Ozone Falls

June 19, 2004

Trip Statistics:

Miles Traveled - 140

   
By

Bobby Smith

We had a small group for this ride, just 2 bikes and 4 riders but we had a great time.   Lee and Julie Gann joined Debbie and me for the ride to Ozone Falls.  None of us had been to the falls before so we had no idea what waited ahead for us.  We left the McDonald's in Farragut just after 9:00 and arrived at the falls around 10:30.  We first walked to the top of the falls and WOW... what a great view.  The falls were much taller than we had envisioned.  The water plunged into a huge pool so we decided we would have to find our way to the bottom.  The trip down took some rock hopping but it was worth the effort.  We discovered a cavern behind the falls and the temperature drop felt wonderful.  The climb out worked up our appetites, like I need any help, so we headed for Crossville and lunch.

When we arrived in Crossville we found that Main Street had been blocked off to traffic.  Apparently we had jumped into the middle of the Depot Days Festival.   Main Street was full of crafts, music, carnival rides and food vendors.  The restaurant that I had selected was closed but it didn't matter.  Big Boy's Barbecue supplied some wonderful food for us and we sat at a picnic table and watched the festivities.  Debbie made three trips by the Humane Society tent.  I thought I was going to be coming back to Knoxville with a puppy in one of the saddle bags but I managed to get away without an addition to the family.  With our bellies full we made our way to highway 298.

Highway 298 took us over the plateau through the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area.   This stretch of road gave us the type of terrain that motorcyclists don't usually pursue... flat with minimal curves.  Despite that fact I have to admit I enjoyed the ride.  We soon arrived at Highway 62 and turned toward Knoxville.  A rest break was the last stop before we all headed home after another great ride.