Norris Watershed Hike

The Norris Municipal Watershed, situated adjacent to Norris Dam State Park, is a 2,300-acre area that is the watershed of Clear Creek; it is managed for water quality protection, sustainable forest management, and public recreation. A network of about 30 miles of forest roads and single-track trails are managed by the Norris Watershed Board.

We will meet in front of Norris Middle School (across from the library) at 9 a.m. and carpool to the trailhead in the Watershed. The hike will start on Eli Nine Sinkhole Trail, where we’ll climb up to Joe’s Trail and then descend into a small valley that was formerly an old field. After a short distance we’ll take a side trip up Red Hill Trail to the old Red Hill Cemetery, which dates to the early 1800s. We will then take White Oak Spring Trail down to Clear Creek Trail and on to Lower White Pine.

Our route will then travel up to Raccoon Run Trail and Red Hill Trail to Hi Point Trail. After a short distance we’ll take Mockingbird Trail back to the start. The total hike distance is about 4.2 miles and rated easy to moderate, with some hill climbs. Although the trail surface is not too difficult, it is a good idea to wear sturdy boots or shoes. Bring water and a lunch or snacks, and wear weather-appropriate clothes

A carpool will leave Oak Ridge at 8:15 am.   Meet in the parking close to Salsarita’s.