Hiking

OK, here is the scoop on the third "off-campus" activity: a relatively short hike in the mountains on a trail suitable for both kids and grownups.

We've been on it before, and have taken little kids on it, so it's been tested. The trail is called the "Middle Prong Trail" (I wish it were more poetic, but ce la vie) and is broad and easy on the feet. There is a rushing stream close beside it most of the way, with a few accessible spots for foot-dangling-in-the-water-type activities.

The trail head is less than seven miles from the Goode View Farm, going towards Cades Cove but not all the way into its traffic tie-ups.

We chose this trail because it has a pretty waterfall as a destination for the sturdier hikers, but even the less-than-sturdy ones will enjoy the walk however far they want to go. It is not usually too crowded, altho I can never promise that in the middle of the summer.

We hope to have an adult for every one or perhaps two kids, and more than one vehicle if possible, too. That way when someone gets tired we can take them back but the others can continue on.

Who's up for hiking????

So far I have John, Karin, Sid, Sheela and Sunil ...

I hope to do this on Friday. The horseback riding will be Saturday AM and the river tubing will be Saturday afternoon.