Saturday March 25, 2023 Hike Summary

Todays’ hike, led by Shawn Gossman, began at the Benham Hill trailhead parking lot. 19 other hikers gathered, including about 5 new hikers. The morning started out with a somewhat overcast sky, yet quickly, with movement and getting into the woods, we all warmed up, and layers were removed.  With all the rain of the previous 48 hrs, we wondered what the trails had in store for us. For the most part, the mud was not too bad. We saw and crossed many  small water flows across the trail, working the way into streams and valleys below us. There were several nice cascades to see, pause and take pictures. I think someone even found a single morel mushroom. We made our way to One Horse gap, but, before that, we went through No Horse gap, and worked our way down to the stream below, to look at the various levels of rushing water, and 1 waterfall from the bluff opposite, Then, we all ate lunch, and took the group picture on top the the boulders at One Horse gap.  After lunch we made our way to Rocky Top.  By that time, the sky had cleared,the sun was out and the view was Wonderful.  Someone attempted a short rendition of the old Osbourne Brothers song “Rocky Top”.  We proceeded out, found the road and headed back to the parking lot. We ended up hiking about 6.4 miles. 

Next weeks’ hike, on Sat. April 1st, will be led by Sam Morales, meeting at the New Simpson HIll school parking lot at 10 am, then moving to Gum Springs. There could be horse trailers there, so, we don’t want to clog the small parking area.   Until then, See ya’ll On the Trail. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Chris Drone

Saturday, April 1, 2023 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 5th public hike of the 2023 spring hiking season on April 1st. Hiking: Gum Springs Trailhead to JD Falls (Johnson County). This hike is free and open to the public. This hike will be of moderate difficulty, 5.5 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a loop hike. The leader of this hike can be reached at 618-384-1321 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at the New Simpson Hill School and we will shuttle to Gum Springs Trailhead. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks. No dogs please. There are 30 narrow and wide spring and stream crossings associated with this hike. Hikers will need to walk rocks to be able to cross some streams. This hike route may change depending on the prior week’s rain. Some of the hike will take place on rocky terrain and sloped areas. Less than 1/8 mile of this hike will be off trail. For a map to New Simpson Hill School click this blue link New Simpson Hill School and a map will open up, and then click the directions button and a driving map will be created which will allow you to plan your driving directions to New Simpson Hill School. Driving directions from the north: From the intersection of Hwy 45 and Hwy 166 drive southwest on Hwy 45 and go 6.6 miles. Turn right onto Tunnel Hill Road and the school parking is on the left. Driving directions from the south:  From the intersection of Hwy 146 and Hwy 45 drive north on Hwy 45 and go 8.1 miles. Turn left onto Tunnel Hill Road and the school parking is on the left. Prior to participating in any hikes, the River-to-River Trail Society requests that all hikers read the 2023 Trail Society Waiver which can be found on the River-to-River web site at the following link River-to-River Trail Society Information and then sign off on this waiver prior to the beginning of the hike. A copy of the waiver will be at the New Simpson Hill School meeting area for your signature.. Hiking: Gum Springs Trailhead to JD Falls (Johnson County). This hike is free and open to the public. This hike will be of moderate difficulty, 5.5 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a loop hike. The leader of this hike can be reached at 618-384-1321 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at the New Simpson Hill School and we will shuttle to Gum Springs Trailhead. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks. No dogs please. There are 30 narrow and wide spring and stream crossings associated with this hike. Hikers will need to walk rocks to be able to cross some streams.

This hike route may change depending on the prior week’s rain. Some of the hike will take place on rocky terrain and sloped areas. Less than 1/8 mile of this hike will be off trail. For a map to New Simpson Hill School click this blue link New Simpson Hill School and a map will open up, and then click the directions button and a driving map will be created which will allow you to plan your driving directions to New Simpson Hill School. Driving directions from the north: From the intersection of Hwy 45 and Hwy 166 drive southwest on Hwy 45 and go 6.6 miles. Turn right onto Tunnel Hill Road and the school parking is on the left. Driving directions from the south:  From the intersection of Hwy 146 and Hwy 45 drive north on Hwy 45 and go 8.1 miles. Turn left onto Tunnel Hill Road and the school parking is on the left.

Prior to participating in any hikes, the River-to-River Trail Society requests that all hikers read the 2023 Trail Society Waiver which can be found on the River-to-River web site at the following link River-to-River Trail Society Information and then sign off on this waiver prior to the beginning of the hike. A copy of the waiver will be at the New Simpson Hill School meeting area for your signature.