Longer daylight hours, wildflowers blooming and warmer temperatures signal spring has arrived, even if you didn't know the spring equinox was March 20.
Get outside on Saturday, March 23, to enjoy Spring Hike Day at Tennessee State Parks. There are hiking adventures for all skill levels offered whether it's following a short nature trail or an all-day trek through remote stretches of land.
All hikes listed below are Saturday and are free. They will be guided by park staff. Schedules are subject to change, so it's a good idea to call and confirm the one in which you are interested before leaving home.
Booker T. Washington State Park
» Where: 5801 Champion Road, meet at Recreation Area 1
» When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Join a ranger at the recreation area for this sunset hike, a 2-mile walk discussing park plants and animals. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.
After the sun has set, participants will hike back. Bring a flashlight.
For more information: 423-322-5160.
Cumberland Trail State Park
» Where: Meet at Stinging Fork State Natural Area parking lot on Shut-In Gap Road in Spring City, Tennessee
» When: 9 a.m.-noon
Wear study boots and dress for the weather for this 3-mile, moderately strenuous, round-trip to Stinging Fork Falls. Bring lunch, snack and plenty of water.
Dogs are welcome with up-to-date vaccinations and leashes.
Although the hike is free, registration is required: 423-566-2229.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
» Where: 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, Tennessee
» When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. CDT
Meet ranger in the Nature Center parking lot and follow (driving) to the Prater Place trailhead for a 6-mile hike to Hemlock Falls and back, viewing wildflowers found in the area. This hike has some creek crossings and steep, rocky areas, so bring proper hiking gear, snacks and water.
Hike has filled. 423-881-5298.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
» Where: 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, Tennessee
» When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. CDT
Meet at Virgin Falls parking lot for a 5.5-mile, round-trip hike through terrain of the Cumberland Plateau to reach the spectacular views of Caney Fork Gorge at Martha's Pretty Point.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, bring a sack lunch and lots of water.
Free, but registration required: 423-881-5298.
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park
» Where: 338 Fort Loudoun Road, Vonore, Tennessee
» When: 11 a.m.-noon
Meet at the Visitor Center for this short, easy walk that focuses on the history of the fort. The hike will end inside the fort in time for hikers to take in the 18th-century Trades Garrison and firing of the cannon, weather permitting.
For more information: 423-420-2331.
Harrison Bay State Park
» Where: 8411 Harrison Bay Road
» When: 9 a.m.
This 2.5-mile hike includes a little spring cleaning. After all the recent rain, park rangers are asking for help cleaning up the shore line, picking up debris left on the banks by high water.
Meet at Bay Point Loop trailhead. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy boots that can get muddy.
For more information: 423-344-6214.
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
» Where: 404 Spring Creek Road, Delano, Tennessee
» When: 3-5 p.m.
Meet at Gee Creek office for easy, 1.5-mile loop in park to learn about history, native wildlife and see wildflowers. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water.
For more information: 423-263-0050.
Red Clay State Park
» Where: 1140 Red Clay Park Road SW, Cleveland, Tennessee
» When: 1-2 p.m.
Meet at gazebo for half-mile guided tour of the Red Clay Council Grounds. Wear hiking shoes, bring bug spray and water.
For more information: 423-478-0339.
South Cumberland State Park
» Where: 11745 Highway 41, Monteagle, Tennessee
» When: Noon CDT
Meet at Savage Gulf ranger station for 4-mile round-trip hike to Savage Falls.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water, snacks and camera.
For more information: 931-924-2980.