Hot House Mnt Hike But Cool breeze and views on top

  33 of us showed up on a hot muggy day to hike House mountain as part of the Get out on Local trails series for Friends of the Smokies.   After giving out some sunscreen from TCSC Ellen Blasius from Knox County Parks and Rec updated us on projects etc and is leading hike at Ijams Saturday June 9th  at 10 AM

We headed up the steep west side trail and like I warned it is pretty tough going with some rocks to navigate but we made it to the west end view and took some photos before heading across the flatter top area.   The top area was getting full of blackberries that we enjoyed.   You keep going on the trail and need to avoid going off to the left at one point as it does say Private property etc  You will pass the marked sign that shows you to keep going out east to see that look out or head down to go back to the parking lot.  Most of us headed out to see the Am Flag up on the super rocky area that gives you a great view of Blaine   Rutledge area and beyond.     Then some of us headed out even further on a small trail to see the end where you can see more towards the Smokies before navigating the winding trail back to the parking lot.   Good hike that feels more like hiking in the Smokies as it is more strenuous than other local trail hikes.