Signal Point/Chattanooga Signal Mountain

Wow dudes and dudettes! I was able to hike off of Signal Point which is part of the southern end of the Cumberland Trail; the Tennessee River Gorge Segment.
There are some great vistas from the beginning of this trail and they continue throughout the first mile or so scattered sporadically looking across the Tennessee river across to Elder Mountain (click the title for a link describing this section of the Cumberland Trail).
The vistas resume if you continue up the trail from the gorge towards Edwards Point Overlook, which is about 3 mls. from Signal Point. Check out some of the colors still in the trees.
There is water, which should be treated or filtered, at the crossing of Middle Creek, though if you are doing an overnight or long day hike along the Cumberland Trail one should carry along an extra Nalgene because water is not readily available. Peace

Tennessee River Gorge Section, Cumberland Plateau Trail

This hike begins at Signal Point, Signal Mountain, Tennessee. Foggy and crisp-cold at noontime, beautiful monotone colors and ghostly waterfall across the gorge. Did not walk very far today, honoring the time constraint of a fellow traveler. This is my first entry. Have forgotten the titles of a few of the milestones particularly the waterfall (a woman's name...) but distinctly remember Middle Creek Bridge which crosses the creek below the aqueduct about 1.8 miles from trailhead. Had not noticed before today the character of the trail, the rocky terrain, feet dipping in and out of fallen leaves, perhaps hidden obstacles. I walk too fast. In fact, Patti asked me to slow down..... Nothing like a (somewhat) familiar trail through the eyes of a first-time visitor. Where is Rainbow Lake? Before making our excursion, a few friends asked if we were "going that far?" Not today; approximately one hour out and back.