Our annual Fall trip is primarily a hiking weekend, and provides a great opportunity to relax and socialize off the bike. A good way to get to know some HBC'rs if you are new to the club!

Oct 30- Nov 1, 2009

Fall means more "off the bike" activities, including our annual fall trip!

The HBC Fall Weekend Trip, Oct 30th - Nov 1st, is a month away!   So get your hiking boots and/or mountain bikes ready, and start planning!  There will be plenty of trails to choose from, because this year, we are going to the fabulous Pickett State Park & Big South Fork National Park!

Pickett State Park Situated in a remote section of the upper Cumberland Mountains, the 11,752-acre Pickett State Park and Forest possesses a combination of scenic, botanical and geological wonders found nowhere else in Tennessee. Of particular interest are the uncommon rock formations, natural bridges, numerous caves and the remains of ancient Indian occupation. Some say Pickett is second only to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in botanical diversity. The park boasts 58 miles of hiking trails, and is adjacent to the massive Big South Fork National Park and Recreation Area.  Big South Fork, with more than 100,000 acres of prime country, is a multiuse area offering hiking, canoeing, hunting, rock climbing, horseback riding, and bicycling.  It has more than 150 miles of hiking trails and 100+ miles of mountain bike trails. The park is located in Pickett County, 12 miles northeast of Jamestown on State Route 154, and is about a 2 ½ hour drive from Nashville.

Join us for 3 fabulous days of hiking, mountain biking, or just sitting around the campfire.  We'll be staying in the group camp facilities in Pickett State Park (see details below).  For those who want a more private sleeping arrangement, there are cabins available at the park (for an extra cost).  The trip price is $75 and includes accommodations at the group camp Friday and Saturday nights, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast & lunch Sunday.  Please note, this year this will be an 'adults-only' event.

 

Pickett State Park Group Camp description:

The group camp is open year round, and will accommodate up to 144 people.  It consists of six bunkhouses, two bathhouses, and a large dining hall and kitchen.    The kitchen is completely equipped for food preparation and serving, it features a walk in refrigerator and freezer, icemaker, microwave, coffeemaker, dishwasher, and a commercial stove.  Campers need to provide their own food, linens, and sanitary supplies.

 

For more information about the area, go to;

http://www.bigsouthforkpark.com/

and click on the different links on the left-hand side to see pictures and slideshows and learn about the hiking trails, mountain bike trails, Pickett State Park, the Scenic Railway, and much much more!

 

Please RSVP by Oct 25 to Joyce Grizzle ( joyce@grizzle.org ) if you are planning on attending.  
 

Activities:

Hiking -- We have a couyple of good hikes lined up in Big South Fork..

Mtn Biking -- This is an excellent area for mountain biking, with several great trails close by. Trail info is available on the website link above.

Road biking -- Anyone?? I don't know if there are any good biking roads near camp, so if you want to ride, please do some research.

Canoeing -- Several canoes are availaible on the lake at Pickett State Park.  Please wear a personal floation device at all times when paddling.

Arrival-- We are approved to arrive at Camp at noon local time (Central) on Friday.

**Please note that dogs are not allowed.

Friday night-- We'll all be arriving at different times on Friday, so we're not coordinating a group meal. There are "park" style charcoal grills at the camp, of course stoves in the lodge & cabins, and there's always the campfire. Kitchens are well equipped!

If anyone wants to make a pot of chili or soup, send out an email and I'm sure you'll find people to join in!

Sleeping arrangements-- First come, first served. Choose your bed when you arrive.

Things to bring....
pillow
bed linens (sheets & blankets) or a sleeping bag mattress pad/ cover
towels
camp chair
head lamp / flashlight
marshmallow sticks
earplugs
dinner for Friday night
BYOB
cooler with ICE (to hold those drinks...we'll need the fridge space for the food!)
hiking boots

Camelbaks, water bottles for hiking

Layers of warm clothing- it gets chilly

Sturdy hiking shoes

Snacks, appetizers to share (or not)

Carpooling -- Talk amongst yourselves via the group email list.