley. On the home stretch, I passed where the Cumberland Trail crosses over HWY 111 at Jones Gap Road. This is right near the Soddy Mountain Hawk Watch that I've written about in the past in this blog.

The Sequatchie Valley with the Cumberland Plateau looming in the background

All in all it was a great day. I wish I had more time to hike while I was up near Fall Creek Falls. Just the same, it's nice to get out of the office from time to time.

I hope you enjoy the photos!

Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 05:47 PM

January 21, 2007

Pacific Crest Trail hiker discusses
the many benefits of hiking

Long distance hiker Scott Williamson was featured on CBS Sunday Morning today. Scott performed a Yo-Yo hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, not once, but TWICE! A Yo-Yo of the PCT involves walking from Mexico to Canada, and back again - in one season. Scott's story has previously appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune. Now he's taken a leap to television! If you missed the piece this morning, you can view Scott's inspiring story below. Enjoy!

Keep an eye out for Scott's documentary entitled Tell It on the Mountain, which is due for release this spring.

Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 08:13 PM

Five Reasons to Join a Hiking Club

Our group starting up the Chunky Gal Trail

Across America, there are hundreds of hiking clubs that lead outings every week. Hundreds of thousands of Americans belong to these groups - and for good reason. Yesterday, I led a 9-mile hike for the Chattanooga Hiking Club along the Chunky Gal Trail in Western North Carolina. Here's an overview of that trip, along with five reasons why you should consider joining a hiking club and actively participate in the club's activities. To find a hiking club near you, please visit the American Hiking Society Alliance of Hiking Clubs database.

#1. Meet new people

The day started at 7:45 AM when I met Sharon, Tim, and Hoss in Ooltewah, Tennessee. After our introductions, we parked the cars in a safe place, and everyone piled into my Jeep for the 2-hour ride to the trailhead. Although the price of gas was as low as I've seen it in over a year ($1.88.⁹), our ride share allowed us to save money and resources, and get to know one another.

Our route to the trailhead took us through the Ocoee River Gorge and past the Ocoee Whitewater Center - where the kayaking events for the '96 Olympics were held. We also crossed over the Benton MacKaye Trail, and this sparked conversations about getting together to hike a stretch of that trail at a later date.

We made a quick pit stop in Ducktown, Tennessee where we used the facilities, filled our coffee cups, and met Randy who followed us to the trailhead in his own vehicle.

At 10 AM we met my hike co-leader, John Ray. John left his car along HWY 64 and rode with Randy to the trailhead.

#2. Hiking is a healthy activity

We finally arrived....

Continue reading "Five Reasons to Join a Hiking Club"

Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 09:55 AM

January 17, 2007

Great Eastern Trail Volunteer Vacations
planned for 2007 in Kentucky and Tennessee

Pine Mountain Trail volunteers enjoying a break

With the recent announcement about the creation of the Great Eastern Trail, there have been many folks asking, "how can I help build this new trail system?" Well, here's your answer!

This week the Pine Mountain Trail Conference located in Whitesburg, Kentucky scheduled three Volunteer Vacations for 2007. Located in Eastern Kentucky, the Pine Mountain Trail stretches from Cumberland Gap National Historic Park all the way to Breaks Interstate Park along the Virginia-Kentucky border.

This beautiful trail is part of the newly announced Great Eastern Trail, and offers tremendous beauty and a glimpse into a part of the country that is seldom visited. Trips are planned for the week of June 10-16, 2007, the week of September 23-29, 2007, and the week of October 14-20, 2007.

Having participated in a Pine Mountain Trail Volunteer Vacation in the past, I can't recommend this trip more highly. Eastern Kentucky is an undiscovered gem, and the Pine Mountain Trail Conference led by their President Shad Baker - will show you a good time!

Volunteers having a good time on the Cumberland Trail

The Cumberland Trail Conference is also planning a Volunteer Vacation for the week of May 13-19, 2007. The Cumberland Trail is a State Scenic Trail in Tennessee. Volunteers are needed to help construct trail in the Smoky Mountain section of the Sundquist Wildlife Management Area.

If you'd like to take a different type of vacation in 2007, checkout American Hiking Society's Volunteer Vacations. In addition to having a great time, you'll make a lasting contribution to a great new trail system. For more information, please contact American Hiking Society's Volunteer Vacation Program Manager Andrea Ketchmark.

Additional shorter duration volunteer opportunities along the Great Eastern Trail are available in Alabama and Pennsylvania. Check 'em out at the Great Eastern Trail Volunteer Opportunities web page!

Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 06:12 PM

January 11, 2007

Great Eastern Trail presentation in Louisville, KY
planned for Saturday January 13 at 7 PM

On Saturday evening January 13, American Hiking Society's Southeast Trail Programs Director - Jeffrey Hunter will be speaking at the Louisville Nature Center. The subject of his talk will be the Great Eastern Trail - a newly announced long distance trail system The event is being sponsored by Kentucky Trails Association. The talk is free, open to the public, and suitable for all ages.

To view an article that appeared in the Louisville Courier-Journal about this talk, please click here.

On Saturday afternoon January 13 at 1 PM, Kentucky Trails Association will lead a hike along the Riverwalk. To learn more about this hike and future hikes, please take a look at the Kentucky Trails Association hike calendar.

If you can't make this weekend's hike, in February Kentucky Trails Association will be leading hikes on the Ohio River Levee Trail, Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Knobs State Forest.

Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 09:03 PM

Interview with Andy Wright -
Ranger with Cumberland Trail State Park

Andy Wright at the 3rd Southeastern Foot Trails Conference

Last week there was a report of two lost hikers in North Chickamauga Creek Gorge. Tennessee State Park Rangers were involved in the search for these two hikers. Thankfully, the hikers emerged safely from the woods after spending a chilly, unplanned night outside.

I asked Andy Wright, Park Ranger for Tennessee State Parks to join me in the office to talk about how to stay found, and what to do if you happen to find yourself lost. Andy is assigned to work on the Cumberland Trail State Park, and was involved in last weeks search & rescue. During our interview, Andy also takes some time to discuss a high profile search and rescue that he participated in - back in 2004 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To listen to this 24-minute interview, please click here. This audio file is 11.3 MB in size, so a high speed internet connection is required to open the file.

During our conversation, Andy also talked about the Alternative Spring Break program that will be taking place along the Cumberland Trail in March 2007. To see a video shot in 2004 during the "Breakaway" program, as it is commonly referred to, please click here. This video is 8.9 MB in size, do a high speed internet connection is highly recommended.

Happy Trails!

North Chickamauga Creek Gorge

Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 12:11 PM

January 10, 2007

Answer to Bird Identification Contest

Last week I posted a 19 second video on this site and asked folks to try and identify the bird in the video. I promised an answer today, so here it is! Here's the video again to refresh your memory;

Here was your list of choices;

1. Fish Crow
2. Red-tailed Hawk
3. Merlin
4. Red-shouldered Hawk
5. Sharp-shinned Hawk
6. Northern Harrier
7. American Crow
8. Mississippi Kite
9. Pileated Woodpecker
10. Peregrine Falcon
11. Cooper's Hawk
12. American Kestrel

First of all, the bird is a raptor, so we can rule out those birds on the list that are NOT raptors. That rules out the Pileated Woodpecker, Fish Crow, and the American Crow.

Since July is the breeding season, we can rule out birds that don't breed in SE Tennessee. That eliminates the Northern Harrier, and the Mississippi Kite.

If you look at the video, you'll notice that the bird does not have the swept back wings that are characteristic of a Falcon, so we can rule out the Peregrine Falcon, the American Kestrel, and the Merlin.

Now, if we look closely at the video, you'll see that the bird has a long tail. That identifies the bird as belonging to the genus Accipiter. So that would rule out two additional species that belong to the genus Buteo. Now we can scratch off the Red-tailed Hawk, and the beautiful Red-shouldered Hawk.

That leaves two remaining choices;

1. Sharp-shinned Hawk
2. Cooper's Hawk

Now these two species can be very difficult to tell apart, but there are several hints that betray what the bird is. First of all, a close look indicates that the bird has a rounded tail. You'll also notice that the bird's head protrudes beyond the leading edge of the wing, which is commonly referred to as the wrist. Lastly, the bird has a very characteristic flap towards the end of the video. The flap is not quite as rapid as that of the Sharp-shinned Hawk. That's right! The bird is a Coopers Hawk.

Now, I asked if you could identify a second bird in the video. If you listen carefully, there is an American Crow that calls briefly. The videographer - Dick Schier - reported that the Cooper's Hawk was "dog-fighting" with the crow a few minutes before the video was taken.

Finally, there was a trick question asking if you could identify the sex of the bird. The answer is - you can not. The reason being, Cooper's Hawks do not exhibit sexual dimorphism - meaning, you can not differentiate between the male and female of the species based upon the plumage. Two birds on the list above do exhibit sexual dimorphism however. Those two species would be the American Kestrel and the Northern Harrier.

Now, if we had a mated pair of Cooper's Hawks, and they were sitting side by side, the larger of the two birds would be the female. But with only one bird in the video, it is not possible to sex the bird.

Thanks for playing along. And thank you to Dick Schier for sharing the video!

Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 12:34 AM

January 09, 2007

American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations
planned for Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park. NPS Photo

Two American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations are planned in 2007 at beautiful Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky! The week of April 1-7, 2007, volunteers are needed construct a trail reroute to protect the park's resources. The week of June 24-30, 2007 another two dozen volunteers are being sought to work on a similar project.

Mammoth Cave is the world's longest cave system, with more than 365 miles explored! The National Park's Mammoth Cave website contains an excellent slideshow that will give you a taste of the beauty of this area. Another alternative is to visit the Mammoth Cave webcam, where you can see live images from the park, and view the weather and air quality data.

For only $130, you can join one of these volunteer crews. Your fee includes dormitory lodging, food, an airport pickup in Nashville, and a t-shirt. Your registration fee also includes a one-year membership in American Hiking Society and a one-year subscription to Backpacker magazine! How cool is that? Transportation costs are not included in the registration fee.

A Volunteer Vacation is a great way to give back something to our National Parks, and to America's trails. Your volunteer time will allow future generations to enjoy this beautiful park. I hope you'll consider signing up today.

Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 10:47 PM

January 04, 2007

Bird Identification Contest

Can you identify the bird in the video below?

This video was taken on July 26, 2006 at the southern terminus of the Cumberland Trail at a place called Signal Point. This is just north of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and inside the boundary of Chickamauga - Chattanooga National Military Park.

Here are your choices;

1. Fish Crow
2. Red-tailed Hawk
3. Merlin
4. Red-shouldered Hawk
5. Sharp-shinned Hawk
6. Northern Harrier
7. American Crow
8. Mississippi Kite
9. Pileated Woodpecker
10. Peregrine Falcon
11. Cooper's Hawk
12. American Kestrel

Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to identify the bird in flight. If possible, tell us why you think the bird is the particular species that you have selected from the list above. Can you also identify a second bird by watching and listening to this video?

The bonus question is, can you identify the sex of this bird? (Beware the bonus question!)

There are no prizes. Just the satisfaction and honor of being recognized for your superior bird identification skills. All those submitting correct answers will be recognized here in the Southern Appalachians Initiative blog.

The answer will appear here on the afternoon of Wednesday January 10, 2007. You can either email your answer to Jeffrey Hunter, or post your reply in the comment form below.

Good luck, and have fun!

Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 10:46 AM

January 02, 2007

Christmas Bird Count Results

Birder Bill Haley looking at a Barn Owl

On Saturday December 30, I participated in the annual Christmas Bird Count here in SE Tennessee. My partner Bill Haley and I ended up seeing a total of 60 different species of birds. Here's a list of what we saw, and how many individuals we saw for each species. It was great fun!

Wood Duck – 2
Gadwall – 12
Mallard – 2
Wild Turkey – 10
Great Blue Heron – 4
Turkey Vulture – 1
Cooper’s hawk – 1
Red-shouldered Hawk – 6
Red-tailed Hawk – 6
American Kestrel – 4
Killdeer – 2
American Woodcock – 3
Rock Pigeon – 46
Mourning Dove – 56
Barn Owl – 1
Eastern Screech Owl – 5
Barred Owl – 1
Belted Kingfisher – 3
Red-Headed Woodpecker – 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker – 7
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – 4
Downy Woodpecker – 4
Northern Flicker – 13
Pileated Woodpecker – 3
Eastern Phoebe – 2
Blue Jay – 35
American Crow – 107
Carolina Chickadee – 21
Tufted Titmouse – 11
White-breasted Nuthatch – 5
Brown-headed Nuthatch – 1
Carolina Wren – 14
Winter Wren – 3
Sedge Wren – 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet – 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet – 15
Eastern Bluebird – 11
Hermit Thrush – 5
American Robin - 127
Northern Mockingbird – 11
Brown Thrasher – 4
European Starling – 152
Pine Warbler – 2
Eastern Towhee – 17
Field Sparrow – 58
Savannah Sparrow – 1
Fox Sparrow – 3
Song Sparrow – 58
Swamp Sparrow – 12
White-throated Sparrow – 51
White-crowned Sparrow – 5
Dark-eyed Junco – 12
Northern Cardinal – 15
Red-winged Blackbird – 42
Eastern Meadowlark – 26
Common Grackle – 535
House Finch – 2
American Goldfinch – 11
House Sparrow – 1

Total – 60 species

Posted by Jeffrey Hunter at 11:37 AM