Sun, Dec 21 2025 - Welcome Winter! Solstice Sunrise and Cherokee Trail Hike (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Lisa Participants: Lisa, Clay Davies, Susan Scott, Jeffrey, Kelly, Timmy Liu, Jenny P, Teresa Libbey, Angela B, Paresh

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Everyone arrived a little early - impressive for a sunrise hike - so we started up the mountain in the morning twilight. We reached the summit under brightening skies and joined several other folks gathered to watch the sun make a grand appearance. The orange orb showed up right on time, as always, so we relaxed into friendly conversation and snapped a few pics before heading back down. We took the road less traveled through the woods and spotted several deer with their white tails bobbing along ahead of us. 

We picked up the Cherokee Trail and followed it as blue skies started to emerge from the clouds. We encountered geese and mallards and heard songbirds twittering in the trees. After climbing the last steep section of the Cherokee Trail, we paused all together and observed a quiet moment at the exact time of the winter solstice. We completed our descent and were happily surprised to find Trish and Joe and their pups greeting us at the bottom. 

What a wonderful group of hikers! Feeling grateful for the AOC.