Today we had a challenging but rewarding wilderness hike to Snoopers Rock in the Prentice Cooper Wilderness Management Area. Although the forecast originally called for 48% chance of rain the morning found clear blue skies. We started off in a temperate 74 degrees but that didn't last, it was high 80's and humid by noon when we finished.
Although the overall elevation change is only 400' there is a significant amount of up and down, an accumulated 1100 feet of gain! It's also a 'reverse hike' meaning you go down first then come back up on the return so you need to finish strong. We managed an overall 2mph pace so we completed the 6.2 mile round trip in a little over 3 hrs including picture time at the rock.
The single track trail starts off benign enough but soon one reaches the staircase leading down to the Indian Rockhouse which is really a shallow cave-like overhang.
There are some interesting sights along the way as well as a few obstacles to overcome.
The views were rewarding when there was a break in the foliage.
Since most of this hike is along the ridge line this would be outstanding in the winter.
The overlook at Snoopers Rock is a phenomenal panorama of the Tennessee river!
We even managed to inadvertently 'crash' a ceremony!
( actually they were finished and just doing the last of the pictures )
