Take a hike Friday

Tennessee state parks can help you burn calories

photo A bald eagle takes flight at Harrison Bay State Park. Area residents can get out among the wildlife in a series of Day After Thanksgiving Hikes on Friday at all 55 Tennessee state parks.

You don't have to walk the mall to work off your Thanksgiving calories. All of Tennessee's 55 state parks will offer free, guided hikes on Friday, Nov. 28, the fourth in a series of quarterly hikes.

Hikes are designed for all ages and abilities. Some will be about a mile in length and tailored for novices, while others are lengthier and geared toward more experienced hikers. A couple are disguised as volunteer work days.

Wherever you go, you'll need to tote water and wear sturdy shoes and clothing appropriate for being outdoors a couple of hours.

For more information, visit tnstateparks.com/about/special-events/after-thanksgiving-hike.

> Booker T. Washington, Chattanooga: Watch the sunrise on a Wake-Up Wellness Walk along the shoreline starting at 7:30 a.m. from Recreation Area 1. Leashed pets are welcome. 423-894-4955.

> Cumberland Mountain, Crossville: Meet on the restaurant terrace at 2 p.m. CST for an easy, one-mile hike along the Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail and a stop at the new Interpretive Museum to learn about the park's history. 931-484-6138.

> Cumberland Trail, Crab Orchard: Choose an easy, 2.5-mile loop hike to see Black Mountain's maze of rock pinnacles, bluffs and overlooks, or contribute two to five hours to trail construction at the bottom of the bluffs. Hikers meet at 10 a.m. at the Black Mountain Trailhead, trail workers at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. (all times Central). Dress for cold weather; Black Mountain rises almost 1,000 feet higher than the surrounding plateau. Trail workers should register with their name and contact number at 423-566-2229 or Cumber land.Trail@tn.gov.

> Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville: Called the Turkey Pen Spin, this moderate, 2.5-mile round-trip to the park's namesake falls follows the Turkey Pen Ridge Trail. Meet at the Campers Check-in Station at 9 a.m. CST. (On Saturday, Nov. 29, explore the park system's newest state natural area with an 18-mile scenic drive and 1.5-mile hike to the Lost Creek waterfall. Meet at the Nature Center at 9 a.m. CST. Total time out is about three hours.) 423-881-5298.

> Fort Loudoun, Vonore: Take a guided tour of the British fort and Cherokee dwellings at Fort Loudoun, a representation of one of the earlier British fortifications on the Western frontier and a National Historic Landmark. Tour will last about an hour and cover under two miles. Meet at the park office at 1 p.m. 931-484-6138.

> Harrison Bay, Chattanooga: This moderate, 4.5-mile hike showcases views of Chickamauga Lake. Meet at 3 p.m. at the parking lot on the hill behind the marina. 423-344-6214.

> Hiwassee/Ocoee, Delano: Hike the loop around the Gee Creek Campground, picking up trash and learning the park's history. Meet at the bathhouse at 10 a.m. 423-263-0050.

> Old Stone Fort, Manchester: Volunteers are needed for an invasive plant pull to aid in the preservation of the entrance mounds. All tools will be provided. Meet at the park museum at 10 a.m. CST. 931-723-5073.

> Red Clay, Cleveland: This 45-minute hike details the history of the park and its connection to the Trail of Tears. Starts at 8:30 a.m. at the gazebo. 423-478-0339.

> South Cumberland, Sewanee: Volunteer for Buggy Top Trail maintenance in the Carter State Natural Area. Work may be strenuous at times. Meet at 10 a.m. CST in the CSNA parking lot. 931-924-2980.

> Tims Ford, Winchester: This 2.2-mile hike on the Lost Creek Overlook Trail includes hilly terrain, two swinging bridges and overlook views of Tims Ford Lake. Starts at 10 a.m. CST from the Visitor Center. 931-962-1183.

Upcoming Events