WINCHESTER — Tims Ford State Parks and other Tennessee State Parks will host Free Guided Spring Hikes on Saturday, March 23. It’s the second of the parks’ Signature Hikes series throughout this year. Other hikes in the Signature Hikes, which began with the First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, include the National Trails Day Hikes on June 1 and After-Thanksgiving Hikes on Nov. 29.

The Spring Hikes are free and guided by park staff, who can highlight the natural, cultural, and historical features of the parks. The Tims Ford State Park Hike will start at Lakeview Marina at 7:30 a.m. They will make a quarter mile hike around the lake with stops along the way to discuss the history of the Tims Ford area. The entire hike should last about 30 minutes, but the dirt trail is steep in some areas. The hike is free and you can learn more at this link.

“This is a great opportunity to experience your favorite park in a new way or get to know a new park,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “It’s a chance to get out and exercise, enjoy nature, meet other people, and learn about the park.”  

Other area parks including nearby Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, Old Stone State Park in Manchester, and Savage Gulf State Park in Beersheeba Springs all plan Spring Hikes on March 23. A full schedule of the Spring Hikes at specific parks is available at this link. Hikes range from easy to moderate, difficult, or strenuous, depending upon the park. •

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