First Hikes Mark Arrival of New Year and Our 75th Anniversary
Harkening back to the long-standing Gaelic tradition of “First Footing” as an outdoor beginning to meet the New Year, Tennessee State Parks will be kicking off 2012 and our 75th Anniversary year with a series of “First Hikes” at each park. Every Tennessee State Park will host its own special hike on either Sunday, January 1or Monday, January 2 to welcome the New Year. Find a First Hike date, time and destination for you and then make plans to hit the trail as you get 2012 started off on the right foot:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Big Cypress Tree State Park. Meetup at Picnic Shelter
Come join the Friends of Big Cypress for a family hike along the park's 1/3rd of a mile tree identification trail. Three times around this trail will total one mile, then we’ll host a short program telling about the history of the park. Friends of Big Cypress Tree will serve refreshments in the picnic shelter. Trail is paved and level and suitable for wheelchairs and baby strollers. More info at www.tnstateparks.com/BigCypress.
Big Hill Pond State Park in Pocohontas (McNairy County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Big Hill Pond State Park. Meetup at Turkey Call Trail Trailhead
Big Hill Pond and Davis Bridge Battlefield invite you to participate in a family hike along the Turkey Call Trail across the Dismal Swamp Boardwalk ending at the Observation Tower. Distance out to the tower is 3.5 miles over and easy-to-moderate terrain with refreshments provided at the Observation Tower, including hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks. We will hike back to the start, where we will travel to Davis Bridge for a short interpretive hike to the Davis Bridge site. The hike begins at 1:00 pm and should last about 3 hours at Big Hill Pond and 1 hour at Davis Bridge. More info at 731-645-7967 or www.tnstateparks.com/BigHillPond
Chickasaw State Park in Henderson (Chester County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. CT Chickasaw State Park. Meetup at main parking lot near swimming area. Guided hike and short program about the history of the park. Hike will be concluded with campfire at shelter #1 complete with coffee, hot chocolate, and marshmallows. Hike will be approximately 1.5 miles long and is classified as easy to moderate as it does have a few hills. More information at 731-989-5141 or www.tnstateparks.com/Chickasaw
Fort Pillow State Park in Henning (Lauderdale County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. CT
Fort Pillow State Park. Meetup at Park Museum.
Five mile hike will begin and end at the Park Museum located at the end of Park Road. Hike will feature history surrounding the battle of April 12, 1864. Five mile hike is considered moderate as hikers are required to climb steep bluffs and steps. Hikers will have snacks, coffee, and hot cocoa. Please dress for the weather. More information at 731-738-5581 or www.tnstateparks.com/FortPillow.
Meeman-Shelby State Park in Millington (Shelby County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Meeman Shelby State Park. Meetup at Shelter #2
Start at Shelter #2, hike along the bike trail to the Woodland Trail Shelter, then return for 2.2 mile total distance. Hot chocolate and hot tea served at the shelter with bonfire and s'mores. Bike trail is paved, level and flat, suitable for strollers and bikes. More information at 901-876-5201 or www.tnstateparks.com/MeemanShelby
Natchez Trace State Park in Wildersville (Henderson County)
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. CT
Mousetail Landing State Park. Meetup at Park Headquarters
Meetup with Ranger for a 3.5-mile loop hike on Cub Lake Trail, interpreting various flora, fauna and park history along the trek. Moderate 2.5-3.0 hour hike over varying terrain so hiking boots and water are recommended. Trail winds through upland and lowland hardwood forest as it loops around Cub Lake past the Public Recreation Lodge and Rustic Cabins built in 1937 by the CCC. Meet at the Park Headquarters at 9:00 am to convoy to the Public Lodge to begin the hike. More information at 731-968-3742 or www.tnstateparks.com/NatchezTrace
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park in Eva (Benton County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. Meetup at Park Office
Meetup with Ranger Aaron Schapley for a two-mile guided hike to experience the natural beauty of Western Tennessee’s winter woods. Park will provide hot chocolate and snacks after the hike. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Hike should last around 1 hour. More information at 731-584-6356 or www.tnstateparks.com/NBForrest
Paris Landing State Park in Henry County
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 12:00 noon CT
Paris Landing State Park. Meetup at Park Inn lobby.
Meetup with Ranger Brandon Williams for a two-hour family friendly hike starting and ending at the Park Inn. Hike along the river's edge, stopping at the old swim beach for refreshments and a bonfire. Hike will be on the road so it will be suitable for strollers and bikes. Dress accordingly for weather. More information at 731-641-4465 or www.tnstateparks.com/ParisLanding
Pickwick Landing State Park in Hardin County
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Pickwick Landing State Park. Meetup at Park Inn.
Meetup with Ranger Tim Dudley for a leisurely one-mile hike on the new walking trail. Trail is paved and the terrain is gentle, so wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided. This is a rain, sleet, snow, or shine event, so please dress appropriately. More information at 731-689-3899 or www.tnstateparks.com/PickwickLanding
Pinson Mounds State Park in Madison County
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Pinson Mounds State Park. Meetup at Picnic Shelter #2.
Join us for a leisurely hike, including stops at Sauls Mound then continuing along to the Boardwalk and river overlook. Hot cocoa and tea will be available at the shelter. Hike should take 1.5 hours and will end up back at the shelter #2. Dress warmly in accordance with the weather. More info at 731-988-5614 or www.tnstateparks.com/PinsonMounds
Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tiptonville (Lake County)
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Reelfoot Lake State Park. Meetup at Park Visitor Center
From Visitor Center, we will caravan to Keystone day use area for hike on Keystone Trail, a moderate to easy 1.5-mile, in and out trail on the shoreline of Reelfoot Lake. Hike will feature earthquake history and several unique features of the area. Hot cocoa and cookies will await hikers upon their return to the Visitor Center. We recommend binoculars, camera and dress for the weather. More information at 731- 253-9652 or 731- 253-8003 or www.tnstateparks.com/ReelfootLake.
T.O. Fuller State Park in Memphis
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. CT
T.O. Fuller State Park. Meetup at Park Visitor Center
Meetup with Francis for guided 4-mile hike over moderate to rugged terrain with some wetland. Trail includes part of the Discovery Trail of the Chucalissa Indian Village. Bring water and snack. Short program and hot chocolate at the campground pavilion after the hike. Hikers are welcome to join TN Trails Association member at Interstate BBQ for lunch. More information from Francis at 662-781-5034 or park at 901-543-7581 or www.tnstateparks.com/TOFuller
Hike Details
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. CT
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Meetup under Train Trestle
Start the New Year off right with a fun and informative “hike” up to the Capitol, followed by a walking tour of the park as we kick off our celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Tennessee State Parks! Dress appropriately for the weather. Hot cocoa will be provided after the hike.For more information contactRanger Cara Alexander at cara.alexander@tn.gov or 615-741-5771 or www.tnstateparks.com/Bicentennial
Bledsoe Creek State Park in Gallatin
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. CT
Bledsoe Creek State Park. Meetup at Mayo Wix Trailhead
Join us for our “First Hike” on the Mayo Wix/Birdsong paved handicap trail. Trail is approximately one mile. Friends of Bledsoe Creek will serve hot chocolate with various refreshments. More information at 615-452-3706 or www.tnstateparks.com/BledsoeCreek
Burgess Falls State Park
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Burgess Falls State Park. Meet up at trailhead in main parking lot
Join the Park Ranger for a two-mile round trip hike to the main falls overlook at Burgess Falls. Wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear for this strenuous hike. More information at 931-432-5312 or www.tnstateparks.com/BurgessFalls
Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Lebanon
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1 at 2:00 p.m. CT
Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Meetup at Park Office
Join Park Ranger Shauna Bridgers and staff for a leisurely two-mile interpretive walk hike on the Cedar Forest Trail. Refreshments will be provided at the office before and after the hike. More information at 615-443-2769 or www.tnstateparks.com/Cedars
Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park in Byrdstown (Pickett County)
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. CT
Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park. Meet up at the Bunkum Cave Trailhead
Join us for a 2.25-mile, Level Two-rated round trip hike along the Bunkum Cave Trail with two stops along the way, first at the observation deck which Overlooks Bunkum Cave & Frog Cave. Hike will then lead to the head of Bunkum Cave where you will learn brief history about uses of the cave and its past and present inhabitants. Wear sturdy shoes and bring something to drink. More information at 931-864-3427 or www.tnstateparks.com/CordellHull
David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2:00 pm CT
David Crockett State Park. Meetup at Shelter #1.
Hike will begin at Shelter #1, then up the Overlook Trail and loop back around to Shelter #1. Hike on dirt footpath will be approximately one mile and travel across a ridgeline and down next to Shoal Creek. Along the hike we will discuss some of the park’s history and natural aspects. Upon return to Shelter #1, there will be a fire going in the fireplace and the Friends of David Crockett State Park will have hot chocolate and s’mores to share. Please remember to dress for the weather. More information at 931-762-9408 or www.tnstateparks.com/DavidCrockettSP
Dunbar Cave State Park in Clarksville
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 6:30 a.m. CT
Dunbar Cave State Park. Meetup at park office.
Interpretive Specialist Amy Wallace will be leading a sunrise First Hike from 6:30 am until 8:30 am on the 1.9-mile Recovery Trail. Wildlife habitat and tree identification in winter will be discussed. More information at 931-648-5526 or www.tnstateparks.com/DunbarCave. email amy.wallace@tn.gov
Edgar Evins State Park in Silver Point (DeKalb County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Edgar Evins State Park. Meetup at covered shelter parking lot.
Morning hike will be on the 3.5-mile Millennium Trail. Pot luck lunch of traditional New Year foods at Picnic Shelter #1 following the morning hike. Optional afternoon hike on the Highland Rim Trail after lunch. Event is free but advance reservation is requested. 3.5-mile Millennium Trail and the 2-mile Highland Rim Trail are easy to moderate. More information or register at 800-250-8619 or 931-858-3777 or www.tnstateparks.com/EdgarEvins
Fall Creek Falls State Park
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. CT
Fall Creek Falls State Park. Meetup at Park Inn lobby.
Ranger Matt Brown will lead a hike from Fall Creek Falls Inn to Fall Creek Falls via the paved bicycle trail. Refreshments will be provided at the Inn. More information at 800-250-8611 or 423-881-5298 or www.tnstateparks.com/FallCreekFalls
Harpeth River State Parkin Cheatham County
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. CT
Harpeth River State Park. Meetup at Narrows of the Harpeth parking area
Enjoy a moderate one-mile hike through the Narrows of the Harpeth, including a brief history of Montgomery Bell’s tunnel and Pattison Forge site and bluff overlooking the Narrows. More information at 615-952-2099 or www.tnstateparks.com/HarpethRiver
Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill (Marshall County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. CT
Henry Horton State Park. Meetup at Wilhoite Mill trailhead.
Enjoy a walk along the scenic Duck River and Spring Creek. Wilhoite Mill trail is a one-mile trail that includes the remnants of the Wilhoite Grist Mill and the Haunted Spring. More information at 931-364-7724 or www.tnstateparks.com/HenryHorton
Johnsonville State Parkin New Johnsonville (Humphreys County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 12:00 noon CT
Johnsonville State Park. Meetup at Kephart Nature trailhead
Combination history and nature hike along Johnsonville’s Alex Kepthart Trail Nature Trail will take approximately two hours and led by park staff into the back areas of the park. Parking for this event will be located at the upper picnic parking area. (follow the signs) Warm clothing, good shoes, and food and water are recommended. In the event of an emergency, cell service in various areas in that part of the park will work. More information at 931-535-2789 or www.tnstateparks.com/Johnsonville
Long Hunter State Parkin Rutherford County
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Long Hunter State Park. Meetup at Jones Mill Mountain Bike trailhead
Join us for this 3.5-mile hike assisted by Friends of Long Hunter. More information at 615-885-2422 or www.tnstateparks.com/LongHunter
Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns (Dickson County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Montgomery Bell State Park. Meetup at Park Office
Meetup with Ranger Tim Wheatley for refreshments and a birds of prey program. Hike starts immediately after the bird program where hikers will learn about history and natural wonder of Montgomery Bell. Returning to the park office, we will have coffee and hot chocolate. More information at 615-797-9052 or www.tnstateparks.com/MontgomeryBell
Mousetail Landing State Park in Linden (Perry County)
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Mousetail Landing State Park. Meetup at Park Office
Meetup with Ranger for a hike to Scenic Overlook of Tennessee River and Busseltown Wildlife Management Area to see the migrating ducks and geese. Trail is approximately 5 miles and hike should take less than three hours. Bring water, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes. More information at 731-847-0841 or www.tnstateparks.com/MousetailLanding
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park in Manchester (Coffee County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. CT
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. Meetup at Park Museum
Meetup with Ranger Stephanie Hayes for a hike around the 2,000 year old ceremonial enclosure called the Old Stone Fort. Hike is a 1¼ mile loop and should take up to 1½ hours to complete. Hot chocolate and coffee in the museum to follow. Wear comfortable shoes, appropriate dress for the weather and bring along some water. More information at 931-723-5073 or www.tnstateparks.com/OldStone
Port Royal State Park in Robertson County
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. CT
Port Royal State Park. Meetup at Trail of Tears Parking Lot
Ranger David Britton will lead one-hour hike over park grounds and Trail of Tears while discussing the Indian removal and significance of Port Royal. More information at 931-358-9696 or www.tnstateparks.com/PortRoyal
Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville
When:
Where:
What:
Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 10:30 p.m. CT
Radnor Lake State Park.
Midnight Moonlight Hike atRadnor Lake. Meetup with Park Manager Steve Ward for hike out and back to Harris Ridge, a recent property acquisition for the park. Hike should last about 3 hours – returning around 2:00 am on Jan. 1. More info at 615-373-3467 or www.tnstateparks.com/RadnorLake
Rock Island State Park in Warren County
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. CT
Rock Island State Park. Meetup at Park Office
Caravan from Park Office to Eagle Trailhead for 1.5-mile, moderate trail that follows the bluff line through deciduous & hemlock forest. Registration is required, contact the park office at 931-686-2471 or www.tnstateparks.com/RockIsland
Sergeant Alvin C. York State Park in Fentress County
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. CT
Alvin C. York State Park. Meetup at Sergeant York’s House.
Join us to hike the Alvin C. York Trail along the Wolf River. Cross a swinging bridge over Wolf River on our way to the burial site of Sergeant York. The hike will include some brief history about the area as well as plant and wildlife identification. We recommend sturdy shoes and bringing something to drink. Trail length is 1.2 miles round trip. More information at 931-879-6456 or www.tnstateparks.com/SgtYork
South Cumberland State Park at Stone Door
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. CT
South Cumberland State Park. Meetup at Stone Door Ranger Station
Ranger-led hike to Stone Door for a two-mile, round-trip hike rated easy, so most anyone could participate. Hot chocolate for hikers following hike. More information at 931-692-3887 or www.tnstateparks.com/SouthCumberland
Standing Stone State Park in Hilham (Overton County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Standing Stone State Park. Meetup at Park Office
Standing Stone Stroll. Meetup with Ranger Travis Stover for brisk morning hike along 1.5-mile lake trail and learn about geology, ecology, and history of Standing Stone. Dress in warm clothing and wear your hiking boots. Park will provide coffee and hot chocolate. More information at 931-823-6347 or www.tnstateparks.com/StandingStone
Tims Ford State Park in Winchester (Franklin County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. CT
Tims Ford State Park. Meetup at Park Visitor Center
Meetup with Ranger Kenny Gragg for an invigorating hike along the Marble Plains Overlook Tail. Easy hike will take you out and back to the overlook for a view of beautiful Tims Ford Reservoir for 2.2-mile total distance. More information at 931-962-1183 or www.tnstateparks.com/TimsFord
Hike Details
Big Ridge State Park in Maynardville (Union County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Big Ridge State Park. Meetup at Old Stone Office built by CCC
Ranger-led interpretive hike around Norris Lake will offer history of the park and region. One-hour hike will include various sites of interest: Big Ridge Lake Dam, Snodderly Cemetary, Norton Grist Mill and other facilities built by the CCC. More information at 865-992-5523 or www.tnstateparks.com/BigRidge
Booker T. Washington State Park in Chattanooga
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Booker T. Washington State Park. Meetup at Shelter 1B
Join us for a ranger-led, one-mile hike from the shelter through the park with hot chocolate and coffee to follow. Dress appropriately and hiking boots are recommended. More information at 423-894-4955 or www.tnstateparks.com/BookerTWashington
Cove Lake State Park in Caryville (Campbell County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Cove Lake State Park. Meetup at Picnic Shelter #1
From Picnic Shelter #1, cross over Beaver Workshop Trail and onto the Volunteer Loop Trail for a two-mile round trip ranger-led hike. Hot chocolate and water will be provided before and after the hike by the Friends of Cove Lake. More information at 423-566-9701 or www.tnstateparks.com/CoveLake
Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Cumberland Mountain State Park. Meetup at park restaurant.
Meet Ranger Monica Johnson at the park restaurant for an easy to moderate two mile hike along the banks of Byrd Creek. We will provide hot cocoa and coffee inside the restaurant at the start and end of the hike. Wear warm clothes and sturdy hiking shoes. More information at 931-484-6138 or www.tnstateparks.com/CumberlandMtn
Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail State Park in Cumberland County
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January, 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. CT
Meetup at Head of the Sequatchie Resource Management Area “Gravelly Spur Hike at the Head of the Sequatchie” hike. Gravelly Spur Road led the earliest American settlers into Sequatchie Valley from Grassy Cove in the first decade of the 19th Century. This hike will explore possible segments of the road, some areas lined with beautiful dry stacked rock fencing, and a great view of the Hinch Mountain from the "back forty" at the Head of Sequatchie Resource Management Area. Nearly two-mile hike should last about two hours. Head of Sequatchie will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 for self-guided hiking on the grounds. Call 423-566-2229 or 423-533-4003 for more information.
Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park in Limestone (Greene County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park. Meetup at Crockett Cabin.
Join us for a “Pioneer Wassel Walk.” Take a brisk hike from the Crockett Cabin, along the Limestone Creek Trail to the old Collett Mill site and back. Hot wassel and cookies will be served in the cabin before and after the hike along with olde time stories and a generous helping of history. Route is approximately one mile, consisting of mostly level walking and mild grades. Dress warm and wear appropriate shoes for trail walking. Refreshments will be served while supplies last. More information at 423-257-2167 or www.tnstateparks.com/DavyCrockettSHP. Or email mark.halback@tn.gov or dawn.coleman@tn.gov
Fort Loudoun State Park in Vonore (Monore County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Fort Loudoun State Park. Meetup at Park Visitor Center
Ranger-led day hike will be moderately difficult, covering 3.5 miles and lasting approximately two hours while it traverses fields, forests and ridgelines.
Frozen Head State Park in Morgan County
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Frozen Head State Park. Meetup at Park Visitor Center
Ranger-led hike to Emory Gap Falls. From Visitor Center, we’ll car pool to the trail head for 2.5-mile hike and return to Visitor Center for hot cocoa by 2:00 p.m. EST. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions; bring a day pack w/ lunch, water, warm gloves and hat, camera and sturdy hiking boots. More information at 423-346-3318 or www.tnstateparks.com/FrozenHead
Harrison Bay State Park in Hamilton County
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Harrison Bay State Park. Meetup at head of Bike Trail
Ranger-led, moderate 4.5-mile hike from head of Bike Trail featuring examples of local history and ecology along Chickamauga Reservoir. More information at 423-344-6214 or www.tnstateparks.com/HarrisonBay
Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers State Park in Delano (Polk County)
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Hiwassee & Ocoee Rivers State Park. Meetup at Park Office
Easy to moderate ranger-led hike to Gee Creek Falls. More information at 423- 263-0050 or www.tnstateparks.com/Hiwassee
Indian Mountain State Park in Jellico
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Indian Mountain State Park. Meetup at Main Park Office
Ranger-led interpretive hikes to discover what makes Indian Mountain unique among state parks. More information at 423-784-7958 or www.tnstateparks.com/IndianMtn
Norris Dam State Park in Lake City
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Norris Day State Park. Meetup at Tea Room parking lot
Ranger-led, 10-mile hike along Lake View Trail and Norris Lake. Hike is rated moderate with lots of elevation change. Bring some snacks and we'll have a pot luck refreshment stop! Rain or shine. More information at 865-426-7461 or www.tnstateparks.com/NorrisDam
Panther Creek State Park in Morristown (Hamblen County)
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Panther Creek State Park. Meetup at Spoone Shelter
Meetup at Spoone Shelter for ranger-led hike along majestic Point Lookout Trail to the highest elevation in the park. Moderately strenuous hike offers great views of Lake Cherokee and the surrounding ridges. Dress warm and wear sturdy shoes or boots for this event. Following hike, we will return to Spoone Shelter for hot cocoa. More information at 423-587-7046 or www.tnstateparks.com/PantherCreek
Pickett State Park in Fentress County
When:
Where:
What:
Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 10:00 p.m. CT
Pickett State Park. Meetup at the Group Camp.
Midnight Moonlight Hike at Pickett.Meetup with Ranger Travis Bow for our first Midnight Moonlight Hike. Begin with pre-hike hot chocolate by the fire and at 12:00 am begin our first hike of the year to the Thompson Overlook. Hike is approximately two miles roundtrip. Dress for the weather and prepare for some of the best night sky viewing in all of Tennessee. More information at 931-879-5821 or www.tnstateparks.com/Pickett
Red Clay State Park in Bradley County
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Red Clay State Park. Meetup at Picnic Shelter
Council of Trees Hike. Hike is approximately 1.7 miles in length and is a sloping walk. Please wear clothing appropriate for the weather, and comfortable but sturdy shoes for hiking. After a chilly walk in the winter woods, everyone can warm up at the visitor center with hot apple cider, hot chocolate, coffee and refreshments. We will have a story-telling session in the visitor center theater while everyone relaxes and warms their toes. More information at 423-478-0339 or www.tnstateparks.com/RedClay
Roan Mountain State Park in Roan Mountain (Carter County)
When:
Where:
What:
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Roan Mountain State Park. Meetup at Park Conference Center
Walking in a Winter Wonderland. Join us for a Ranger-led hike down the Tom Gray Trail as it meanders along the beautiful Doe River. Be prepared for cold and snowy conditions—the average low temperature on the Mountain in January is 24 degrees. Following the hike, return to the Conference Center to enjoy hot cocoa and homemade cookies by the hearth. More information at 1-800-250-8620 or www.tnstateparks.com/RoanMountain
Sycamore Shoals State Park in Elizabethton
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Sycamore Shoals State Park. Meetup at Park Visitor Center
First in Freedom Hike. Early settlers from different walks of life came to the frontier seeking to build a new life for their families. They found a paradise beside the Watauga River, and Sycamore Shoals became the heart of several pivotal events that were responsible for the formation of the State and the Country. Follow in the footsteps of our ancestors for a guided walk through the park. Experience the historical events surrounding Sycamore Shoals and discover challenges pioneers faced in settling the frontier, to be the first in freedom! More information at 423-543-5808 or www.tnstateparks.com/SycamoreShoals
Warriors’ Path State Park in Kingsport (Sullivan County)
When:
Where:
What:
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Warriors’ Path State Park. Meetup at Pool Parking Lot
Join award-winning Interpretive Specialist Marty Silver for a short hike through the wintry landscape. Come dressed for the weather, and be ready to explore winter habitats. More information at 423-245-6917 or www.tnstateparks.com/WarriorsPath
Don’t let the winter blues get you down…get up and get out to a Tennessee State Park! We’ll be kicking off the New Year and our Diamond Jubilee with invigorating winter walks guaranteed to rev-up your resolution and start 2012 on the right foot.
Harkening back to the long-standing Gaelic tradition of “First Footing” as an outdoor beginning to meet the New Year, Tennessee State Parks will be kicking off 2012 and our 75th Anniversary year with a series of “First Hikes” at each park. Every Tennessee State Park will host its own special hike on either Sunday, January 1or Monday, January 2 to welcome the New Year. Find a First Hike date, time and destination for you and then make plans to hit the trail as you get 2012 started off on the right foot:
