As part of America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes, area state parks are offering hikes on Jan. 1 to get outside, enjoy nature and start the new year off on the right foot.
Hikes will be approximately a mile, tailored for novice hikers; others lengthier and geared to experienced hikers. Some begin just before midnight on New Year’s Eve so participants hike into the new year; most are New Year’s Day. At South Cumberland State Park, hikers will get up before the crack of dawn to hike to Great Stone Door bluff and watch the first sunrise of the new year.
All are free with the exception of Cloudland Canyon State Park, where participants will pay a $5 parking fee.
Start a new family tradition in 2019 by joining a First Day Hike.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON STATE PARK
» Where: 5801 Champion Road
» When: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1
» For more information: 423-894-4955
Meet a ranger at Recreation Area 1 for hike. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, bring water.
CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK
» Where: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, Georgia
» When: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1
» For more information: 706-657-4050
This hike will feature a lesser-known section of Overlook Trail and a connecting portion of Bear Creek Trail with the final destination of the pond and meadow area. Hikers will return by backtracking to the main picnic area.
CUMBERLAND TRAIL, SIGNAL MOUNTAIN
» Where: Signal Point, 116 Signal Point Road
» When: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1
» For more information: 423-566-2229
Join ranger Jordan Sikkema for a hike leading from Signal Point into the gorge, across Middle Creek and up out of Edwards Point. Along the way, hikers will learn about threats to local forests and efforts being made to protect our natural resources.
This will be an out-and-back hike; a strenuous 6-mile round trip estimated to last about 5 hours. Wear closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, dress for the weather, bring water and lunch/snacks.
FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK
» Where: 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, Tennessee
» When: 10 a.m. CST, Tuesday, Jan. 1
» For more information: 423-881-3297
This 3-mile hike travels from the Nature Center to the base of Fall Creek Falls. Dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes; bring water and snacks.
HARRISON BAY STATE PARK
» Where: 8411 Harrison Bay Road
» When: 11:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, to midnight Tuesday, Jan. 1
» For more information: 423-344-6214
Join ranger Matt Vawter to hike into 2019. Come prepared for the cold night. Participants will meet at the Star Walk trail across from the Interpretive Center, which has good visibility and relatively flat terrain.
HIWASSEE/OCOEE SCENIC RIVER STATE PARK
» Where: 404 Spring Creek Road, Delano, Tennessee
» When: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1
» For more information: 423-263-0050
Join a ranger at the park office for a short, one-mile round-trip, strenuous hike. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. The incline of the trail is very steep. Hikers will watch the sunset from the cliffs above the Hiwassee River.
RED CLAY STATE PARK
» Where: 1140 Red Clay Park Road, Cleveland, Tennessee
» When: 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1
» For more information: 423-478-0339
Meet at the gazebo to join a ranger for an informative half-mile guided tour of the park grounds. Hikers will learn about 19th-century Cherokee culture and Red Clay’s significance to the Trail of Tears. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Bring water.
SOUTH CUMBERLAND STATE PARK
» Where: 11745 Highway 41, Monteagle, Tennessee
» When: 7 a.m. CST Tuesday, Jan. 1
» For more information: 931-924-2980
Meet at Stone Door parking lot and join a ranger for a short 2-mile hike to the Great Stone Door bluff for the first sunrise of 2019.
The Great Stone Door was used by early settlers as a passageway from the top of the plateau into the gorges below. Like a giant door left ajar, the crack is 10 feet wide and 100 feet deep. The surrounding cliffs offer spectacular views across the Savage Gulf State Natural Area.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring a bottle of water and don’t forget your camera.