Bald River Falls / Bald River Gorge Trail - 10 miles - Moderate

Combined hike with Chattanooga Outdoor Adventures:
www.meetup.com/chattanooga-outdoor-adventures/events/308046221/

Bald River Falls / Bald River Gorge Trail - 10 miles - Moderate
Bald River Falls, Tellico Plains, TN
Trailhead Coords: 35.3247,-84.1775

PLEASE NOTE, Eastern Time: 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM EDT

Looking for a cool hike on a hot summer day? Bald River Falls is a 90-foot waterfall near Tellico Plains, TN (Cherokee National Forest). Bald River Gorge Trail is a 10-mile out-and-back hike that follows Bald River. Covered by a dense forest canopy, and Rhododendron tunnels, the nearby river acts as natural air conditioning.

There's a very cool pool/swimming hole at the top of Bald River Falls, and another at the base of Baby Falls (around the bend on the Tellico River). I suggest bringing a swimsuit. There are also picnic tables at Baby Falls. Consider bringing snacks/picnic food to eat and/or share for after the hike.

The parking situation has only marginally improved after the year-and-a-half bridge reconstruction project, so attendance is limited to 16 total for now (12 from COA, 4 from Middle TN. Hiking Meetup, car-pooling 4 cars to the trailhead parking area). There may be flexibility in the final days based on interest and willingness to shuttle cars from 1 mile away.

Friday night camping
A number of us are camping Friday, July 25th at Indian Boundary Overflow Campground. It's first-come-first-served and is $10/night/site (up to 5 people and 2 cars per site). I plan to arrive early to secure a site (or sites, depending on how many want to camp).

Some overflow attendees from the Knoxville Hiking Meetup campout may be camping with us too.

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Standard Notice, Disclaimer:
Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions as you would take if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possible death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant -including you- at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of a claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.