Dozens of Tennessee State Parks will host First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day as part of a national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

This state’s version of the celebration, Tennessee America 250, will feature events across the state all year, including the First Day Hikes that have been part of the parks’ Signature Hikes series for years.

“We have always had great interest from visitors in the First Day Hikes, and this year it is a special opportunity to be part of Tennessee America 250,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “As always, the hikes are a great way to start a new year either as part of New Year’s resolutions or just plain enjoyment. We invite everyone to take part.”

FRANKLIN COUNTY – Tims Ford State Park right here in our own backyard with host a First Say Hike along some of our areas most popular trails like the Lost Creek Overlook Trail. Meet outside the Tims Ford Visitor’s Center at 10 a.m. For more information, click here.

COFFEE COUNTY – Hikers will meet at the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park Museum at 1 p.m. The Old Stone Fort was built during the Middle Woodland Period, 1,500-2,000 years ago. Native Americans used this area continuously for about 500 years, eventually leaving it abandoned. Expect a moderate hike packed with lots of history. For more details, click here.

FRANKLIN COUNTY – Newly added Head of the Crow State Park in nearby Franklin County will offer a sunset hike around the picturesque Sherwood Day Loop led by Ranger Allen. It’s a 2.9-mile moderate hike that will allow you to stop and enjoy the sunset. There are additional overlooks near the end of the hike. Meet at the Pack Hollow Trailhead located at 2036 Old CCCC Road in Sewanee around 3 p.m. Hikes should bring a headlamp or flashlight. For more details, click here.

GRUNDY COUNTY – Savage Gulf State Park located in nearby Grundy and Sequatchie counties will host a guided hike to Greeter Falls. This is roughly a 2-mile round-trip hike that is mostly moderate in nature. Accessing the base of the falls will be strenuous, and extreme care is needed in footing to get to the bottom of the falls. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water and snacks of your choice, as these items will not be provided. Meet at the 550 Greeter Falls Road in Altamont at 10 a.m. For more details, click here.

GRUNDY COUNTY – Wanna combine a little fresh air and local history. Fiery Gizzard State Park in nearby Tracy City will offer a hike filled with info about The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and their significant contributions to our natural areas. Discover the fascinating story of Company 1475, which once called the park home, and examine the impactful work these young men undertook and the historical events that brought them to the South Cumberlands. Meet Ranger Josh under the Pavilion at The Grundy Forest State Natural Area on the North End of the Fiery Gizzard Trail located at 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd in Tracy City at 1:30 p.m. For more details, click here.

MARSHALL COUNTY – If you wanna hike but have young children or folks with limited abilities in your crew then the Henry Horton State Park First Day Hike is for you. The 1.2-mile hike is mostly flat on natural terrain. This trail is traversable on their trail wheelchairs, which are available for rent at our camp store. Leased dogs are also welcome. Join Interpreter Hannah for a easy hike along the campground trail and get your year started outdoors and enjoying nature. View beautiful rock features, see some beautiful plants, and see the Duck River in winter. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Henry Horton Camp Store. Click here, for more info.

There will also be a 2-mile hike with stairs and rough terrain beginning at 10 a.m. Meet at the Spring Creek, Wilhoite Trailhead at 10 a.m. For more info on that hike, click here.

Participating parks are in all regions of the state, and details can be found at this link. Tennessee America 250 is part of the national program America 250.

Hikes are available for all ages and difficulties, ranging from strolls to strenuous treks. Hikers are encouraged to wear appropriate hiking boots, layered clothing, take bottles of water and snacks, and consider taking hiking sticks.

Visitors to Tennessee State Parks are reminded that admission to the parks is always free, and the parks are open 365 days a year. •

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