Senic Spur Trail - December 23, 2006 - Member Trip Report

Hike Name:	Senic Spur Trail
Country:	United States
State:	Tennessee
Trip Rating:
Trip Date:	December 23, 2006
Duration:	3 hours
Trail Conditions:	Good
Trail Traffic:	None
Trip Weather:	Partly Sunny
Trip Winds:	Light
Trip Precipitation:	None
Trip Temperature:	High: 51-60, Low: 51-60 degrees Fahrenheit
Trip Report:	This is an awesome hike with a bit of national news media history according to the locals in the area. We completed this hike, my Mother, and Son (3). According to the locals this is the area in which a bear attacked a mother and her two children, killing one child and possibly the mother due to injuries, that part is a bit sketch. I saw at least three fresh bear scratchings along the route, however, none of us knew this was the area in which the attack had happened or the "trail boss", the missus wouldn't have let us go on this one. Aside from all that business, this was an outstanding hike, clearly marked with great rock ourcroppings for the kiddies to climb. The trail just got a good trimming and is in very good shape. The two water crossings weren't much at all although they were ankle deep. The rocks are slippery so use your head or you'll be feeling soggy. I would highly recommend a good pair of watertight Goretex hiking boots. My Mom didn't fair too well in tennis shoes. The boy had a blast and I only had to carry him a short ways after he tired out in the afternoon. Going to the falls is more strenous than the return trip but it's a very easy hike with some great scenery if you remeber to look around as you charge towards your objective. To get to the attack area: Once you make it to the first waterfall, go around it to the left and take the road on up a ways more to the second waterfall. This is the supposed area the attack took place.