Stillhouse Hollow Falls Hike Slated For November 3

Nashville, Tenn. – The Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Natural Areas will host a guided hike at Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area in Maury County near Summerton on Nov. 3.  Participants should meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m.

Stewardship Ecologist Forrest Evans will take hikers to the base of the area’s waterfall. The hike is short but steep, and it may include an off-trail excursion to a scenic viewpoint. “This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the fall colors at one of Tennessee’s newest state natural areas,” Evans said.

Participants should bring water, snacks, and appropriate footwear and should dress in layers. Reservations are required for the guided hike and can be made by contacting Forrest Evans by phone at (615) 532-0431 or by email at forrest.evans@state.tn.us.

Stillhouse Hollow Falls is a 90-acre state natural area located in Maury County, approximately 21 miles from Columbia and three miles from Summerton. The natural area is named for its most significant feature – Stillhouse Hollow Falls. Here, an unnamed tributary offers a number of scenic cascades before plunging 75 feet over the falls. A deep hollow lies below the falls and is surrounded by steep slopes, creating a rich habitat for many native species.

The hike at Stillhouse Hollow Falls is part of a series of monthly, guided field trips to Tennessee State Natural Areas offered by the department’s Division of Natural Areas.  Tennessee has 77 designated State Natural Areas throughout the state, covering approximately 110,000 acres of ecologically significant lands.  More information about Tennessee’s natural areas program, including a complete list of all natural areas and scheduled field trips, can be found at http://state.tn.us/environment/na/.