Muddy Boots
Click here to see planned Muddy Boots hikes for the year . Click here to see driving directions for the next Muddy Boots hike . Click here to see the Tellico Village Hiking Club Schedule. Click here to see Essential Hiking Equipment as recommended by the Boy Scouts.

Muddy Boots began so New Villagers could become acquainted with other members who want to share the adventure of exploring the mountains of their new home.

The group does easy and moderate hikes at a moderate pace within reasonable driving distance in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Cherokee National Forest, and the Cumberland Plateau.  Hikers share travel expenses. We may stop for refreshment after the hike, but we will not stop for breakfast. Hikes are generally held during the week following the New Villagers’ social, but this may vary.  Departures are generally at 8 a.m. from the Visitor Center, but can vary.

Definitions:

• Easy hikes are no more than five miles and 500 feet of elevation gain with good trail conditions. 
• Moderate hikes are over one of these limits, but less than 8 miles and 1600 feet of gain.  Trail conditions may be narrow, wet, or rocky. 
• A challenging moderate may exceed one of the moderate limits or may include more difficult trail conditions. 

The hiking pace will be an average 1.5 to 2.0 miles per hour, depending on the nature of the trail and the preference of the group. Unexpected trail conditions can make a hike more difficult and affect the pace. For example, a recent storm can make an easy trail wet and slippery. Newly fallen trees can also present challenges.

Please be aware that if you are new to hiking in the mountains, you may find the distance, elevation gain, and trail conditions more difficult than expected. It is best to start with easy hikes to discover your personal preferences and capabilities.

Requirements:

1. Member of New Villagers.
2. Reasonably good physical condition.
3. A spirit of adventure.
4. A pair of sturdy hiking shoes or boots.
5. Rain gear of some sort if needed.
6. A daypack for lunch, water, and jacket if needed.

Leaders: Jim and Lisa Winklepleck (865) 223-0560