Three hiking clubs exist in Tellico Village, but one stands out by going the distance.
The Tellico Village Hikers travel farther and typically take on harder hikes than most groups like the New Villagers, member Dolly Garnett said.
According to member Bev Hawkins, Muddy Boots focuses on new Villagers and Ladies Who Hike is a women-only group.
“One of the advantages of being in this group is it’s a good way to explore scenic areas of East Tennessee, and you meet other hikers and can socialize at the same time with fellow hikers during the hike and on the drive back and forth to the hike,” Garnett said.
The group plans hiking trips twice a month, and Garnett said she has records showing hikes from the group since 1996, but she was unsure about the specific history of the club. She said the group used to hike just once per month, and that changed around the time she joined the club.
Garnett moved to the Village nine years ago, she said.
“I like the out of doors and love to hike,” Garnett said. “I came from Illinois, and there wasn’t a lot of hiking there. So this was a good place to do so.”
Typically, 15-20 people join the group for bimonthly hikes, Garnett said, noting that participation depends on the distance and difficulty. Everyone has different preferences.
Hawkins moved to the Village after retiring from Michigan, where she taught and sponsored a school hiking club. She joined the Village Hikers, but chooses to participate in other hiking clubs as well.
“I think it keeps people active,” Hawkins said. “I love the outdoors. ... Getting into the woods is just amazing. ... It keeps you healthy.”
Members all have their favorite hikes for different reasons, but Hawkins, Garnett and member Bob Kutschera all agreed that one trail stood out. Mt. LeConte made the list for top hikes to take by all three members. LeConte stretches 11 miles total and is located at Newfound Gap Road.
“They all have their own personalities,” Kutschera said. “Some hikes run along rivers. Some hikes are high elevation like LeConte. Gregory Bald in June with the flaming azaleas is magnificent.”
Other trails members mentioned were Alum Cave Bluff and Charlies Bunion.
Hawkins said one of the best trails the club hikes in Tellico is the East Lakeshore Trail, which was created through the help of Villagers. Members found themselves recently hiking the Twin Arches, which Kutschera referred to as “fabulous.”
The club has no annual fee. Those who are interested in the club may sign up on an email list and participate in the hikes at their convenience.
According to Hawkins, who is also part of the 900-mile hiking club, anyone can attend. Participation has no restrictions except that people outside Tellico Village are not permitted to join. Most of the hiking trips are less than 50 miles from the Village.
“If I know that somebody likes hiking, I would tell them that our club has easy, moderate and difficult hikes,” Kutschera said. “So we’re a diverse hiking club.”
