Hike Reviews
August 08, 2023
Fine hike in the woods
This hike was fine for what it was. Terrain was good and trail well marked. We hiked the day after rain so it was packed with mosquitos. A few places where the trail was getting overgrown. Lots of poison ivy just off the path.
February 26, 2022
Start from the Northern Boat Launch (Not the Southern!)
My wife and I hiked and enjoyed this moderate loop in late September 2021. We made one big mistake, however: in my rush to get out of an apple-picker gridlock on the main road, we unknowingly started from the Southern Boat Launch. Although we proceeded in the clockwise direction, I could not figure out why the description seemed out of sync with our experience. I finally figured out the mistake when we arrived at the starting point at the Northern launch. No big deal, but I'm glad I got myself reoriented with a good laugh before falsely criticizing Daniel Chazin!
We found the hike to be on the easier side of moderate, and it offered a variety of views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. We would normally seek a slightly longer loop more remote from fall season traffic, but this hike was great to fill a tight Sunday afternoon schedule.
June 06, 2014
easier, less steep going in the other direction
<p>The climb to the summit is easier and less steep if you start by taking the trail to the right and hiking the circular route in the other direction.</p>
June 06, 2014
Gasline crossing trail
<p>The Tennessee Gas Northeast upgrade is going through the trail right now. The trail is open</p>
April 16, 2010
Monks Trail viewpoint
Unfortunately the view of Harrison Mountain from the Monks Circular Trail is now marred by a huge gash and a power line with 200-ft. transmission towers directly across the reservoir from the viewpoint.