John Muir Trail Hike Scheduled at Hiwassee State Scenic River

Nashville, Tenn. – The Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Natural Areas will host a guided hike on the John Muir Trail along the Hiwassee State Scenic River on Sept. 20 beginning at 10 a.m. EDT.

Participants should meet at the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park office at Gee Creek Campground to caravan to the Appalachia Powerhouse.  From there, the hike will go upstream through the Hiwassee River gorge to the Coker Creek confluence, then back to the powerhouse.  This easy to moderate hike is approximately six miles round-trip and will take participants through the Narrows of the Hiwassee River gorge.  There may be an opportunity to visit the phyllite boulders along the stream where populations of the endangered Ruth’s golden-aster are found.

Reservations are required for the John Muir Trail Hike and may be made by contacting David Lincicome at 615-532-0439 or David.Lincicome@state.tn.us or Andrea Bishop at 615-741-9141 or Andrea.Bishop@state.tn.us.  Participants should wear sturdy boots and bring plenty of water and a lunch.  The hike will be cancelled in the event of rain.

Tennessee has 13 state scenic rivers covering 390 river miles and 79 designated State Natural Areas throughout the state covering approximately 110,000 acres of ecologically significant lands.  More information about Tennessee’s natural areas program, including a complete list of all natural areas and scheduled field trips, can be found at www.tn.gov/environment/na/.