April 3, 2026 - Good Friday At Racoon Mountain
Awakening on the morning of Good Friday, the sky is ablaze with a dramatic red sunrise, a solemn yet awe-inspiring herald of our Lord’s Passion.
Hiking through the quiet woods, enveloped in the gentle whispers of creation, it is easy to be lulled by the beauty and peace around us and momentarily forget the unimaginable suffering Christ endures this day for our salvation. In the stillness, I am transported back over two thousand years, imagining the bustling streets of Jerusalem, where many may have hurried about their preparations for the Passover, unaware of the divine sacrifice unfolding in their midst. The crimson sky mirrors the blood Christ will shed, and in that sacred light, my heart aches with gratitude and reverence for the love that redeems us all.
February 27, 2026 - Racoon Mountain Loop Along the Dam
Walking along the base of the 230-foot wall of rock that stretches nearly a mile across the valley, I feel the quiet humility of a creature standing before a power not his own
The 49°F starting temp gave us a perfect oportunity to try out a new loop that takes us to the visitor center. The 4mile loop starts at the same parking lot as the others so we can combine them to make various total distances up to 10 miles.
From the parking lot we descend to the base of the dam. Walking along the base of the 230-foot wall of rock that stretches nearly a mile across the valley, I feel the quiet humility of a creature standing before a power not his own; above me rest nearly twelve billion gallons of water, held back in solemn stillness, a vast weight that reminds the soul how small it truly is. In that shadow I think of the Apostles in the Upper Room, waiting in prayer and uncertainty until the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost like a rushing wind (Acts 2:2), not to crush but to transform, not to overwhelm but to give life and courage. Just as the dam restrains immense force until it is released for the good of many, so the Spirit—poured out by the mercy of God—moves through the Church with quiet yet immeasurable power. Standing there, dwarfed by stone and water, I am reminded that the same Lord who commands the seas also fills the hearts of the faithful; and in that realization, like the Apostles before the flame-tongues of Pentecost, the only fitting response is reverence, gratitude, and a humble prayer: Veni, Sancte Spiritus, come Holy Spirit, and let Your power flow where You will.
The Trail turns away from the dam and contours along the western ridge of Racoon Mountain. The view of the Tennessee River meandering along is amazing especially in these months when the leaves are gone.
A welcome pit stop at the Visitor Center bathrooms
View to the east from the Visitor Center
As I walk along the road atop the dam in my smallness, with the water on one side and the steep drop on the other, I am struck by the contrast between life and death, salvation and destruction. The water, with its vast power, reminds me of the saving grace of baptism—where the waters cleanse us, washing away the old self and raising us to new life in Christ. Yet, the drop on the other side echoes the depth of anguish that sin brings, pulling us into despair and separation from God. In the midst of this tension, I see the path laid before me: it is only through the grace of baptism, and the sustaining power of God’s mercy, that I can remain steady, walking away from the edge of ruin and into the fullness of life in Him.
January 30, 2026 - Racoon Mountain Double Loop
Two loops are better than one for a total of over 5 miles! A feature of this route is the cars being parked at the intersection of the loops. You can bail after the first if needed.
Chemical hand warmers were a must with the frigid 24°F start!
