CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Many people spend Black Friday clamoring through stores, scouring websites for the best deal, and navigating through traffic. Others choose to unplug from the commercial madness and immerse themselves in nature.
Tennessee State Parks is offering “Day After Thanksgiving” hikes in all 56 of their parks. Free Ranger led hikes will be available to anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors. Officials encourage residents to “come meet like-minded people, create a new tradition, or celebrate a cherished passion.” Visitors are encouraged to use #thankful4hiking in their social media posts from the day.
Just an hour and a half south of Clarksville, we explored Old Stone Fort State Park in Coffee County. The state purchased the property, that now spans over 400 acres, in 1966.
Native Americans first inhabited the property, using it as a ceremonial gathering place as long as 1,500-2,000 years ago. According to the State Parks’ website, the original entrance of the fort was designed to face the exact spot on the horizon where the sun rises during the summer solstice.
Today, the park offers overnight camping accommodations, events, a museum, picnic areas, and trails. We decided to opt for an easy day trip and hike. If you’re considering an overnight stay, the campsites are accessible via a one lane bridge. Both RV and tent camping spaces are available.
The hike around the Duck River is fairly flat and easy to navigate for both children and pets. Hikers can see several waterfalls from the trails. (see park map) We chose to go off trail at times and climb down closer to the water’s edge. There were rocks and steep points to navigate, which may make this option difficult for some park visitors.
The traditional trail, however, is perfect for a weekend stroll. The trail offered various points of interest, which kept the kids entertained. The remains of an old mill, high vantage points over the Duck River, and even a seemingly random pile of twisted metal sent their curious minds into action.
The park is pet friendly, as long as they remain on a leash. We saw several other visitors with pets along the trail.
We would recommend, especially in the fall and winter, to check weather conditions prior to visiting the park. Being near the water, conditions can get icy and rocks may be slippery. It’s always best to visit any park’s website prior to visiting to see if trails may be closed or waterfall areas are temporarily unavailable.
Another fun option for the spring and summer is the park’s multiple fishing areas. The state park is known for Largemouth Bass, bream, and catfish. The Bark Camp and Barren Forks of the Duck River as well as the river bank are all good fishing points.
All in all, Old Stone Fort was a great choice for a weekend trip with the whole family. We’ve already made plans to go back this summer. To learn more about Old Stone Fort State Park, visit their website or follow the state park on Instagram.