Southeastern Outings hike on a new trail near Lake Martin

The trail features spectacular views of the Tallapoosa River from Kudzu Bluff. Hikers along the trail also will see Yellowstone Creek and a tulip poplar tree that is 16 feet in circumference, a focal point of the trail.

The trail goes south along Yates Lake past Kudzu Bluff and then down the old Double Bridges Ferry Road switchback. It then heads south along the shore of Yates Lake to Yellowstone Creek. The trail follows Yellowstone Creek to the Great Gorge. The trail subsequently follows Yellowstone Creek further west for about one half mile, then ascends Saddlerock Mountain, the highest elevation in Elmore County. Hikers will have great views from Saddlerock Mountain.

The trail then descends Saddlerock Mountain into the valley past a giant tulip poplar tree. The trail ultimately then goes down to the north parking lot on Goldmine Road. The Trail is marked both ways with 2×4-inch white blazes on trees and rocks.

Note-To view photos of what we will see on this trip, please click on this link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JgxDJxNdPTbzYJPx5

Please be sure to click on the link and view the photographs.

The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association rates this hike as a moderate trek.

Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 10 and older able to complete a moderate hike with some uphill climbs without complaining are welcome.

Please meet at 8:45 a.m. at the Publix in The Village at Lee Branch in Greystone.  We plan to depart from there at 9:00 a.m.                                              Info. and

Leader: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or phone 205/631-4680

DIRECTIONS TO MEETING PLACE

Publix in The Village at Lee Branch in Greystone– 410 Doug Baker Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35242-2682.  Take U.S. Highway 280 East going away from Birmingham to intersection with AL Route 119, Cahaba Valley Road.  Continue on U.S. 280 through that intersection 9/10 more miles and turn right on Doug Baker Boulevard.  This turn is right after the very large Driver’s Way used car dealer.  Drive 3/10 miles on Doug Baker Boulevard and then see the Publix Super Market on your right.  Please park in front of the Publix, but fairly far out towards 280, not right by the front door.

DESCRIPTION OF SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS

Do you wish you had friends who share your active lifestyle and enjoyment of outdoor activities?  Then become active with Southeastern Outings (SEO), a nonprofit organization committed and created to serve people who enjoy being active in the outdoors.  The organization plans, organizes and leads outings such as dayhikes, easy kayak and canoe trips, stream and waterfall walks, bicycle rides, lake events and other fun activities to beautiful sites in our natural environment.  From time to time we also sponsor potluck suppers and other socials.  All events and activities of the group are open to the public.  Participating in SEO activities is a splendid, simple way to make congenial new friends who enjoy the outdoors.

NO DOGS OR SMOKING ALLOWED, PLEASE, ON ANY SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS EVENTS.

The organization currently has about 300 members.  We scheduled eighty-four events during calendar year 2018 for an average of 7 fun events per month.  We enjoy the outdoors in all seasons throughout the year.  Twenty-two people on average have participated in each hike during the first four months of 2019.

SEO does not charge for participation in any of its outings.  You do not have to be a member to participate in one or two SEO activities.  Dues are only $10.  Please contact Dan Frederick, President, 205-631-4680, or seoutings@bellsouth.net for more information and to obtain three free monthly newsletters with membership application and a complete description of all our outdoor events.

Southeastern Outings now has a website.  Just go to seoutings.org to find announcements of all our upcoming outings scheduled plus some brief, general information about Southeastern Outings, a membership application and 1500 lovely photographs from most of our outings.

Thank you.