Tellico Village Muddy Boots Hiking Club Upcoming Events

If hiking is a passionate part of your lifestyle, there are magnificent trails in the mountains and forests of Eastern Tennessee, in the Smoky Mountains, the Appalachian Valley, and the Cherokee National Forest. Throughout the region, there are mountain peaks, waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery. The best places to retire in Tennessee have their own hiking clubs, where members love to explore the great outdoors with like-minded friends and neighbors. At Tellico Village, one of the area's premier waterfront retirement communities, you can now hike to your heart's delight with the Muddy Boots Hiking Club.

For residents of Tellico Village, hikes are scheduled for the 2nd Monday of each month (with a rain date on the 3rd Monday). The hiking distance is generally 4 to 5 miles, and hikers are encouraged to pack trail snacks, water, and something for lunch. For those with different levels of fitness, the hikes are rated as:

• Easy– Less than five miles and 500 feet elevation gain with good trail conditions.
• Moderate – Exceeds easy hike limits. Trail conditions may be narrow, wet, rocky and contain roots
• Challenging Moderate – Exceeds one of the moderate hike limits or may include more difficult trail conditions.

For the month of September, Muddy Boots has two great hikes planned through Rock Creek Gorge and Prentice-Cooper Forest.

Hike - Cumberland Trail, Rock Creek Gorge

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

Depart at 8:00 a.m. from Chota Center

Distance:   8.5 miles

Elevation Change:    300 feet

Rating:   Moderate/Difficult

Driving Time:  1.5 hours

This hike explores a section of the Cumberland Trail between Dayton and Chattanooga. During the first two miles, hike through remnants of a Bowater, Inc. pine plantation. Then the trail descends into Rock Creek Gorge and follow the creek for most of the remainder of the hike. The creek has a number of deep, clear pools. The author of a News Sentinel review of this hike recommends packing a swim suit…that is up to each hiker.  Later in the hike is a terrific view of Rock Creek from a high overlook.

Hike - Mullens Cove Loop, Prentice-Cooper Forest

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

Depart at 8:00 a.m. from Chota Center

Distance:   10 miles

Rating:   Moderate

Driving time:  2 hours

This loop is off of the Cumberland Trail in the Tennessee River Gorge Segment, west of Chattanooga in the Prentice-Cooper Forest. The first part of the trail is flat and easy, passing through a pleasant forest on the plateau. The trail then descends into the forest following a creek and then continues with a series of gentle climbing and descending throughout the 10 mile loop. Points of interest are Snoopers Rock with wide open views of the Tennessee River gorge from a large rock bluff, Mullens Cove overlook, and a natural rockhouse and stone door.

Folks considering the best places to retire in Tennessee will find Tellico Village is among the top waterfront retirement communities. It is close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it sits on Tellico Lake, where residents enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As for the local hiking clubs, there is no better time of year than during the fall foliage season, when the forests turn to beautiful hues of orange, red, and green. And east of Tellico Lake, the 30+ mile East Lakeshore Trail takes you to many scenic areas with creeks, bridges, hilltop lakeviews, wildlife and wildfowers.

Other benefits of living in Eastern Tennesse include low taxes, the southern culture, and mild weather year around. With warm summers and mild winters, residents never worry about trudging through the snow. And when you want to go to the city for some dining and entertainment, Knoxville is just 31 miles from the entrance of Tellico Village. 

So if you're like us and love hiking in the mountains, exploring forests, and relaxing by waterfalls, check out the wonderful things Tellico Village has to offer. Not only is it one of the best places to retire in Tennessee, it is also one of America's best waterfront retirement communities we've spent time at. 

Call Tellico Village directly at 888.287.0676 to schedule a tour and to be introduced to the friendly hiking club.