
After checking into the Motel 6, I first visited Rock/ Creek for some more info and maps. I was invited to their upper room where I met with some nice people who provided valuable information about the trail system atop Raccoon Mountain. Then I quickly drove over, arriving ready to run by 2:30 pm. I met a mountain biker there who told me of an overlook view of the Tennessee River not to miss. I ran fast over the first miles in anticipation of all this trail had to offer; something I'd pay for later.
The loop provided approximately 13 miles of nice forgiving trail to start my weekend off right. I found the overlook maybe halfway through the run. It was breathtaking. Here's what I saw.



After a good night's sleep, I arose early (by my Saturday morning's standard), to arrive atop Signal Mountain by 7 am for my trek of Jeff Edmond's old stomping ground, Mabbot Springs Trail. The air was cool and filled with the fresh fragrance of honeysuckle and other mountain blossoms. This place was a jewel. Tucked away where no one could find but the locals. I felt privileged to know of it's whereabouts and to tread it's soft path.
Early in the run, I took this picture of the spring that would lead to the waterfall I sought to find. I chose to run this trail because there being one (waterfall).


I laid on my belly, quaking from the height to get this shot. When I returned to my feet, I snapped my best picture. What an awesome view!

After finishing up this run in approximately 45 minutes, I jumped into the car and headed off to the Mullin's Cove Trail. I had to descend Signal Mountain and travel west down Suck Creek Rd for eight miles to Prentice Cooper State Forest which overlooked the Tennessee River Gorge. I arrived ready to run by 8:45 am. This trail was the sole purpose of my visit since it's an integral part of the Stump Jump 50k, a race I plan to run come this October.
The trail started off easy enough, but it would prove to be the most challenging run of the trip. It was but a short piece to the place known as Indian Rockhouse. This was a tight squeeze between some huge rocks that dropped you down maybe twenty feet or so.


From there, it was onward to Snooper's Rock Overlook. This section of trail was challenging. It was mostly run near the edge of the bluff and through overgrown underbrush tearing at my legs. The course was becoming harder to follow as well. There were switchbacks and inclines. It took awhile to get there, but a great view of the Tennessee River and surrounding mountains was to be found.

I contemplated turning back in fear I was going to run out of time to make it back for checkout. But I continued on. Near halfway, I snagged a rock outcropping and went down for the first time this weekend. My left knee banged hard against a root. I thought I was done. But I continued on. When I reached this place called Hailey's Road, I thought I was lost. It was a steep, rock strewn Jeep road. At this point there was no running this. It was a struggle just walking up it. And what about this place called the Rock Garden I'd heard so much about? I'd gone down into two rocky areas already, and I thought this is what all the fuss is about?
I had not reached it yet. In the last three miles, when I was cooked, I reached the Rock Garden. And damn was it brutal! (too tired and pissed to take anymore pictures!) It was nothing like I had pictured in my mind. I had had thoughts of boulder hopping. Not so. This place was a plethora of smaller, moss strewn rocks that made walking treacherous. I thought the hard part was over once leaving there, but I was wrong again. The trail was continually climbing from there to the finish. it seemed. I was walking even flat areas then. When I reached the car, I was soaking wet, cramping, hungry, and happy to be out of there and alive. This 10 mile adventure took me one hour and forty-six minutes.
During those last painful miles and after, I questioned whether I should do the Stump Jump. I still may, but a lot more training is in order if I am going to finish this one.
2 comments:
...now that's my kind of fun!
Awesome, Ricky. Glad you got to run at Mabbitt and see the falls there. Thanks for sharing and good luck with the blog!
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