Walls of Jericho Hike Slated for January 26

Nashville, Tenn. – The Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Natural Areas will host a guided hike at Walls of Jericho State Natural Area in Franklin County near Winchester on Jan. 26.  Participants should meet at 7 a.m. in the Target parking lot off Bell Road in Nashville.

Stewardship Ecologist Forrest Evans will take hikers on a strenuous eight-mile hike through the Walls of Jericho. The trail descends 600 feet into the Walls and continues along the creek to an awe-inspiring canyon of sheer rock bluffs, caves and waterfalls. Individuals who are not in good physical condition or are not able to negotiate difficult trails are advised not to attempt this hike.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the wintertime beauty of one of Tennessee’s newest state natural areas,” Evans said.

Participants should bring water and lunch, and they should wear appropriate footwear and dress in layers. Reservations are required for the guided hike and can be made by contacting Forrest Evans by phone at (615) 532-0431 or by e-mail at forrest.evans@state.tn.us by Jan. 24. The hike will be canceled in the event of rain or if rain is predicted.

The Walls of Jericho is a 750-acre natural area within the 8,943-acre Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The natural area is approximately 12 miles south of Winchester. Its most impressive geological feature is a large, bowl-shaped amphitheater formed by the Walls themselves. Water drips and spouts from large holes within the limestone, adding to the visual interest of this unique natural site. Turkey Creek drains through the Walls and supports the state-endangered limerock arrowwood and other rare species.

The hike at Walls of Jericho is part of a series of monthly, guided field trips to Tennessee State Natural Areas offered by the department’s Division of Natural Areas.  Tennessee has 77 designated State Natural Areas throughout the state, covering approximately 110,000 acres of ecologically significant lands.  More information about Tennessee’s natural areas program, including a complete list of all natural areas and scheduled field trips, can be found at www.tdec.net/na/.