October 8, 2024
Springhouse & Tennessee Rock Trails
AT Black Rock Mountain State Park
After Hurricane Helene passed nearby and we skipped a week to allow the trails to be checked out and cleared, it looks like many of us were anxious to get out on the trail. This was an easy hike on a cool and clear early fall day. The trail was in very good shape overall and was surprisingly beginning to show a few fall colors. Just a few late wildflowers, the most significant being the Georgia aster. I think it would be a good idea to purchase at the welcome center: An Interpretive Guide to the Tennessee Rock Trail" to make the most of this hike and the many trail markers.
Today's Hikers: Angela Evans, Charles & Beth Hawkins, Ken and Claudia Pardue, Matt & Toby, Edwin Pruitt, Londa Sprinkle, Greta & Jim Driggers, Gerald Richardson, Bobbie Broussard, Vic Robson, Pam Hembree, Ken Kellerman, Lynn Steele, Jenn & Mike Bell and Linda Shultz.
The route
3.6 mi · 719 ft climbing · 2h 34m out, 1h 59m walking · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
15 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (15)
Always a great view to the north from the observation point along the trail. Today's Hikers (L-R): Angela, Charles, Beth, Ken, Claudia, Edwin, Londa, Greta, Jim, Gerald, Bobbie, Mike, Pam, Ken, Lynn, Jenny & Linda. Front: Matt with Toby & Vic. Headed up Springhouse Trail from the Trading Post. Oops! Hope this is the only blowdown we find today. The Springhouse Trail looks pretty good otherwise. Angela, did you say, "Not so. Ouch! My knee . . .that hurts!" The Tennessee Rock Trail is in good shape too. Hey, a little fall color. You know, we need to buy that book, "An interpretive guide to the Tennessee Rock Trail" to find out more about this area off the trail and all of those trail markers. Watch your step ladies. The leaves may be just a bit slippery heading down hill. Beautiful! Could this be Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum)??? Reportedly "a rare species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae, the aster family." Checking out the view from the observation deck. Anyone know what those peaks are to the north? Let's see what PeakFinder says. Hey, I never knew you could see Standing Indian Mountain from here. Headed back. Almost forgot about the one blowdown. "Short legs, short legs. What you gonna do when you've got short legs?" Ken pointed out this almost only, but largest fungus of the day, as we finished our hike.