Tennessee Hiking Group

A great hike for beginners on a moderate trail that gives a chance to try out gear and gumption while covering ~5.5 miles (~2000' of rise/fall) of reasonably groomed trails lined with some wildlife and plush woods.

If you're interested, sign up & let's meet up for a lap of Percy Warner's Mossy Ridge (Red Trail) to chase the sun out of the park. Plan on meeting Thursdays at 6:30pm and heading to the trail no later than 6:45pm.

How fast/hard is this?

I let the group set the pace and nobody is left behind. Expect to break a sweat, but always take time to enjoy the view or catch your breath!

Rain or shine?:

Hike takes place year round and generally in all conditions except for high risk (windy & thunderstorms) weather - the trail does have a lot of widow makers lurking on it. Also, recent years have brought an noticeable overall increase in use of the Warner Parks and trail erosion is a serious problem. If trail conditions are too poor/extreme (muddy) we may forgo a hike until the trail is more suitable for use without damage.

How many people have to RSVP for the event?:

I go with or without any RSVPs. So, the number of attendees doesn't matter. 1 or 50 people signup - I'll go regardless (who can say no to some time in the woods anyway???).

How long does the hike last?:

Hike lasts around two hours (a little less on cooler nights, a bit longer on hotter nights).

Where do we meet?:

We will start from the "Cross Country" parking lot just off of Highway 100 (a bit east of the junction at Old Hickory Boulevard, check out the picture of the parking lot) as you head back towards Belle Meade/Nashville on Highway 100. Address is approximate - Google does not list an actual physical address for this parking lot.

If a cross country meet is happening at the park, plan on meeting back by the Bob Brown Field house (vs. the parking lot) to make it easier to find the everyone & start on time.

Handy map of the meeting spot:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kAOnoDJ1rw71r03HGYs1ePOcrezcAk05

After meeting up, we will take the Candy Cane Connector to the Mossy Ridge trail (about .7 miles one way). Then on to the Mossy Ridge (Red) Trail for the 4.5 mile loop.

On nights when the hike finishes at a reasonable time, we often head to the Brewhouse 100 or Sportsman's for a little camaraderie & grub before heading home.

What do you need?:

Light(s) required to finish the hike out and ensure your safety.

Recommend carrying water - summer nights are quite warm well into the night.

If rain was/is in the forecast, gaiters are handy to keep mud & muck out of your boots or shoes. A light weight shell is also handy to carry if weather looks iffy.

For summer hikes, dress accordingly to vent and stay cool. Opt for synthetics over cotton to help keep yourself from being soaked and having trouble cooling.

For winter hikes, dress accordingly to vent and stay warm. The key to temperature control is staying dry, so bear that in mind as you select your layers.

Hiking boots or shoes recommended as numerous rocky areas, scree, and roots are present on the trail. So treat your feet as you see fit for comfort and safety bearing that in mind.

Bug spray highly recommended in the summer/fall months.

Poles are a personal preference thing, rarely use mine unless it is super slick/icy or if I twist an ankle. However, if you are prone to doing your own stunts, I'd recommend using them to provide a bit of stability.

FRS radios are welcome, default to channel 1/1 for general monitoring/use. Alternate channel is usually 7/11 for convenience. Try to keep banter to a minimum though, and let the wildlife wander peacefully.

Dogs are welcome to come along, but must be on a leash. It's the state law and snakes frequent the trail. Don't risk putting your furry friend in harm's way...

The past several years have witnessed yellow jacket nests within proximity of or on the trail. If you are allergic to bee stings, please make it known to the group and travel prepared.

Plan on meeting every other Saturday morning at 7:00am and heading to the trail no later than 7:15am.

How fast/hard is this?

The group sets the pace and nobody is left behind. You'll likely break a sweat on a few of the inclines, but this hike is not too rigorous. And we always take time to enjoy the view or catch our breath!

Rain or shine?:

Hike takes place year round and generally in all conditions except for high risk (windy & thunderstorms) weather - the trail does have widow makers lurking on it. Also, recent years have brought an noticeable overall increase in use of the Warner Parks and trail erosion is a serious problem. If trail conditions are too poor/extreme (muddy) we may forgo a hike until the trail is more suitable for use without damage.

How many people have to RSVP for the event?:

I go with or without any RSVPs. So, the number of attendees doesn't matter. 1 or 50 people signup - I'll go regardless (who can say no to some time in the woods anyway???).

How long does the hike last?:

Hike lasts around one hour (a little less on cooler nights, a bit longer on hotter nights).

Where do we meet?:

We will start from the parking lot of the Burch Reserve Trail. This park is easy to access at the intersection of Highway 100 and Old Hickory Boulevard. And offers paved parking (despite what you may see in Google Maps or similar websites).

Handy map for the meeting spot:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LMslG5NOESQy-7z_xWPYvEqNMQIb74Lx

What do you need?:

Light(s) may be necessary during winter months to finish the hike out and ensure your safety.

Recommend carrying water - summer days are quite warm and humid.

A light weight shell is also handy to carry if weather looks iffy.

For summer hikes, dress accordingly to vent and stay cool. Opt for synthetics over cotton to help keep yourself from being soaked and having trouble cooling.

For winter hikes, dress accordingly to vent and stay warm. The key to temperature control is staying dry, so bear that in mind as you select your layers.

Hiking boots or shoes recommended as numerous rocky areas, scree, and roots are present on the trail. So treat your feet as you see fit for comfort and safety bearing that in mind.

Mosquitoes are plentiful on this trail, bug spray highly recommended in the spring/summer/fall months.

Poles are a personal preference thing, rarely use mine unless it is super slick/icy or if I twist an ankle. However, if you are prone to doing your own stunts, I'd recommend using them to provide a bit of stability.

FRS radios are welcome, default to channel 1/1 for general monitoring/use. Alternate channel is usually 7/11 for convenience. Try to keep banter to a minimum though, and let the wildlife wander peacefully.

Pets are not allowed on the Burch Reserve Trail, so please leave your furry friends at home for some rest and relaxation while you enjoy this hike.

But wait, there's more! More hiking!

If 7:00 is a bit too early, or you want to do a few extra miles, join me after my Burch hike and we will do the blue trail at Edwin Warner.

Plan on meeting every other Saturday morning at 8:15am and heading to the trail no later than 8:30am.

How fast/hard is this?
The group sets the pace and nobody is left behind. You'll likely break a sweat on a few of the inclines, but this hike is not too rigorous. And we always take time to enjoy the view or catch our breath!

Rain or shine?:
Hike takes place year round and generally in all conditions except for high risk (windy & thunderstorms) weather - the Warner trails have widow makers lurking on them... Nobody enjoys dancing with trees.

Also, recent years have brought an noticeable overall increase in use of the Warner Parks and trail erosion is a serious problem. If trail conditions are too poor/extreme (muddy) we may forgo a hike until the trail is more suitable for use without damage.

How many people have to RSVP for the event?:
I go with or without any RSVPs. So, the number of attendees doesn't matter. 1 or 50 people signup - I'll go regardless (who can say no to some time in the woods anyway???).

How long does the hike last?:
Hike lasts around one hour (a little less on cooler mornings, a bit longer on hotter mornings).

Where do we meet?:
We will start from Warner Parks Nature Center. This is easy to access just west of Old Hickory Boulevard on Highway 100 in the Edwin Warner Park.

Handy map from the Googles:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Warner+Park+Nature+Center/@36.0609792,-86.9082523,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8864881cb64cf573:0x3279459d713e0bf8!8m2!3d36.0609749!4d-86.9060636

Address: 7311 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221

What do you need?:
Recommend carrying water - summer days are quite warm and humid.
A light weight shell is also handy to carry if weather looks iffy.
For summer hikes, dress accordingly to vent and stay cool. Opt for synthetics over cotton to help keep yourself from being soaked and having trouble cooling.
For winter hikes, dress accordingly to vent and stay warm. The key to temperature control is staying dry, so bear that in mind as you select your layers.
Hiking boots or shoes recommended as numerous rocky areas and roots are present on the trail. So treat your feet as you see fit for comfort and safety bearing that in mind.
Poles are a personal preference thing, rarely use mine unless it is super slick/icy or if I twist an ankle. However, if you are prone to doing your own stunts, I'd recommend using them to provide a bit of stability.
FRS or GMRS (what I carry most of the time) radios are welcome. Try to keep banter to a minimum though, and let the wildlife wander peacefully.
Pets are welcome on the Edwin Warner Park trails, and please observe the leash law to help keep everyone safe.