If you’ve been waiting for a reason to finally do something with a Saturday, Tennessee State Parks just handed you one. This weekend, on March 21, parks across the state will host their annual Spring Hikes — free, guided walks led by park staff through some of the most beautiful terrain the region has to offer. And for Moore County residents, some of the best options are right down the road.
The Spring Hikes are the second installment in Tennessee State Parks’ Signature Hike series, which kicked off with First Day Hikes on January 1 and will continue with National Trails Day in June and After-Thanksgiving Hikes in November. The March edition tends to be the sweet spot — wildflowers are waking up, the air still has a cool edge to it, and the trails haven’t yet hit their summer crowds.
“Spring is an excellent time for hikes in the parks, and we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” said Brian Clifford, deputy commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “You don’t have to be a longtime hiker to enjoy the day. Our state parks have a wide variety of hikes to choose from, so there is something for everybody throughout the state.”
Tims Ford: Right In Our Back Yard
For Moore County residents, Tims Ford State Park in Winchester is the obvious first stop — close, familiar to many, and quietly underappreciated even by the locals who have driven past it for years. Situated on the 10,700-acre Tims Ford Reservoir in the shadows of the Cumberland Plateau, the 3,546-acre park offers more than 20 miles of trails ranging from a paved, accessible lakeside path to the more demanding Ray Branch Shoreline Trail, which winds six miles along the water’s edge.
The park’s most beloved trail, the Lost Creek Overlook, covers 1.3 miles and features two suspension bridges before opening up to a sweeping view of the lake and surrounding forest. Early spring hikers on this trail have reported passing through patches of golden ragwort, cutleaf toothwort, spring beauty, and common blue violet — the kind of thing you walk right past in summer but can actually stop and notice when the crowds are thin and the park staff is leading the way.
Tims Ford will host an Early Morning Spring Hike at 7 a.m. Hikers should meet at the Nature Center at 570 Tims Ford Drive in Winchester. For details, click here.
Other Parks Within 50 Miles of Lynchburg
Tims Ford isn’t the only option within easy reach of Moore County. Several other Tennessee State Parks within 50 miles are also hosting Spring Hikes on Saturday, each with its own terrain and character. Henry Horton in Chapel Hill will host a 1.5 mile spring hike at 9 a.m. For details, click here. Savage Gulf State Park in Grundy County will host a Spring Hike to Stone Door beginning at 10:30 a.m. For details, click here. Fiery Gizzard State Park in Monteagle plans a spring hike hike along the Grundy Forest Day Loop and then cross the silver bridge and venture to Sycamore Falls. For details, click here. And Old Stone Fort State Park in Manchester plans a spring hike through both wildflowers and waterfalls at 1 p.m. For details, click here.
What to Know Before You Go
All Spring Hikes are free, and admission to every Tennessee State Park is always free. Difficulty levels vary by park and trail, ranging from moderate to strenuous, so it’s worth checking with your park of choice before Saturday to know what you’re signing up for. Park staff recommend closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate layers, snacks, and plenty of water — simple advice that makes the difference between a good day and a miserable one.
The hikes are guided by park staff who can speak to the natural, cultural, and historical features along the trail — which is part of what makes them worth doing even if you’ve walked the same path before. There’s something different about having someone point out a wildflower by name, or explain why a particular ridge looks the way it does. It’s the kind of local knowledge that usually stays inside the park office.
For a full list of participating parks and event details statewide, visit tnstateparks.com/about/special-events/spring-hikes. If you can’t make it out this Saturday but still want to support the trails, Tennessee State Parks accepts donations for trail maintenance at tnstateparks.com/donate/trail-pack. •
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