After wading across the creek on our way in to visit the Walls of
Jericho, we decided to try the other trail on our way back out. We
chose this way partly because I hate backtracking, but mostly
because I wanted to see the footbridge. So when we got back to the
meadow at the base of the canyon we set out on the footbridge
trail. After walking for a while Scoot and I were both in need a
break for a little rest and recuperation, so we took off our packs
and pulled up some ground. While we sat there talking we began to
notice the distinctive smell of fresh baked cookies that seemed to
be coming from a large tree that appeared to be glowing faintly.
Well, curiosity got the better of us so we went to investigate, we
circled the tree and found it to be hollow, but as soon as we
looked inside, the smell of cookies went away, as did the faint
glow. We were fairly disappointed that the Ernie and the rest of
the elves had chosen that precise moment to move their baking
operation elsewhere, but we were fairly excited to have found a
hollow tree, just begging for a cache. Since we happened to have
one with us we took a few moments to hide it and shoot some
coordinates. We then walked back down the hill where we found
several fresh-baked cookies and a cold canteen of milk sitting
beside our packs. There was a note from Ernie letting us know that
they were relocating their operation to a location with better
shipping facilities, but that we were welcome to the property and
that they hoped that lots of people would enjoy visiting it. You
are seeking a large lock n' lock container hidden in or around a
very large hollow tree, just off the footbridge trail. Speaking of
the footbridge, here is what it looks like.
This area is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
and is open to the public. In addition to the hiking trails, there
is a horse trail that leads to the point where Turkey Creek and
Hurricane Creek meet, at that point you have to leave the horses
and hike the rest of the way, but I am sure that it would be a nice
ride. While hiking you will cross the horse trail a couple of
times. At the meeting of the creeks there is a meadow that is open
for tent camping if you decide to make this an overnight adventure.
The meadow is adjacent to Clarke Cemetery and is sort of the hub of
the trails, in that all of the different routes leading to the
Walls of Jericho terminate here and join into a single trail that
leads up the canyon. So basically, if you come in from the Alabama
trailhead follow the fork to the footbridge to go directly to this
cache, or take the left fork and wade across the creek and then
take the footbridge trail from Clarke cemetery. I suggest you do
the same thing we did, wade on the way in, visit the Walls of
Jericho site and the nearby cache, then take the footbridge on the
way out.
Just a couple of more quick notes, the trailhead and parking for
hikers are actually in Alabama about a mile south of the border at
N 34 58.620 W 86 04.820, parking for horse trailers is about a mile
further south. There is plenty of parking available at the
trailhead. There was something cool about hiking from one state to
another, I know that it is no big deal but I thought it was cool.
While driving in from Tennessee we passed a new TWRA Walls of
Jericho Trailhead on the Tennessee side of the border, but I did
not have a trail map for that one so we went with what we knew, the
next time I am down I will try that trail and let you know if it is
finished. Be sure to take your time and look around while you are
hiking in and out. There are all kind of cool things along the
trail including a very cool hollow log stream crossing, several
caves and all kinds of wildlife. I was amazed at how quickly the
environment changed from old growth forest, to underbrush to karst
to boulder fields to stream and meadow and back again. The walk to
this cache is a little over six miles roundtrip, but I strongly
suggest that you head on in and check out the Walls while you are
here, which will add another mile to that. Although I was dog tired
at the end of the day, the views are well worth the hike, I hope
you enjoy this area as much as I did, I look forward to seeing you
on the trails.
In case you are curious, here is a shot of Scoot touring the old
"elven magic" plant.
