Sunday, February 17, 2013

A hike on Clear Creek Trail in Cherokee NF near Ocoee

This walk taken with the "Mysterious One", was up around the Ocoee White Water Center, and primarily along the Clear Creek Trail which we accessed off Hwy 30. The turn for highway 30 is on the left past the turn off for the Chilhowee Recreation area on Hwy 64. The seasonal Lake Ocoee was still holding some water though what remained had retreated far from it's banks. This trail is described by some as "moderately difficult", which is probably true for most, though anyone in good health could easily handle it at a steady pace. The inclines were fairly easy, though sometimes long with few switchbacks and the "rock-hoppin'" was not to difficult. The leaveless trees and shrubs gave way to some great views of the nearly dry lake below and big mountains in the distance which included the Big Frog at over 4000', and the big mountains over towards the TN/NC border, snow covered far off in the distance (probably the "Nani's"). It was another awesome walk with little human interaction to distract us from the song. Peace