My Short Cut Hike up Chuckey Mountain
Our Attempt to Climb Chuckey Mountain
We planned to hike two miles up Chuckey Mountain in the Cherokee National Forest, following the Meadow Creek Mountain Trail. However, once we started, it was clear the mountain had other plans for us.
Our first challenge was taking off our shoes to cross an overflowing creek. After that, the trail went from easy to difficult, with clear signs it hadn’t been maintained. Rain had washed away parts of the path, so we climbed over tree roots and loose rocks. Wet leaves and fallen twigs made every step tricky. About a mile and a half in, the trail narrowed along a steep ravine, still hidden under leaves.
As I looked at the trail, I realized it was more than I could handle. I knew if I kept going, fear might stop me in my tracks. So I decided to turn back while I still could. Sometimes, a good hike means knowing when to stop and being okay with that.
