Our Local trails are great for short fit workouts

Missy Sharon Beth Carol Jenni and one of Beth's dogs lucky
This is  on the west side overlook  (pic by carl loy) 

Tara and Carol Osborne 

Abby howling for joy w/ me and Rocky

View from north side Loop is about 3 + miles 

During the winter months, I often try to hit some local trails w/ buddies and former Get on Track walkers.  Many who have been in my classes are now fit and like to explore new trails in the winter. And once you get out there moving, even a cold 25 degree day feels fine with a few layers. Plus the trails are usually out of the wind and seem not to be so blustery.  Last week we hit one of our area's best hikes, House Mountain. This is out Rutledge pikc past East Knox elementary and you'll see a brown sign saying House Mountain State park.  YOu turn left and then another left and you'll see the parking lot.  They now have a picnic area (covered) and a nice new porta potty.  Most usually go up on west side and go clockwise.. It is a tough little climb of 3/4 mile but once you come to a big rock where you can look out back over Knoxville it is worth your effort. Then you can cut across the top for half mile and go past the trail sign to head back to the parking lot and keep going east.   You come across a really huge rock that overlooks to the north and down on many pretty farms.   A little past this lookout there is another one that often has a nice big American flag flying.  These two areas are great spots for a snack and kids love the hike too.  We take our dogs (on leashes) and they had a grand time last week.  It was a little muddy so I usually keep extra shoes on hand and towels as my dogs also were very dirty. But a little dirt was well worth the fun views and fitness gained by traveling over to House Mountain.  Next week we are hitting the new River Bluff trails on Cherokee Trails.  If you'd like on my local hiking email list call 541-4500.  The Covenant Call Center can help get you on my local trails hiking list, or Get on Trails w/ Friends of the Smokies lists or on my biking email list.
Happy Trails