The Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition (SAFC) has announced a series of four-day hikes in the Cherokee National Forest starting in June.  Each month, between June and September, SAFC staff member Jeffrey Hunter will lead a hike to a different wilderness area in East Tennessee.  

The first hike will be Saturday, June 14 in the Big Frog Wilderness – just east of Chattanooga.  This very strenuous 12-mile hike will take participants to the summit of Big Frog Mountain.  Big Frog is part of one of the largest wilderness areas in the east and is home to an abundance of wildlife including a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians. 

On Saturday July 12, the group will explore the Little Frog Wilderness on the Benton MacKaye Trail.  This moderate 5.3-mile hike will explore the forest north of the Ocoee River. A car shuttle will be required.   

The third hike will be Saturday, Aug. 16, along the Bald River Gorge east of Tellico Plains.  This moderate 9.6-mile hike will explore the heart of the Bald River Gorge Wilderness.  

The final hike will explore the Jeffrey Hell area in the Citico Creek Wilderness off of the Cherohala Skyway.  This strenuous seven-mile hike will involve fording several streams, and promises an inspiring wilderness experience.  

All hikes are free and open to the public.  Registration is required and space is limited to 10 participants on each hike.  For info or to register, contact Nicole Martinez at (828) 252-9223 or Nicole@safc.org.