Tennessee's state parks offering free guided hikes

March 13, 2017 at 1:00 a.m. | Updated March 12, 2017 at 11:48 p.m.

by Staff and Wire Reports

A park ranger leads a hike at Cumberland Mountain State Park during a Junior Ranger Camp. Tennessee’s 56 State Parks are hosting free guided hikes statewide on Saturday, March 18 to celebrate the coming of spring and the bounty of recreation opportunities state parks offer. Park staff – who can speak to the natural, cultural and historical treasures that all Tennessee State Parks have to offer – will guide free hikes throughout the day. From the cypress swamps of the Mississippi River in West Tennessee to the rugged ridge tops and waterfalls in the middle of the state to the majestic mountains in the East, every park showcases a unique piece of Tennessee’s outdoor beauty.
A park ranger leads a hike at Cumberland Mountain State Park during a Junior Ranger Camp. Tennessee’s 56 State Parks are hosting free guided hikes statewide on Saturday, March 18 to celebrate the coming of spring and the bounty of recreation opportunities state parks offer. Park staff – who can speak to the natural, cultural and historical treasures that all Tennessee State Parks have to offer – will guide free hikes throughout the day. From the cypress swamps of the Mississippi River in West Tennessee to the rugged ridge tops and waterfalls in the middle of the state to the majestic mountains in the East, every park showcases a unique piece of Tennessee’s outdoor beauty.

NASHVILLE - Tennessee's state parks are offering free guided hikes to celebrate the coming of spring.

The state's Department of Environment and Conservation says all 56 state parks will be hosting free hikes on March 18.

Officials said the hikes will be guided by park staff. The hikes range in distance, degree of skill, accessibility and time of day.

"For 80 years, our state park system has created outdoor adventures and recreational opportunities for all Tennesseans," Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Conservation Brock Hill said in a news release. "We are always excited to highlight our state's beauty and special stories."

Activities planned along the trails will include wildlife viewing, spring cleanups, scavenger hunts, historical interpretive programs and more.

Some area hikes that day will include:

  • Spring Trek, 10 a.m. at Cumberland Mountain State Park
  • Spring Hike at Soak Creek, 9 a.m. at Cumberland Mountain State Park
  • Spring Big Six Waterfall Hike, 9:30 a.m. at Fall Creek Falls State Park
  • Spring Sun Rise Hike, 7:15 a.m. at Harrison Bay State Park
  • Spring Hike, 10:30 a.m. at Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
  • Natchez Trace Spring Trek, 9-11 a.m. at Natchez Trace State Park
  • Spring Hike: The History of Old Stone Fort's Waterfalls, 10 a.m. at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
  • Red Clay Spring Hike, 10 a.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park.

A full list of planned hikes for March 18 is available at tnstateparks.com.

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