While some groups in Tellico Village drive miles to explore some of the trails offered in the Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas, others are taking advantage of the beauty offered a little closer to home.
The East Lakeshore Hikers meet every third Tuesday of the month in Tellico Village and hike from different trailheads of the East Lakeshore Trail.
“Typically what we do is we’ll start with the most northern part of the trail and work our way down each month,” Larry Elder, East Lakeshore Hikers leader and co-founder, said.
The group was founded five years ago with the help of Elder and Jon Foreman to provide Village residents the opportunity to experience different trailheads and enjoy time together.
“I think it started out because there were so many new people coming into the Village,” Elder said. “There were a lot of people who weren’t aware of this trail system in our own backyard. It was a way to introduce them to the trails, how to get to every single trailhead and learn what it’s like. It’s also great because many of the residents will have visitors come in and they want to do something for the day, so they can know how to access the trails and go on a nice, easy hike with great scenery all throughout.”
The East Lakeshore Trail system was first developed in 2003 when a small group of Loudon County residents helped form the Watershed Association of the Tellico Reservoir, or WATeR.
Those involved with the early formation of WATeR were concerned about the loss of the natural undeveloped east lakeshore of Tellico Lake.
“They came up with the concept of developing a trail,” Bob Martin, WATeR board member, said. “It was a major community, recreational asset that might also help deter future sale of land on the underdeveloped, natural side of the lake for commercial and residential development.”
The trail was completed on Dec. 1, 2014, extending 28.5 miles from its northern terminus near the U.S. Highway 321 canal bridge to its southern terminus at the Wildcat Pointe Trailhead located off East Coast Tellico Parkway, close to U.S. Highway 411.
In all, there are nine separate branches of the trail supported by eight developed trailhead parking areas with information map kiosks. There are also 35 handmade benches, bridges and boardwalk structures of various lengths throughout the trail system.
“I think with our group, it’s a fun and easy way to explore all that the trail system has to offer,” Foreman said. “It’s not hard because, really, we’ll usually just hike a maximum of three or four miles. Additionally, the entire East Lakeshore Trail travels across so much beauty with the lake and views.”
Although group members mainly enjoy the hiking experience, they also help maintain the trails.
“Everyone loves to come out and hike but they also know the importance of these trails,” Foreman said. “We like to come out and also help keep the trails clean and everything. Plus, it’s all just a nice social thing where people can enjoy spending time together and getting out in nature.”
The group meets at 9 a.m. every third Tuesday of the month at the Poplar Springs boat ramp. For more information about the East Lakeshore Trail, visit online at www.tellicowater.org.
“I think it’s really unique because it’s all pretty close to Tellico Village,” Marsha Foreman, East Lakeshore Hikers member, said. “We’re always back before noon every time, so it’s not an all day thing. There are so many trails that give you different scenery each time. Some are level, you know, and some are little more of a climb. Plus, I enjoy it because it’s allowed me to make different friendships and enjoy being with one another.”
