Hinch Mountain - 12.5 miles, 2,300 elevation

Join us for a hike from Head of Sequatchie up Hinch Mountain. The challenge of this hike is the elevation itself. The trail is a combination of smoothish old road bed (5 miles), the Cumberland Trail, and a relatively easy 1/4-mile stretch of off-trail hiking.

**If you want to do this, but are not sure if you are capable of this hike, please message me and I will explain alternatives available to shorten the hike.

We will begin the hike by taking the 1/2-mile Falcon Warrior Trail past Sherrill Cemetery to see the massive entrance to Devilstep Hollow Cave (formerly an important ceremonial cite of the Mississippian people and home to some of the most archaeologically significant pictographs, petroglyphs, and mudglyphs in the southeastern US). We will then hike to the peak of Hinch Mountain and back. The portion of Cumberland Trail we will cover is designed with a SIGNIFICANT number of impressive stone steps.

Nearby Grassy Cove, North America's largest sinkhole, drains entirely into underground streams. One of which, Grassy Cove Creek, emerges at Head of Sequatchie, a natural spring and the source for the 166-mile long Sequatchie River. This impressive spring is where we will conclude our hike.

We will take water/snack breaks, as needed, as well as a late lunch break on top of Hinch Mountain.

- Bring plenty of water!
- Sunscreen is recommended (there will be a lot of sun due to the lack of leaves on the trees)
- Pack lunch and snacks
- Pets on a leash are allowed and must be able to keep up with the group.

WHERE TO MEET:
**Please note: there are restrooms at the trailhead
Head of Sequatchie State Park
35.793197746015, -85.00903320496403
9:30 am CDT - start hike

Standard Notice: All attendees participate at their own risk! Meetup organizers/leaders cannot be held liable for actions of any participant.
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