Monday Ruck: River Bluff Trail — Norris Dam State Park

Monday Ruck: River Bluff Trail — Norris Dam State Park

Date & Time
Monday, May 11
Meet: 5:50 PM (TVA Visitor Center)
Step-off: 6:00 PM sharp

What is Rucking?
Rucking is weighted hiking — you carry a backpack with intentional load while moving at a steady pace over distance and terrain. It builds functional strength, mental toughness, and real-world grit. You're not running. You're moving with purpose.

The Route
River Bluff Trail at Norris Dam State Park. Scenic overlook terrain with steady pacing and manageable challenge.

Time Estimate
Plan for approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours total, including breaks and regroup points. This allows us to move intentionally without rushing, take care of feet, hydrate, and support each other along the way.

Pace & Distance Distance: 3.1 miles. approximate elevation gain of 479 feet.
Pace: 2.8 to 3.1 miles per hour average Terrain: Dirt, rock, roots, elevation changes, uneven ground

Ruck Weight Requirements
Nonconsumable weight only (water doesn't count):

• Body weight 150 lbs or under: 10 lbs minimum
• Body weight 151 lbs or over: 20 lbs minimum

What to Bring
Full gear list

Essentials include:

• Day pack or ruck (comfortable fit)
• Weighted load (see above)
• 1.5+ liters of water
• Electrolyte drink or tablets (highly recommended)
• Snacks (trail mix, bars, fruit — optional but good to have)
• Sturdy footwear
• Basic first aid kit + blister kit + sting relief wipes
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Navigation tool (map, GPS, or phone with offline maps + full battery)
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Meetup & Parking
Meet at TVA Visitor Center. We'll carpool to River Bluff trailhead. Parking at the trailhead is limited.

Safety & Group Standards

• No solo turnarounds. If you need to leave the group, someone goes with you. Period.
• We move together. Stay with the group. Pace is steady and sustainable for everyone.
• You're responsible for your gear, pacing, and safety. Make informed decisions about your limits.
• Speak up if you're struggling. That's what the group is for.
• Help your teammates. Notice who's working hard and offer support. When you focus on someone else's struggle, you shift your own. That's where real team happens.
• Review Fierce Planet Adventures [Safety & Terms of Participation] before attending.

Who This Is For
Beginner to intermediate hikers comfortable carrying extra weight over 3+ miles at a steady pace. You don't need to be fit or experienced — just willing to challenge yourself and show up for the group.

Cost / Donations

There is no required fee to attend. Optional donations help support Meetup platform costs and event logistics. Donations are not required and never expected.

Final Word
This is intentional. This is real. This builds capability.

Live Fiercely.