Join Randy Hedgepath, the state naturalist for Tennessee State Parks, on July 23 for an adventure at Fall Creek Falls State Park. Participants will meet at the park Inn and carpool to the Piney Falls area.
“The plan is to hike out the Lower Cane Creek Loop Trail for about a half-mile and learn about the forest of this part of the Cumberland Plateau,” Hedgepath said. “Then, the real adventure begins.
“We will not cross the suspension bridge, but go down under and explore the streambed down to the top of the falls. The forest along the stream is very different from the plateau top. There will be lots of chances to cool off in the stream, lots of scenic bluffs, and a dramatic view into the gorge. The return trip will backtrack to the bridge and out to the vehicles.”
The two- to three-hour outing is rated moderate, involving short stretches of steep and rocky terrain.
Participants can meet for carpooling in the Gold’s Gym/Books-A-Million parking lot in Oak Ridge (at the end close to South Illinois Avenue, near Salsarita’s) to leave at 8 a.m. EDT; meet at Common Ground, 405 Fourth Street, Crossville, at 8:05 a.m. CDT; or meet in the lobby of the park Inn by 9 a.m. CDT. Participants should wear weather appropriate clothing and river shoes, and bring snacks, water, bug spray, and sun screen.
This press release was submitted by Sandra Goss.
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