HikeSummer '14

With the Labor Day weekend just past we are at the unofficial end of summer. While the temperatures outside might not concur the first of September is in my book the start of fall and with it the 2014 Fall Hiking Series. But, before we move on to my favorite season let's look back at a excellent HikeSummer '14.

Total Hiking Days: 12

Hikes: 14

Total Hiking Miles: 62.5

Longest Hike: Tusculum Trail.- 7.5 miles (07-04-14)

Shortest Hike: Sweetwater Creek S.P. - 3.2-miles (08-17-14)

Warmest Hike: Laurel Ridge Trail - Temp. 95 Degrees (08-23-14)

Coldest Hike: Roan Highlands - Temp. High 40's (07-16-14)

Mountain Peaks: 10

Highest Mtn. Peak: Clingmans Dome - 6,643 ft (06-14-14)

Lowest Mtn. Peak:Indian Seats - 1,696 ft (08-03-14)

Towers: 3

Highest: Clingmans Dome Tower - 6,643 ft (06-14-14)

Tallest: Bays Mtn. Fire Tower - 60 ft (03-26-14)

Lowest & Shortest: Bays Mtn. Lookout Tower - 2,172 ft & 40 ft (07-12-14)

Waterfalls: 7

Tallest: Upper Rock Creek Falls - 729 ft (07-23-14)

Shortest: Haw Cascade - 8 ft (June & August, 2014)

Lakes: 5

Largest: Lake Lanier - 59 Square Miles (June & August, 2014)

Highest: Watauga Lake - 1,959 ft (07-24-14)

Smallest: Kingsport Reservoir - 44 Acre (07-12-14)

Lowest: George H. Sparks Reservoir  - 881 ft (07-24-14)

Trailheads: 17

Highest: Clingmans Dome/Andrews Bald - 6,311 ft (06-14-14)

Lowest: Red Trail: Sweetwater Creek S.P. - 924 ft (08-17-14)

Gaps: 10

Highest: Toll House Gap - 6,087 ft (06-22-14)

Lowest: Tribble Gap - 1,349 ft (08-03-14)

Gift Shops / Visitors Center: 9

Highest: Clingmans Dome Visitor Center - 6,383 ft (06-14-14)

Lowest: Sweetwater Creek S.P. Visitor Center - 928 ft (08-17-14)

Overlooks: 29

Highest: Clingmans Dome VC Overlook - 6,318 ft (06-14-14)

Lowest: New Manchester Mill Overlook - 869 ft (08-17-14)

Major Trails: 4

Appalachian Trail: 3

Mountain-to-Sea Trail: 1