Department of Environment & Conservation
Robert Martineau, Commissioner

Division of Natural Areas

Natural Areas Events

Tennessee is fortunate to have 82 natural areas across the state. Guided hikes and tours of these ecologically significant areas are offered throughout the year and are sponsored by the Division Natural Areas and regional conservation groups.

Please Note: For most events space is limited and reservations are required. Be sure to sign up by the RSVP deadline. Trips may be cancelled in the event
of inclement weather. Leave your phone number and/or email address with the hike leader so they can reach you if plans change. If you have reserved a spot on a hike but are unable to attend, please let the hike leader know, so someone on the waiting list may take your place. Events are as accurate as possible but are subject to change. Please check with the hike leader to verify.

For more information about a specific Natural Area, including descriptions, directions and maps, click here

2013 Natural Areas Events Calendars

» Printable 2013 Events Calendar. Scroll down to see 2013 programs.

» 2013 National Trails Day Events - June 1

See Links Below for More Information

January 26 January 26	Short Springs SNA Mid-Winter Adventure Hike Day Hike to Virgin Falls SNA
February 14 February 16 February 16 February 23	Opportunity Knocks for Restoring Native Tennessee Landscapes on the Plateau Winter Day Hike at Fall Creek Falls SNA Update on Roan Mountain Invasive Plants: Winter Naturalist Rally The On-going Rowdy, Rugged, Rugbians Spiraea Pull
March 9 March 23 March 23 - FULL March 23 March 30	Opportunity Knocks for Restoring Native Tennessee Landscapes on the Plateau Early Spring Hike at Walls of Jericho Early Spring HIke at Taylor Hollow Garlic Mustard Pull on Roan Mountain State Park and on Roan Mountain Plant Walk at Ghost River SNA
April 6-14 April 20	Tennessee State Natural Areas Week Earth Day
May 7 May 18 May 18	Opportunity Knocks for Restoring Native Landscapes on the Plateau Flat Rock Cedar Glades and Barrens Endangered Species Hike Endangered Species Day Hike at North Chickamauga SNA
June 1	2013 National Trails Day Events
July 20	Summer Hike and Crawdad Hootenanny at Colditz Cove SNA
August 10 August 24 August 24	Canoe Float on the Duck River State Scenic River May Prairie SNA Walk and Talk Late Summer Hike at Dry Branch SNA
September 7 September 28	Guided Ghost River Canoe Trip National Public Lands Day
October 18 October 19 October 26 October 26	Hill Forest Natural Area Hike Fall Color Hike at Twin Arches SNA Hike to Walls of Jericho Nature Walk at Willam B. Clark SNA
November 2	The On-going Rowdy, Rugged, Rugbians Spiraea Pull

January 2013

Short Springs State Natural Area Mid-Winter Adventure Hike - Saturday, January 26, 10 a.m. CT

Location:  Meet at the Trailhead Parking Lot at Short Springs State Natural Area

Leader:  Robin Wooten, Tennessee State Parks

Reservations required:  RSVP by January 24 to Robin Wooten at 931-239-0065 or Robin.Wooten@tn.gov.

Description: Need to burn some winter energy in a beautiful setting? Join us for a mid-winter adventure hike an ALL the trails at Short Springs State Natural Area. Hikers will enjoy a 3 mile hike on Busby Falls, Adams Falls, and Machine Falls Loop Trails. We will add on an optional 1.5 mile Laurel Bluff Loop Trail hike at the end for those interested. These trails have many ups and downs, creek crossings and beautiful waterfalls so be prepared for slowing going & gorgeous scenery. Dress warmly in layers, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and lunch.  For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about this as well as any other State Natural Area, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/shortspr/. For those interested in nearby lodging, please consider Old Stone Fort State Park http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/OldStoneFort/ or Tims Ford State Park http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/TimsFord/.

 

Day Hike at Virgin Falls State Natural Area - Sat., January 26, 7:30 a.m. CT
Location:  Meet at the Nashville Kroger store parking lot at 5544 Old Hickory Blvd, Hermitage near Summit Medical Center east of Nashville.  We will carpool and caravan to the trail head.
Leader:  Forrest Evans, Division of Natural Areas
Reservations required:  RSVP by January 25 to Forrest Evans, 615-532-0431, or Forrest.Evans@tn.gov.
Description:  Journey through the scenic beauty of one of Tennessee's best-loved hiking trails at Virgin Falls State Natural Area. We will take the strenuous 8-mile trail to the falls. This trail descends off of the Plateau, and meanders along a creek passing caves, sinks, and waterfalls. We will have lunch at the falls, which is remarkable due to the water pouring out of a cave mouth at the top of a bluff then falling over a hundred feet before being swallowed up by a sinkhole at the bottom. The trail then backtracks up and out of the gulf to the parking area. We will not go if it is raining or it is predicted to rain. Consult a weather report before the trip. Dress warmly in layers, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and lunch. As with any strenuous backcountry hiking trip, please do not attempt this hike unless you are in good condition and able to negotiate difficult trail situations. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about this as well as any other State Natural Area, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: www.tn.gov/environment/na/.   Overnight accommodations at Cumberland Mountain State Park http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/CumberlandMtn/ or Fall Creek Falls State Park http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/ are both about an hour away for those wishing to meet at the trail head.

 

February 2013

Opportunity Knocks for Restoring Native Tennessee Landscapes on the Plateau:  The Old Bowater Pine Plantations - Thurs., February 14, 6:30 p.m. CT
Location: First United Methodist Church Annex, 69 Neecham St., Crossville, TN
Leader:  Lisa Huff, Tennessee Natural Areas Program, Lisa.Huff@tn.gov

Description: Enjoy a presentation with the Plateau Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association on opportunities for recreation and native plant community restoration on the Plateau in the old pine plantations formerly owned by Bowater, but now in state ownership.  Learn more about how much of this property the state owns, where it is, what condition it’s in and what the current options are for the managing state agencies.  For information on lodging and camping, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/CumberlandMtn/.

 

Winter Day Hike at Fall Creek Falls State Natural Area - Saturday, February 16, 10 a.m. CT

Location: Meet at the Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls State Park

Leader: David Lincicome, Division of Natural Areas.

Sponsors: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, Fall Creek Falls State Park

Reservations required: RSVP by February 14, 2013 to David Lincicome at (615) 532-0439 or David.Lincicome@tn.gov.

Description: Come out on a brisk winter Saturday to hike Cane Creek Gorge Overlook Trail and Woodland Trail to create a loop.  Hikers will see Cane Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls and overlooks of Cane Creek Gorge – 2 miles.  Alternate trail will be Paw Paw Loop Trail which includes the overlooks of Cane Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls and Cane Creek Gorge – 3 miles.  We will decide on which trail based on the group and weather. Dress warmly in layers, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and lunch or a snack.  This trip will be limited to 20 guests. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about this as well as any other State Natural Area, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/fallcreek/.  For information on lodging or camping at Fall Creek Falls, visit http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/lodging/

 

Update on Roan Mountain Invasive Plants:  Winter Naturalist’s Rally, Roan Mountain State Park - Sat., February 16, 12 p.m. ET
Location: Roan Mountain State Park, Conference Center 
Leader: Lisa Huff, Tennessee Natural Areas Program, Lisa.Huff@tn.gov
Description: Around lunch time during the winter rally, Lisa Huff will provide a short presentation to update everyone on efforts to control exotic invasive plants on the Roan undertaken in 2012 and plans for 2013. The update will include information on things removed in 2012 and the level of effort applied, as well as new and emerging threats and recommendations for future coordination. We will also announce and plan our March garlic mustard pull. For information on lodging and camping, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/RoanMtn/.

 

The On-going Rowdy, Rugged, Rugbians Spiraea Pull – Saturday, February 23, 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Rugby State Natural Area
Leader: Lisa Huff, Tennessee Natural Areas Program, lisa.huff@tn.gov
Description: The Rowdy, Rugged Rugbians continue their battle to save the Rugby State Natural Area from a dreadful Japanese spiraea invasion. If you want to have lunch before the event, we’ll meet at the Harrow Road Café in Historic Rugby for lunch at 12:00 noon Eastern time and then head into the natural area approximately 1:00 p.m. Eastern time, starting from the Visitors’ Centre parking lot, to continue pulling Japanese spiraea. We intend to concentrate on an area that has a lot of large, mature plants, to prevent them from making seed this year. The weather could be crisp, so wear layers. Bring your work gloves, too. We always have fun. Just ask any of the Rowdy, Rugged Rugbians! For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps about this and other state natural areas visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/. For nearby camping and accommodations, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Pickett/.

 

March 2013

Opportunity Knocks for Restoring Native Tennessee Landscapes on the Plateau:  The Old Bowater Pine Plantations - Saturday, March 9, 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Historic Rugby Johnson Theatre & Rugby State Natural Area

Leader: Lisa Huff, Tennessee Natural Areas Program, Lisa.Huff@tn.gov
Description: Enjoy a presentation in the lovely Johnson Theatre at Historic Rugby to learn about opportunities for recreation and native plant community restoration on the Plateau. Pine plantations formerly owned by Bowater, but now in state ownership, will be the subject of the talk. Learn more about how much of this property the state owns, where it is, what condition it’s in and what the current options are for the managing state agencies. This talk will last about one hour. After the talk, participants are invited to hike with Lisa to the Massengale Homeplace which has exactly the type of landscape that is featured in the presentation…a living artifact of days gone by. The hike is easy to moderate, about 1.5 miles round trip and should take around one to two hours. It will be an early evening hike, so we may get to see some vultures coming in to settle on their roosts for the night! For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps about this and other state natural areas visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/. For nearby camping and accommodations, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Pickett/.

 

Early Spring Hike at Walls of Jericho State Natural Area - Saturday, March 23, 7:30 a.m. CT
Location: Meet at the Nashville Target store parking lot off of Bell Road near Hickory Hollow 5330 Cane Ridge Rd Antioch, TN 37013.  We will carpool and caravan from here.
Leader: Forrest Evans, Tennessee Natural Areas Program
Reservations required: RSVP by March 22 to Forrest Evans, 615-532-0431, or Forrest.Evans@tn.gov 
Description: Journey through the springtime beauty at the Walls of Jericho State Natural Area in Franklin County. This strenuous 8-mile hike descends 600 feet into the "Walls" and continues along the creek to an amazing canyon of sheer rock bluffs, caves, and waterfalls. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and lunch. This hike is strenuous and participants should be in good physical condition. The trip will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about the Walls of Jericho SNA, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/jericho/. For nearby lodging and camping, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/TimsFord/.

 

Early Spring Hike at Taylor Hollow State Natural Area, Sumner County – Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. CT – approx. 12:30 p.m. ---- FULL and no longer taking reservations.

Location: We will meet at in front of 671 Phillips Hollow Road, Westmoreland, in northeast Sumner County.

Leader: Roger McCoy, roger.mccoy@tn.gov

Description: As the first property acquired by the Tennessee Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, Taylor Hollow State Natural Area is renowned for its floral display and a number of state-listed plant species. The Division of Natural Areas normally leads hikes at Taylor Hollow during the peak wildflower season in mid to late April, but visitors often miss seeing some of the earliest flowering plants such as harbinger of spring, yellow fumewort, Dutchman’s breeches, and  squirrel corn.  Along with the earliest spring wildflowers and their ecology, we’ll discuss bark and bud characteristics of trees at the beginning of the growing season.  We’ll also see the diminutive, yet showy, state-endangered least trillium (Trillium pusillum). The hike is moderate, but those accustomed to hiking should have no problems. Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring water and snacks. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about this as well as any other State Natural Area, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: www.tn.gov/environment/na/. For nearby camping, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/BledsoeCreek/.

 

Garlic Mustard Pull at Roan Mountain State Park and on Roan Mtn. - Sat., March 23 (tentative), 9 a.m. ET
Location: Roan Mountain State Park, Conference Center 
Leader: Lisa Huff, Tennessee Natural Areas Program, Lisa.Huff@tn.gov
Description: Calling all volunteers! Now is the time for all lovers of “The Roan” to pitch in to help battle the terrible invaders on her doorstep.   We’re going to concentrate on pulling garlic mustard along the Highway 143 roadside and inside the state park.  This event will follow on the heels of our very successful (!) 2012 garlic mustard pull to keep the pressure on and try to rid the mountain of this terrible plant.  Pulling garlic mustard is very easy.  Volunteers will only need to bring their personal gear (good footwear, layered clothes, water, lunch, hat, gloves, etc.). Bags for disposing of the garlic mustard will be provided.  If we pull the mustard for about 5 years, we should be able to get rid of it and then just monitor and pull the few stragglers that will pop up after that.  It’s amazing how much you can get done in just a short while with just a few dedicated pullers! Information on nearby lodging at Roan Mountain State Park can be found here http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/RoanMtn/.

 

Plant Walk at Ghost River State Natural Area with the Tennessee Native Plant Society - Saturday, March 30, 10:00 a.m. CT

Meeting Location: Meet at the intersection of Hwy 57 and Yager Rd. at caution light in LaGrange

Directions: From Memphis, follow Poplar Ave. (Hwy 57) through Collierville, Rossville, and Moscow to LaGrange.  From Jackson, TN and points east take Hwy 18 south through Bolivar and Hickory Valley, turn right onto Hwy 57 and go west two miles to LaGrange.

Leaders: Allan J. Trently, West Tennessee Stewardship Ecologist and Bart Jones, Tennessee Native Plant Society

Reservations required: RSVP before 4:00 PM on Thursday, March 28^th to Mr. Trently at 731-512-1369 or at allan.trently@tn.gov

Description: This early spring trip will visit a rather large population of Southern Twayblade (Listera australis), known from only two counties in Tennessee.  This small orchid is the earliest blooming native orchid in Tennessee.  We will also visit the sandhill community where sand post oak (Quercus margaretta) occurs and look for other early spring plants.  This trip will also be part of the Tennessee Native Plant Society schedule of outings. The walk is considered easy to moderate.  Boots are recommended due to possible muddy locations.  Please bring lunch.  There is no set time to how long the event will last.  Participants are free to leave anytime during the day. For more information on Ghost River State Natural Area, including descriptions, directions, and maps, visit the Resource Management Division web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/ghostriver/.  A map of Ghost River can be found at that web site at the link: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/ghostriver/ghostriver.pdf. For information on nearby lodging and camping, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Chickasaw/ or http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/BigHillPond/.

April 2013

Tennessee State Natural Areas Week, April 6-14 – Detailed list of events

Earth Day, April 20 - Detailed list of events

 

May 2013

Opportunity Knocks for Restoring Native Tennessee Landscapes on the Plateau:  The Old Bowater Pine Plantations - Tues., May 7, 6:00 p.m. ET
Location: Burks Methodist Church, 6433 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN.                    

Leader: Lisa Huff, Tennessee Natural Areas Program, Lisa.Huff@tn.gov
Description: Enjoy a presentation with the Soddy Daisy Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association on opportunities for recreation and native plant community restoration on the Plateau in the old pine plantations formerly owned by Bowater, but now in state ownership.  Learn more about how much of this property the state owns, where it is, what condition it’s in and what the current options are for the managing state agencies.  For information on lodging and camping, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/CumberlandMtn/.

 

Flat Rock Cedar Glade and Barrens State Natural Area Endangered Species Hike – Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. CT
Location: Flat Rock State Natural Area Parking Area
Leader: Brian Bowen, Tennessee Natural Areas Program,
Reservations required: Call 615-532-0436 or email Brian.Bowen@tn.gov

Description: On Endangered Species Day (May 17), America celebrates our nation’s commitment to protecting wildlife and plants on the brink of extinction. The United States has one of the most effective programs in the world for protecting endangered species.   On this 2.5-mile hike, we will explore a globally rare ecosystem that supports an abundance of rare species, including two federally endangered species, while hiking through a unique landscape of limestone outcropping, grassland (prairies) and forest.  The hike will take approximately 3 hours. Bring water, a snack, wear sturdy walking gear, and dress for the weather.

For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps about this and other state natural areas visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/. For nearby camping and accommodations, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Cedars/.

 

Endangered Species Day Hike at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area - Saturday May 18, 10:00 a.m. ET

Location: North Chickamauga Creek Gorge

Leaders: David Lincicome and Andrea Bishop, Division of Natural Areas; Geoff Call, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Andrew Wright, Cumberland Trail State Park  
Sponsors: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, Endangered Species Coalition, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, Tennessee State Parks
Reservations:  Required.  RSVP to David Lincicome by May 16, 2013 at (615) 532-0439 or David.Lincicome@tn.gov
Description: On Endangered Species Day, America celebrates our nation’s commitment to protecting wildlife and plants on the brink of extinction. The United States has one of the most effective programs in the world for protecting endangered species. We will hike the 1.5 mile Hogskin Trail Loop through a portion of North Chickamauga Creek Gorge to view the threatened large-flowered skullcap and learn about Tennessee’s efforts to protect and recover endangered species.  We will not go if it is raining or it is predicted to rain. Consult a weather report before the trip. Dress appropriately, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and lunch. As with any moderate hiking trip, please do not attempt this hike unless you are in good condition and able to negotiate rocky trail situations.  Parking is available at the North Chickamauga trailhead on Montlake Road in Soddy Daisy. Take Highway US‐27 to Soddy‐Daisy, exit at Thrasher Pike and turn west, go about one mile to Dayton Pike, turn right, and proceed a mile to Montlake Road. Turn left on Montlake Road and proceed 1.5 miles to the entrance on left.  This trip will be limited to 30 guests. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about this as well as any other State Natural Area, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: www.tn.gov/environment/na/. Close to North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area is Harrison Bay State Park.  Visit http://tn.gov/environment/parks/HarrisonBay/  to learn more about camping availability.

 

June 2013

2013 National Trails Day Events - June 1

 

July 2013

Summer Hike and Crawdad Hootenanny at Colditz Cove State Natural Area - July 20, 10:00 a.m. CT

Location: Colditz Cove SNA parking area

Leaders: David Withers, Natural Heritage Program Zoologist

Sponsors: Tennessee Natural Areas Program

Reservations: Required. RSVP to David Withers by July 16 at (615) 532-0441 or david.withers@tn.gov

Description: Don your boots and join intrepid biologist Withers for an aquatic excursion to a natural area best known for its scenic waterfall.  Colditz Cove SNA is home to some of our most clever crayfish- the mudbugs, or burrowers.  Bring boots you don’t mind getting wet and gloves you don’t mind getting dirty.  If the raccoons don’t beat us to it, we will learn how to coax crayfish out of sand and cobble burrows (“noodling”) beneath sandstone rock house drip lines and along the margins of Big Branch Creek. We will meet at the parking lot at 10 a.m. central time and hike to the margins of Northrup Falls while looking for crayfish burrows and their occupants. Don’t forget to contact David to make your reservation and leave a phone number or E-mail to contact you in case we have to cancel the hootenanny on account of inclement weather. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about this as well as any other State Natural Area, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/. This trip will be limited to fifteen guests.   For information on camping and lodging at nearby Pickett State Park please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Pickett/.

 

August 2013

Canoe Float on the Duck River State Scenic River - Saturday, August 10, 9 a.m. CT
Location: Meet at the Target parking area at Old Hickory Blvd. and I-65 in Brentwood.   We will carpool and caravan from there.
Leader: Forrest Evans, Tennessee Natural Areas Program   
Reservations required: RSVP by August 9 to Forrest Evans, 615-532-0431 or Forrest.Evans@tn.gov
Description: Come join us as we enjoy the cool waters of the Duck River on a warm summer day. We will be on a very flat and easy stretch of river from Leftwich Bridge to the TWRA take out at Howard Bridge. This stretch of the river has a gentle current, no rapids, and will take about 4 hours to float. This is an excellent opportunity for beginners to canoe. Participants are welcome to bring their own canoe or kayak, but will have to provide their own transportation if they do. Transportation from put-in to take-out can be arranged. Canoes can be rented at a special discount of $12.50 per person or $25 per canoe through a local canoe vendor. Our put-in point is about a 45-minute drive south of Nashville on I-65. Bring lunch and water and perhaps a change of clothes. For more information about this as well as any other State Scenic River, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/. Overnight accommodations at Henry Horton State Park are about an hour away for those wishing to meet at the put-in. For information go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/HenryHorton/.

 

May Prairie State Natural Area Walk and Talk – Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m. CT
Location: May Prairie State Natural Area Parking Area, located on Asbury Rd. Turn off U.S. 41 on Asbury go about a half-mile, parking is on the right or meet at the Target parking lot off of  I – 24 on Bell Rd at 8:45 to car pool.
Leader: Brian Bowen, Tennessee Natural Areas Program
Reservations required: Call 615-532-0436 or email Brian.Bowen@tn.gov

Description: This event combines an easy hike with discussion about prairie management while visiting one of the premier native grassland in the Southeast.  While enjoying a visit to the prairie, discussion will focus on the history and on-going restoration of this significant National Natural Landmark.  The hike will take approximately 3 hours. Bring water, a snack, wear sturdy walking gear, and dress for the weather.

For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps about this and other state natural areas visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/. For information on camping nearby at Old Stone Fort State Park, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/OldStoneFort/

 

Late Summer Hike at Dry Branch State Natural Area - Saturday, August 24, 9 a.m. CT

Location: Dry Branch State Natural Area

Leaders: David Lincicome, Andrea Bishop, and Allan Trently, Division of Natural Areas Sponsors:  Tennessee Natural Areas Program
Reservations: Required. RSVP to David Lincicome by Aug. 22, 2013 at (615) 532-0439 or David.Lincicome@tn.gov
Description: Come take a stroll along picturesque Dry Branch in western Lewis County.  See late summer wildflowers including the endangered Tennessee yellow-eyed grass.  This natural area does not have developed public access so this is a limited guided hike. We will hike approximately 2.5 miles out-and-back along Dry Branch. We will not go if it is raining or it is predicted to rain. Consult a weather report before the trip. Dress appropriately, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and lunch. As with any moderate hiking trip, please do not attempt this hike unless you are in good condition and able to negotiate wet rocky trail situations and shallow creek crossings.  This trip will be limited to 25 guests.  We will meet at the intersection of Hwy 412 and Brush Creek Road 5.6 miles west of Hohenwald, TN at the Mt. Zion United Pentecostal Church (2116 Linden Hwy, Hohenwald, TN 38462) and carpool out to the hike location. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about this as well as any other State Natural Area, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: www.tn.gov/environment/na/ . Close to Dry Branch State Natural Area is Mousetail Landing State Park.  Visit http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/MousetailLanding/ to learn more about camping availability.

 

September 2013

Guided Ghost River Canoe Trip - Saturday, September 7, 9:30 a.m. CT
Location: Ghost River State Natural Area
Leaders: Allan Trently, West Tennessee Stewardship Ecologist & David Haggard, West Tennessee Regional Interpreter

Sponsors: TN Natural Areas Program and Tennessee State Parks
Reservations required: Reservations may be made by calling 731-253-9652. For more information please email David.Haggard@tn.gov.
Description: Participants are to meet at the Bateman Bridge takeout in Moscow at 9.30 a.m. where most vehicles will be left. There will be a shuttle to take people to the launch point at Yager Rd in La Grange where the paddling trip should commence at 10 a.m. The trip will focus on the history, diversity and beauty of the natural area. The float is about 9 miles and has some fast sections so some paddling experience is recommended. Participants should bring lunch and water to drink. Sunscreen, bug spray and carpooling are recommended. The canoe trip will last approximately 6-7 hours. More detailed information will be provided upon reservations. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps about this and other state natural areas visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/. For information on nearby lodging and camping, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Chickasaw/ or http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/BigHillPond/.

 

National Public Lands Day, September 28 - Events TBA

 

October 2013

Hill Forest Natural Area Hike - Fri., October 18, 2 p.m. CT
Location: Hill Forest State Natural Area
Leader: Brian Bowen, Tennessee Natural Areas Program
Sponsors: Tennessee Natural Areas Program, Friends of Warner Parks, & Warner Parks
Reservations required: Call Warner Park Nature Center at 615-352-6299 or email wpnc@nashville.gov.
Description: Come enjoy an October afternoon hike through the Hill Forest Designated State Natural Area. This 2.5-mile hike is your opportunity to experience the natural area’s biggest and oldest forest trees while enjoying the fall color. The hike will take approximately 3 hours. Bring water, wear sturdy walking gear, and dress for the weather. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps about this and other state natural areas visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/

 

Fall Leaf Color Hike at Twin Arches State Natural Area - Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m. CT
Location: Twin Arches Trailhead, Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Leaders: David Lincicome, Division of Natural Areas; Marie Tackett, National Park Service   
Sponsors: Tennessee Natural Areas Program, National Park Service
Reservations: Required. RSVP to David Lincicome by Oct.17 at 615-532-0439 or David.Lincicome@tn.gov
Description: Late October means beautiful fall leaf color on the Cumberland Plateau! Join us for a 2 mile hike out to the magnificent Twin Arches.  From the top of the arches is a grand panoramic view of the colorful surrounding forest.  We will also be able to see the endangered Cumberland sandwort and its rock-shelter habitat. We will not go if it is raining or it is predicted to rain. Consult a weather report before the trip. Dress appropriately, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and lunch. As with any moderate hiking trip, please do not attempt this hike unless you are in good condition and able to negotiate rocky trail situations.  Parking is available at the Twin Arches trailhead. From Crossville, travel north on U.S. Highway 127 toward Jamestown. From Jamestown, take State Route 154 toward Pickett State Park. Turn right on Fork Ridge Rd. Turn left on to Divide Road for 3.5 miles. Turn right on Twin Arches Road and drive two miles to the trailhead. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about this as well as any other State Natural Area, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: www.tn.gov/environment/na/. This trip will be limited to 20 guests. Close to Twin Arches State Natural Area is Pickett State Park.  Visit http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Pickett/ to learn more about camping or cabin availability.

 

Hike to the Walls of Jericho - Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. CT
Location: Meet at the Alabama Trailhead parking lot for the Walls of Jericho just across the state line on Highway 16 which becomes highway 79 in Alabama. Do not mistake the horse riders trailhead for the hikers trailhead.
Leader: Todd Crabtree, Division of Natural Areas
Reservations required: RSVP by October 24 to Todd Crabtree, 615-532-1378, or Todd.Crabtree@tn.gov.
Description: Catch the fall colors at the Walls of Jericho State Natural Area in Franklin County. This strenuous 8-mile hike descends 900 feet into the “Walls” and continues along the creek to an amazing canyon of sheer rock bluffs, caves, and waterfalls. This is a joint field trip with the Tennessee Native Plant Society. We will stop to appreciate plants along the way. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water and lunch. There are two creek crossings on log bridges and one by rock hopping and wading. A change of footwear might be prudent. This hike is very strenuous and participants should be in good physical condition. The trip will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps, about this as well as any other State Natural Area, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/naareas/ For nearby lodging and camping, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/TimsFord/.

 

Nature Walk at William B. Clark State Natural Area - Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. CT

Location: Meet in the parking lot for William B. Clark State Natural Area

Directions: From Memphis, follow Poplar Ave. (Hwy 57) through Collierville to Rossville.  In Rossville take Route 194 north for about 0.9-miles to the parking lot which will be on the right. A map of the area can be found at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/wbclark/wbclark.pdf

Leaders: Allan J. Trently, West Tennessee Stewardship Ecologist, TDEC, Division of Natural Areas and Cathy Justis, Director of Education, Wolf River Conservancy

Reservations required: RSVP before 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 24^th to Mr. Trently at 731-512-1369 or at allan.trently@tn.gov

Description: We will walk to the end of the boardwalk and back. The walk will add up to slightly less than a mile.  Since this is a short walk we will allow a lot of time for learning about the biology and ecology of the area. We plan to spend two hours at the site, but participants can leave before that time. This event is cosponsored by the Wolf River Conservancy. The walk is considered easy to moderate. For more information on William B. Clark State Natural Area, including descriptions, directions, and maps, visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/wbclark/. For information on Wolf River Conservancy please visit: http://www.wolfriver.org/

November 2013

The On-going Rowdy, Rugged, Rugbians Spiraea Pull – Saturday, November 2, 10:00 a.m. ETLocation:  Rugby State Natural Area 
Leader:  Lisa Huff, Tennessee Natural Areas Program, lisa.huff@tn.gov
Description:  We’re serious! The Rowdy, Rugged Rugbians continue their battle to save the Rugby State Natural Area from a dreadful Japanese spiraea invasion.  If you want to have breakfast with us before the event, we’ll meet at the Harrow Road Café in Historic Rugby for breakfast at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. We’ll go into the natural area approximately 10:00 a.m. Eastern time, starting from the Visitors’ Centre parking lot.

The weather could be crisp, so wear layers. Bring your work gloves, too. We always have fun. Just ask any of the Rowdy, Rugged Rugbians! For more information, including descriptions, directions, and maps about this and other state natural areas visit the Division of Natural Areas web site at: http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/. For nearby camping and accommodations, please go to http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Pickett/.

 

December 2013