Jeff Mullins will be expressing his love of nature this weekend through hiking and photography.

Mullins is one of the creators of a hiking group known as Over the Mountain Hiking Club. The club formed in 2017 after coworkers, who knew Mullins loved to hike, expressed interest in forming a group.

This weekend’s hike will be taking place in Hampton. Mullins said he completed this particular hike several years ago.

Mullins said he and fellow hikers have explored various parts of the area and beyond since the group formed.

“The furthest we’ve hiked was Mount Le Conte in the Smoky Mountains, but we’ve hiked in Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Elizabethton, Roan Mountain,” he said.

The group is welcome to anyone to join, however Mullins urges medical approval first and sensible shoes.

Planning hikes is usually done by the several original members. Mullins will discuss with them when they are available to go and usually do when there is a general consensus to do so. The group has hiked as many as 10 miles before and they usually occur once a month.

Mullins also said that the group does go slow on hikes, only going as fast as the slowest person there.

On these hikes, Mullins captures scenes of nature. He said his favorite is waterfalls. After capturing photos on the hikes, he posts them on social media.

“For people who can’t get out and hike anymore, when I post pictures, I want them to feel like they’re on the hike out there with me,” he said.

As for planning what photos to take on hikes, Mullins said he has recently been taking them as he goes instead and enjoys the result.

“Over the years I’ve slowed down to find the little thing, and it’s kind of funny. It’s one of the things I started doing when I started the club,” he said.

In addition to hiking in the group, Mullins has also traveled all over the country to hike and take photos, some of which have been printed and sold. Mullins recounted one photo someone purchased reminded them of their parents who used to hike in that area and that their father had passed away. He said stories like these mean a lot to him.

Hikes with the club are free. Mullins said 15 to 16 people have already expressed interest in this weekend’s hike.

Those wishing to join future hikes can visit the Over the Mountain Hiking Club Facebook page for additional information on the hikes and can reach Jeff Mullins at 423-429-9875.