January Programs
Friday, January 1st
8:00 am
Frosty Meadow Hike (First Day Hike)
Join Ranger Jason at the visitor's center for a refreshing morning stroll
through the meadow. This hike is geared toward those who are looking for
a peaceful excursion whilst learning many of the local winter-time
inhabitants of our region. Please dress warmly and wear appropriate
footwear. This is an easy 1.3 mile hike, suitable for adults and kids.
Meetup: 11745 Hwy 41, Monteagle, TN 37356
10:00 am
Laurel Gorge Hike, 5 miles (First Day Hike)
Celebrate the first of the year with Ranger Jessie while hiking the
beautiful Fiery Gizzard Trail above Foster Falls and Laurel Gorge!
Whether you are beginning a new work out regiment or just wanting to see
the wintry sites, this is the hike for you.
Be sure to dress warmly and bring plenty of water. This is a moderate
five-mile hike. Both adults and children are welcome.
Meetup: 498 Foster Falls Rd. Sequatchie, TN 37374
Saturday January 2nd
9:00 am
Saturday Trail Days (Fiery Gizzard)
Flex your Tennessee volunteer muscle by helping with a major trail
reroute along the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This exciting reroute will cut
through some rough and beautiful terrain so be prepared with sturdy
footwear and plenty of water/snacks. If you have a favorite tool or pair
of gloves, feel free to bring them. We will meet at the Grundy Forest
parking lot and will work till early afternoon. For more info or if you
want to bring a large group, email Ranger Jason at jason.reynolds@tn.gov.
Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387
11:00 am
Meet Ranger Park at the Grundy Forest parking lot for a refreshing 2 mile
moderate hike on the northern terminus of the famed Fiery Gizzard Trail.
There are plenty of rocks and roots on this hike so please be prepared.
Bring plenty of water too!
Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387
10:00 am
Foster Falls Hike (2 miles)
Join Ranger Jessie at the Foster Falls parking lot for a moderate 2 mile
loop hike to explore the base of Foster Falls and the surrounding cliffs.
Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water!
Meeting Location: 498 Foster Falls Rd. Sequatchie, TN 37374
Sunday, January 3rd
8:00 am
Trail Run – BCR/Laurel Trails
Join Ranger Aaron at the Stone Door parking lot for a moderate 7-mile
trail run. We will run past the Great Stone Door and many other overlooks
on the Big Creek Rim trail. Runners must be able to keep at least a 12
min/mile pace. Wear trail shoes and bring plenty of water. For more
information call the Stone Door Ranger Station at (931) 692-3887.
Meeting Location: 1183 Stone Door Rd. Beersheba Springs, Tennessee 37305
1:00 pm
FIRE!
Ever wonder how to make a warming fire with only one match, or how to
make a fire with no match or lighter? Join Ranger Park at the Grundy
Forest Pavilion for a How-To on making a survival fire. All materials are
provided, just bring yourself!
Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387
Friday, January 8th
11:00 am
Hike to Sycamore Falls (3.1 mi)
Join with Ranger Park at the Grundy Forest parking lot for a moderate 3.1
mile hike to Sycamore Falls. With numerous waterfalls and winding trails
this hike is sure to not disappoint! Please wear sturdy shoes as the
terrain is rocky with lots of roots.
Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387
Saturday, January 9th
9:00 am
Saturday Trail Days (Fiery Gizzard)
Flex your Tennessee volunteer muscle by helping with a major trail
reroute along the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This exciting reroute will cut
through some rough and beautiful terrain so be prepared with sturdy
footwear and plenty of water/snacks. If you have a favorite tool or pair
of gloves, feel free to bring them. We will meet at the Grundy Forest
parking lot and will work till early afternoon. For more info or if you
want to bring a large group, email Ranger Jason at jason.reynolds@tn.gov.
Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387
10:30 am
Savage Falls – Resolution Hike
Celebrate the addition of another New Year by going an extra mile! The
slower pace of this hike is for all seniors fifty and older, to enjoy a
crisp January stroll. After viewing Savage Falls, either frozen or
flowing, we will venture a mile further on the South rim Trail to the
second overlook. Hot chocolate and a warm welcome await you at the end
of this six mile hike. Meet at Savage Gulf Ranger Station. Led by
seasoned hiker, Eleanor!
Meeting Location: 3177 Hwy 399 Palmer, TN
Sunday, January 10th
10:00 am
Laurel Gorge Hike (5 mi)
Join Ranger Park at the Foster Falls parking lot for a moderate 5 mile
hike out to view the GORGEous Laurel Gorge! Come ready for beautiful
panoramic views and towering cliffs, so bring a camera. Please wear
sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.
Meeting Address: 498 Foster Falls Rd. Sequatchie, TN 37374
12:00 am
Sunday Afternoon Lake Walk (1.5 miles)
Meet Ranger Jessie at the Grundy Lakes for a short, easy hike around
Grundy Lakes to look into the beauty of the natural world. Please wear
sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Meeting Address: 587 Lakes Road, Tracy City, TN 37387
6:00 pm
Astronomy
Astronomy
Meet up with Ranger Park at the Visitor's Center for a look into the
wonders of the night sky. Ever wonder how the spot a satellite? Or which
of those little specks are planets and which are stars? Or maybe, what's
the story behind the Pleiades anyhow? Well, bring all of your questions
as well as a red light and find out! There will be a short walk on the
Meadow Trail out to were the telescope will be set up so wear close toed
shoes. Please dress for the weather and bring water.
Meeting Address: 11745 US 41 Monteagle TN
Wednesday, January 13th
8:30 am
Trail Run, Savage Day Loop
Keep your healthy resolution on track with a brisk trail run. The pace
is slow for beginners. Choose a 2-mile or 4-mile option. Meet Ranger
Gheesling at Savage Gulf Ranger Station.
Meeting Location: 3177 Hwy 399 Palmer, TN
Saturday, January 16th
9:00 am
Hike to Buggytop (5mi)
Meet Ranger Park at the Carter State Natural Area parking lot for a
strenuous 5 mile hike to the entrance of one of the largest cave openings
in the state of Tennessee. There will be significant elevation change as
well as rough ground so please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of
water!
Meeting Address: 6829 Sherwood Rd, Sherwood, TN 37376
Sunday, January 17th
1:00 pm
FIRE!
Ever wonder how to make a warming fire with only one match, or how to
make a fire with no match or lighter? Join Ranger Park at the Grundy
Forest Pavilion for a How-To on making a survival fire. All materials are
provided, just bring yourself!
Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387
Friday, January 22nd
1:00 pm
FIRE!
Ever wonder how to make a warming fire with only one match, or how to
make a fire with no match or lighter? Join Ranger Park at the Grundy
Forest Pavilion for a How-To on making a survival fire. All materials are
provided, just bring yourself!
Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387
6:00 pm
Astronomy
Astronomy
Meet up with Ranger Park at the Visitor's Center for a look into the
wonders of the night sky. Ever wonder how the spot a satellite? Or which
of those little specks are planets and which are stars? Or maybe, what's
the story behind the Pleiades anyhow? Well, bring all of your questions
as well as a red light and find out! There will be a short walk on the
Meadow Trail out to were the telescope will be set up so wear close toed
shoes. Please dress for the weather and bring water.
Meeting Address: 11745 US 41 Monteagle TN
Saturday January 23rd
9:00 am
Saturday Trail Days (Fiery Gizzard)
Flex your Tennessee volunteer muscle by helping with a major trail
reroute along the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This exciting reroute will cut
through some rough and beautiful terrain so be prepared with sturdy
footwear and plenty of water/snacks. If you have a favorite tool or pair
of gloves, feel free to bring them. We will meet at the Grundy Forest
parking lot and will work till early afternoon. For more info or if you
want to bring a large group, email Ranger Jason at jason.reynolds@tn.gov.
Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387
10:30 am
Collins Gulf overlook / Suter Falls Hike
Enjoy the geologic beauty of Collins Gulf and Suter Falls. We will hike
1/3 mile to the overlook at Collins West campground, then on to Suter
Falls. This impressive feature marks the head of the Collins Gulf. This
is a relatively steep 2 mile round trip hike. Meet Ranger Gheesling at
the Collins West trailhead.
Meeting Address: 2689 55th Ave. Gruetli-Laager, TN 37339
Saturday, January 24th
1:00 pm
Natural Bridge Geology
Join Ranger Park at the Natural Bridge parking lot for a pleasant walk to
learn the geologic history of the region with a spectacular back drop!
Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Meeting Address: 591 Natural Bridge Rd Sewanee, TN 37375
Friday, January 29th
1:00 pm
Stone Door Hike
Meet Ranger Aaron at the Stone Door parking lot for an easy 2 mile hike
to see the beautiful Stone Door overlook. This hike is a great
introduction to South Cumberland State Park. The Great Stone Door is one
of the most stunning overlooks in the state and provides views across all
of the Savage Gulf State Natural Area. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a bottle
of water, and don’t forget your camera!
Meeting Location: 1183 Stone Door Rd. Beersheba Springs, Tennessee 37305
Saturday, January 30th
9:00 am
Saturday Trail Days (Fiery Gizzard)
Flex your Tennessee volunteer muscle by helping with a major trail
reroute along the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This exciting reroute will cut
through some rough and beautiful terrain so be prepared with sturdy
footwear and plenty of water/snacks. If you have a favorite tool or pair
of gloves, feel free to bring them. We will meet at the Grundy Forest
parking lot and will work till early afternoon. For more info or if you
want to bring a large group, email Ranger Jason at jason.reynolds@tn.gov.
Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387
11:00 am
Hiking Through History
Meet Ranger Park at the Grundy Lakes parking lot for a look into the
turbulent past of the coal mining industry that created much of the
region by hiking a moderate 2.3 miles. Our history is full of tragedy and
comedy so come on out with a healthy curiosity to learn more! Please wear
sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Meeting Address: 587 Lakes Road, Tracy City, TN 37387
Sunday, January 31st
1:00 pm
Meadow Trail Hike (1.5 miles)
Meet Ranger Park at the Visitor Center for an easy hike around the Meadow
Trail to search for what critters may still be above ground this time of
year. Please dress for the weather and bring water.
Meeting Address: 11745 US 41 Monteagle TN
