NASHVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The first day of Spring is March 19, less than two weeks away, and Tennessee State Parks invite families to take part in their annual Spring Hikes beginning on March 21. Hikes will be hosted in all 56 of Tennessee’s parks, each guided by a Park Ranger.
“This is a great time to get together with family and friends, make new friends and enjoy nature with our Spring Hikes,” Jim Bryson, deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, said. “We have a beautiful state, and a hike at a state park is a great way to take it in. It’s an opportunity to learn about our parks and learn about nature. These hikes continue to be very popular and we look forward to another exciting day at locations across our state.”
The Spring Hikes are part of a series of Signature Hikes at the parks. Tennessee State Parks saw 3,607 participants at its First Day Hikes on January 1. The Spring Hikes offer a chance to study aspects of individual parks, discuss wildlife and admire the scenery, especially the wildflowers, as the seasons change.
A wide variety of experiences are available across Tennessee. Locally, Hikers can learn about the history of a thriving river port at Port Royal State Park or experience the unique geography of Dunbar Cave State Park, home to one of Tennessee’s largest cave networks.
Hikers are urged to have sturdy footwear and bring water and snacks. Some may want to bring hiking sticks. Participants can go online to find a hike that best fits their interest at https://tnstateparks.com/about/special-events/spring-hikes/.
Tennessee State Parks host a series of Signature Hikes each year. They include First Day Hikes, Spring Hikes, National Trails Day Hikes in June, National Public Lands Day Hikes in September, and After-Thanksgiving Hikes the day after Thanksgiving.