The spring hike at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park will start at the park museum. Participants will learn about the builders of the prehistoric Old Stone Fort Enclosure.Spring Hike Photo Contest
To participate in the Spring Hike Photo Contest, post your photo at a Tennessee state park on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #springhikeTN for a chance to win Tennessee State Parks merchandise.
Peach State adventures
Nearby Georgia state parks are celebrating spring and St. Patrick’s Day this weekend.› Pot o’ Gold Hike: Learn about Georgia’s rich gold-mining history and even pan for gold on a 3-mile hike at Fort Mountain State Park, 181 Fort Mountain Park Road in Chatsworth, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 19. Recommended for ages 10 and older, the hike is considered slightly strenuous and has several creek crossings. Cost is $7, and the parking fee is $5. RSVP to 706-422-1932.› Wilds of the West Rim Day Hike: This weekly series of Sunday hikes in Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road in Rising Fawn, continues March 20 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The 5-miler follows the West Rim Loop Trail and details the park’s plants, wildlife and geology. Bring a brown-bag lunch and water. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Cost is $5 per person, $15 per family. Parking fee is $5. 202-895-4050› Wildflower Hike: Take a walk through Sitton’s Gulch to see the abundance of blooming wildflowers in the limestone-rich soil of Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road in Rising Fawn. Participants will use a checklist and identification books to accurately record many of the species in bloom. Recommended for ages 10 and older, the walk is 1 mile of flat trail by the river. Next dates are 3-5 p.m. Sunday, March 20; 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 26; 3-5 p.m. Monday, April 4; and 3-5 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Cost is $10, plus a $5 parking fee. Reservations are required. 706-913-7170.
Deciduous trees might rightfully feel neglected this time of year. Fall, after all, is when they put on their biggest show of color and leaf peepers gush superlatives about those glorious bursts of yellow, orange and red.
But spring’s no slouch. Look closely and you’ll see that those budding leaves are not a single shade of green but multiple hues – emerald, teal, celadon, jade.
You probably don’t need an excuse to be outside this time of year, but Tennessee state parks will offer a little extra incentive with 56 spring hikes on Saturday, March 19. While you’re out, snap a picture for a photo contest that can win you park merchandise.
Hikes range in distance, degree of skill, accessibility and time of day. All will be guided by staff who can speak to each park’s natural, cultural and historical treasures.
The full list of hikes is detailed at http://tnstateparks.com/about/special-event-cards/spring-hike.
Here are the outings closest to Chattanooga. Addresses listed as meeting sites may differ from a park’s physical address.
* Booker T. Washington State Park: This 2-mile Spring Hike and Scavenger Hunt, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, is perfect for Scout troops, youth groups, families and kids at heart. Bring a cellphone or tablet with a camera, as well as water, snacks or lunch. Meet at Pavilion 1B at Recreation Area 1, 5801 Champion Road in Chattanooga. 423-894-4955.
* Cumberland Mountain State Park: Take a moderate but adventurous 2-mile hike along Byrd Creek from 10 a.m. to noon CDT. Meet at the park office, 24 Office Drive, Crossville. 931-484-6138.
* Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail State Park: This exploration of the Cumberland Trail’s head of Sequatchie segment will include a visit to Devilstep Hollow Cave on the Falcon Warrior Trail (hikers will not enter the cave), the head of the Sequatchie River and the burial site of the first sheriff of Cumberland County. The moderate hike lasts from 9 to 10 a.m. CDT. Meet at 225 Tranquility Lane, Pikeville. 423-240-2239.
* Fall Creek Falls State Park: The Big 6 hike shows off the six most prominent waterfalls at the park. The hike lasts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT. Meet at the Betty Dunn Nature Center, 10821 Park Road, Pikeville. 423-881-5708.
* Fort Loudoun State Park: This walk to the fort and the village of Tuskegee includes a discussion of what life was like for inhabitants over 250 years ago. The one-hour tour starts at 2 p.m. at the Visitor Center, 338 Fort Loudoun Road, Vonore. 423-884-6217
* Harrison Bay State Park: Combine a hike with a little spring cleaning – participants will pick up litter on this short walk through moderate terrain, with wildflowers and birds to be seen along the way. The hike starts at 3 p.m. When you enter the park, at 8411 Harrison Bay Road in Chattanooga, go past the flagpole toward the campgrounds and follow to the end of the road. 423-344-6214.
* Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park: This Past the Falls hike will be an adventure for hikers 7 and older who want to see what’s beyond the falls on Gee Creek. The adventure lasts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., covers 5-plus miles and is considered moderately strenuous. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Meet at 404 Spring Creek Road in Delano. There’s a 10-person limit. Call 615-631-2916 to reserve your spot.
* Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park: This interpretive hike will give participants a chance to see the entirety of the prehistoric Old Stone Fort Enclosure, including lesser-known features of the site, and to learn about the builders. The 90-minute outing starts at 11 a.m. CDT at the park museum, 732 Stone Fort Drive, Manchester. 931-723-5073.
* Red Clay State Park: This easy, 1-mile stroll details the park’s Cherokee history. Meet at the Visitors Center, 1140 Red Clay Park Road SW in Cleveland. The hike starts at 10 a.m. 423-478-0339.
* South Cumberland State Park: Meet at the Foster Falls parking lot, 498 Foster Falls Road in Sequatchie, for a moderate, 2-mile hike to explore Foster Falls and the surrounding cliffs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. CDT. Part of this hike will be on uneven ground, so sturdy shoes are a must. 931-924-2980.
* Tims Ford State Park: This 4-mile hike on the Ray Branch Trail to Devils Den searches out a lesser-known area of the park and the park’s elusive waterfall. The outing lasts from 9 a.m. to noon CDT. Meet at the Marble Plains Baptist Church parking lot, 525 Marble Plains Road, Winchester. 931-962-1183.