1/1/2021
Happy New Year, and welcome to my blog about the Tennessee State Parks!
I was inspired to start this blog because I visit the parks often to hike, and I'm always impressed by the resources the parks provide. However, over the past year, I've talked to Tennessee residents and visitors who didn't know about these resources or realize how beautiful the parks are.
So with this blog I will:
Promote the activities, classes, and resources of the parks. Our state's 56 parks are free and open 365 days a year. No matter where you are in Tennessee, you are within an hour of a park and everything it has to offer.
Advocate for support of the parks.
Highlight the benefits the parks provide to Tennesseans. This past year, the parks were more important than ever for Tennesseans needing to get out and relax. See News Channel 5's article on record camping numbers at the parks. In addition to supporting mental and physical health, the parks safeguard Tennessee's flora and fauna through efforts such as protecting the habitats of endangered species. The parks also preserve Tennessee's history by maintaining Civil War sites, Native American ceremonial grounds, locations of lost cities, and homes of notable citizens.
I'm excited to share what I learn and discover in the parks. In the meantime, get out there and enjoy!
What to Do in January
At the beginning of each month, I will highlight some of the activities the Tennessee State Parks are hosting that month. Even if you're not interested in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or fishing, there are plenty of other events about music, food, art, wildlife, plants, crafts, and volunteerism. If you're looking for ideas for your kids or family, the parks have it covered!
This month, try:
1/2/2021 - David Crockett Birthplace State Park
- Free
- A walk with Tennessee's State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath
1/7 + 8/2021 - Sycamore Shoals State Historical Park
- $8/adults and $4/ages 7 - 17
- Tour the Carter Mansion, Tennessee's oldest frame house
1/16/2021 - Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
- $10
- Hike to abandoned buildings of an old camp
- This hike is only offered once per year.
1/17/2021 - Roan Mountain State Park
- Free
- Irish traditional music session
1/17/2021 - Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
- Free, but donations appreciated.
- Demonstration of frontier cooking practices
1/21/2021 - Bledsoe Creek State Park
- $5
- Children ages 2-5 can hear a story about winter birds and make their own bird feeder.
Maybe I'll see you out there!