The Spring Big Six Waterfall Hike will let you experience six waterfalls in the course of about a six-mile hike at Fall Creek Falls.Photo by Ben BentonFall Creek Falls State Park visitors Rhonda Bigler, foreground, and Deborah Nash cross a swinging bridge for a view of Cane Creek. The park is one of 56 Tennessee State Parks hosting spring hikes Saturday, March 18.
Mother Nature's mood swings have ricocheted temperatures between balmy 70s last week into the 30s with a dusting of snow last weekend followed by a hard freeze. But the first day of spring is four days away and her mood - and temperatures - are again on the rise.
To celebrate the coming of spring, Tennessee's 56 state parks are hosting free guided hikes on Saturday, March 18, to showcase the bounty of recreational opportunities state parks offer.
Hikes will range in distance, degree of skill, accessibility, and time of day in an effort to accommodate anyone wishing to enjoy a day outdoors. Planned activities along the trails include wildlife viewing, spring clean-ups, scavenger hunts, historical interpretive programs and more.
As always, dress appropriately for the weather and wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes.
For a full list of all planned hikes Saturday, visit http://tnstateparks.com/about/special-events/spring-hike/#/?holiday= spring-hike.
Booker T. Washington State Park
* What: Spring Scavenger Hunt, 10 a.m. to noon.
* Location: 5801 Champion Road, meet at Pavilion 1-B, Recreation Area 1.
* What to bring: Cellphone or tablet with camera, water, snack. Pets on leash are welcome.
* For more information: 423-322-2712.
Cumberland Mountain State Park
* What: Spring Trek Along Pioneer Trail, 10 a.m. CDT.
* Location: 24 Office Drive, Crossville, Tenn. Meet in the park restaurant parking lot to carpool to trailhead.
* Route: Moderate, 3-mile hike to learn about plants and animals that make their homes on Cumberland Mountain.
* What to bring: Water, snacks and camera. Bring cash if you want to eat lunch at the Homestead Harvest restaurant.
* For more information: 931-484-6138 or 800-250-8618.
Cumberland Trail State Park
* What: Spring Hike Along Soak Creek, 9 a.m. CDT.
* Location: Piney River parking lot, 531 Shut-In Gap Road, Spring City, Tenn.
* Route: All ages welcome for 1- to 2-mile hike along Soak Creek on the Cumberland Trail to learn about aquatic life in creeks and streams.
* What to bring: Water. Wear shoes that won't hurt to get wet.
* For more information: 423-566-2229.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
* What: Big Six Waterfall Hike, 9:30 a.m. CDT.
* Location: 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, Tenn.
* Route: Moderately strenuous 6-mile, guided hike to the six major waterfalls at the park.
* What to bring: Water and snack.
* For more information: 423-881-3297.
Fort Loudon State Historic Park
* What: Hike To McGee- Carson home, 10-11:30 a.m..
* Location: 338 Fort Loudoun Road, Vonore, Road. Meet in parking area at end of McGee-Carson Road.
* Route: Easy hike a short distance on flat land to former location of antebellum home. All that remains is home's foundation surrounded by native grass plots.
* What to bring: Water and a jacket.
* For more information: 423-884-6217.
Harrison Bay State Park
* What: Sunrise Hike, 7:15 a.m.
* Location: 8411 Harrison Bay Road. Meet at Camp Store.
* Route: Ranger will lead walk from paved road to Harrison Bay Point to watch sun come up. This hike accommodates senior adults and persons with limited mobility.
* What to bring: Coffee and camera.
* For more information: 423- 344-6214.
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
* What: Spring Hike, 10:30 am.
* Location: 404 Spring Creek Road, Delano, Tenn. Meet at Rattlesnake Falls trailhead, located on the left when turning onto Highway 30 from Highway 64.
* Route: Moderately difficult 3-mile round-trip hike that involves a creek crossing.
* What to bring: Water and snack. Wear sturdy shoes that can get wet.
* For more information: 423-263-0050.
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
* What: History of Old Stone Fort's Waterfalls. 10 a.m. to noon CDT.
* Location: 732 Stone Fort Drive, Manchester, Tenn.
* Route: Guided tour of all the waterfalls around Old Stone Fort, and how they impacted the landscape over 2,000 years.
* What to Bring: Water.
* For more information: 931-723-5073.
Red Clay State Park
* What: Hike the Council of Trees Trail, 10 a.m.
* Location: 1140 Red Clay Park Road SW, Cleveland, Tenn. Meet at gazebo.
* Route: Easy 1.7-mile loop to enjoy sights and sounds of spring.
* What to bring: Camera, proper footwear.
* For more information: 423-478-0339.
South Cumberland State Park
* What: Denny Cove Trail Work, 9 a.m. CDT.
* Location: 11745 Highway 41, Monteagle, Tenn. Meet in Denny Cove parking area. Look for the Denny Cove sign directly across from Foster Falls Volunteer Fire Department on Highway 41, about 2 miles south of Foster Falls.
* Route: Trail maintenance on new area of South Cumberland State Park with multiple overlooks, waterfalls and rock formations.
* What to bring: Water, snacks, sturdy shoes, work gloves.
* For more information: 931-924-2980.
Tims Ford State Park
* What: Nature Photography Hike, 8-10 a.m. CDT.
* Location: 570 Tims Ford Drive Winchester, Tenn. Meet at Visitor Center.
* Route: Moderately difficult 2.5-mile hike along Lost Creek Overlook and Marble Plains trails.
* What to bring: Water and camera. Pets on leashes are welcome.
* For more information: 931-962-1183 or 800-471-5295.