Knoxville Ski & Outing Club
Activities and Events
Check out some pictures from a few of our previous trips by Clicking HERE
Camping and Whitewater Rafting on the Hiwassee, August 23, 24, and 25, 2013
We will be camping at the Gee Creek Campground Friday and Saturday, August 23 & 24, 2013 and floating the Hiwassee, Saturday, August 24, 2013. Pack up and leave on Sunday, August 25.Campers will have Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sunday breakfast and for sodas and water provided for a cost of only $30 per person. Kids 12 and under come free. We need to purchase supplies so please let John know by August 5th if you will be joining us. Make your reservation with John Stembridge at 680-3279 or send an email to [email protected].
This event is NOT associated with the Knoxville Ski and Outing Club. Checks should be made out John L Stembridge, 1017 Sky Blue Drive, Knoxville, TN 37923. Bring your own hard stuff and snacks. BYOB
The Hiwassee State Scenic Rivers' "Gee Creek" campground is a haven and a home-away-from-home to many river users. Campsites are more tent-friendly than most. Some of the campsites are close enough to the river to be lulled to sleep each night by the sound of rushing water. An easy walk will lead you along the rivers edge for fishing, nature walks or a brisk dip in the cold waters.
Gee Creek campground has 43 sites, each with a table, fire ring and a grill. Public water and a bathhouse containing sinks, commodes, and hot showers are located near the center of the campground. We will only have space for 24 campers, we also have some extra camping equipment available for first timers, don’t forget to bring your bikes and your hiking stuff, directions to the campsite will come latter.
Rafting - The Hiwassee River is 5.5 miles of Class I and II whitewater. Whitewater Trips: 6 Miles from Powerhouse to Reliance, 2 - 4 Hour Trip. More information visit http://www.hiwasseeoutfitters.com or call 1-423-338-8115.
2012 Price List (from the web site) – Price includes shuttle, life jacket, and paddle.
Raft - $18.31 per person, minimum 4 people per raft.
Inflatable Kayaks - $30.00 One person - $48.00 Two person
Sit On Top Kayak - $30.00 One person
Tube - $20.00 per tube (must be at least 12 years old)
Camping in Big South Fork, October 25, 26 and 27, 2013
Join the hardy souls on a camping trip in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area at Bandy Creek, E-II Loop. This is a fantastic area with lots to do and the facilities are among the best available – covered pavilion with fire place, tables, BBQ grills and electricity – heated bathhouse with hot water showers – what more could you want.While you are there you can enjoy the area, hike on several trails, ride your bike and take a guided horseback ride. Horseback riding requires reservations. If you are interested in horseback riding you make your own reservations. Members have had a good experience with Southeast Pack Trips. Their web site is http://www.southeastpacktrips.com. The Big South Fork web site also includes some horseback riding options. For these go to the park web site, http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/horsebackriding.htm>
Biking is great in this area and all you have to do is bring your own bike and lots of energy. Several of the campers had a great ride last year.
The evening of the 25th we plan on eating at Bacara’s (cash only, no credit cards) in Jamestown. On Saturday we will have satellite TV available, if Jim and Mary Anne are willing. The club will provide soda and water also breakfast, lunch and dinner on the 26th and breakfast on the 27th all for $xx per person. Kids 12 and under come free. We need to purchase supplies, please let us know by October 21st if you will be joining us.
Additional opportunity to join the group - If you would like to join the group for the Saturday football game and diner, no camping, the charge for the meal is $10 per person. As with the regular reservations, please let us know by October 21st if you will be joining us.
Checks should be made out to John L Stembridge and sent to1017 Sky Blue Drive, Knoxville, TN 37923. Directions to the campsite will be emailed to you. Those of you who have camped at Big South Fork before know this is a great place. This is a definite do not miss trip. We look forward to seeing all of you camping with us. For additional information about this camping trip please call/fax John Stembridge at 680-3279 or send an email to [email protected], or call Tom at 974-4422 or leave a message at 588-5622 or send an email to: Tom Cressler.
Hiking in Big South Fork, October 26, 2013
Two hikes are planned in conjunction with camping in Big South Fork. We may do different hikes but in the past we have hiked Honey Creek, Grand Gap Loop and Twin Arches Loop trails. The Honey Creek Loop trail is moderately difficult and about 6 miles long. This trail requires some stream crossings and rock scrambling. The Grand Gap Loop trail is relatively level and easy except for two places that are moderately difficult. The trail is about 6.8 miles long. The Twin Arches Loop trail is moderately difficult with two steep stairs and a short steep trail section and is about 5.5 miles long. The hike, whichever one we take, is expected to leave the campground at 9 am and the trailhead at 9:45 am.The second hike will be the John Litton/General Slaven Farm Loop trail which is easy and about six miles long. The hike is expected to leave the campground at 9:30 am.
For both hikes we suggest you bring sturdy hiking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, water and a snack.