Chapter 1: Embracing the Challenge

In 2020, I embarked on an exciting quest to hike every one of the 26 Middle Tennessee State Parks within a year, uncovering a newfound passion along the way.

This narrative originally appeared in the September/October 2021 edition of The Tennessee Conservationist magazine, titled "Middle Tennessee State Parks Hiking Challenge."

For years, my fiancé and I would casually mention our desire to hike more often, yet we never took any action to revive this cherished pastime. Finally, we decided to transform our vague intentions into a concrete goal. We kicked off the year with a resolution to explore all 26 parks by December. Despite being longtime residents of the area, we had only visited a few parks and were largely unfamiliar with the state park system. Armed with a map from the official website, we identified our target parks, stretching from Johnsonville State Historic Park and Mousetail Landing State Park on the left to Pickett CCC Memorial State Park on the right. With most parks about two hours from our Nashville home and our weekends mostly booked, we set a challenging yet achievable goal for ourselves.

We wasted no time getting started! On New Year's Day, state park rangers across Tennessee host an organized hike, so we participated in the First Day Hike at Bledsoe Creek State Park. Despite the early start after New Year’s celebrations, we joined a lively group eager to welcome the year with outdoor activity. This was my first glimpse of the parks' popularity.

Although this hike was a promising beginning, our progress was hampered by rainy weather. We managed to hike in five parks around Nashville before the pandemic caused park closures in April 2020. Initially, this seemed like a significant setback; however, it turned out to be the perfect year for us to appreciate nature. Aside from essential grocery runs, our hikes became our sole outings, allowing us to enjoy the fresh air.

Perhaps it was our newfound love for the outdoors, or maybe our hikes simply allowed us to notice our surroundings more keenly, but we began to appreciate nature in ways we never had before. We observed the subtle signs of changing seasons: fern fronds unfurling, the arrival of early spring flowers, and the first hints of autumn’s decay. We took moments to pause after strenuous climbs to soak in breathtaking views, finding solace in Tennessee's natural beauty during a uniquely challenging year.

Our outdoor adventures also led to unexpected encounters. While hiking at David Crockett State Park, we paused on a trail upon hearing rustling sounds. To our astonishment, we spotted an armadillo foraging in the underbrush. As we watched in silent awe, three additional armadillos appeared, seemingly oblivious to our presence. We waited patiently for them to wander off before continuing our hike, ensuring they had plenty of space.

Notably, the armadillos weren’t the only remarkable wildlife we encountered. In June, we visited Pickett CCC Memorial State Park to witness the glow worms in Hazard Cave. Arriving after dark, we joined a group eager to observe this mesmerizing spectacle. These glow worms are actually the larvae of a unique fly species that can produce light. Guided by a park ranger, we descended into the woods, welcomed by the sounds of dripping water and a refreshing breeze. As we reached the cave entrance, our ranger educated us about the larvae and their habitat before leading us deeper into the cave. The faint blue lights twinkled on the cave walls like scattered glitter, leaving me spellbound. This park is also recognized as a Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park, and I hope to return one night to gaze at the stars above.

In October, we ventured to southern Middle Tennessee for an adventure at Tims Ford State Park. While the trees in Nashville had already shed their leaves, this picturesque park by Tims Ford Lake was ablaze with autumn colors. We had booked a campsite on Devils Step Island, one of six islands available for camping. After a day of hiking, we rented a kayak and set out for our island destination. I had never kayaked before, and as I paddled cautiously, the water lapped worryingly close to the edges of the kayak. Upon reaching the island, I finally relaxed and took in the serene surroundings. We set up camp, lounged in our hammock, and dipped our tired feet into the cool lake. As night fell, we were joined by an unexpected crowd of daddy-longlegs and curious nocturnal creatures, adding to our sense of adventure!

Our campsite was adjacent to a historic cemetery, a poignant reminder of the people who once lived in this area before the park was established. This historical aspect is common throughout the parks we explored. For instance, Downtown Nashville's Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park serves as an outdoor museum, showcasing Tennessee’s rich history and natural features. Other parks highlight different eras or facets of life in our state. At Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, we walked around a ceremonial site once used by Native Americans, where the earthen mounds they constructed still stand. At Port Royal State Park, we learned about a town that thrived on the tobacco industry. We even hiked along a section of the original Trail of Tears while on the River Bottom Trail. Johnsonville State Park preserves Civil War history, having served as a Union supply station and the site of the Battle of Johnsonville. After the war, the town of Johnsonville was established, only to be abandoned when Kentucky Lake was formed. Harpeth River State Park features remnants of a once-popular 1940s resort, and hikers can stand on the dance floor from this resort while enjoying the view.

The parks also celebrate notable Tennesseans. At Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park, we visited a replica of the cabin where Hull was born. Hull served in the U.S. House and Senate before becoming Secretary of State under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945. Nearby, we visited Sergeant Alvin C. York State Historic Park, where we learned about York's heroic capture of over 130 German soldiers during World War I. Here, we explored his home and even walked through a replica WWI trench, as well as hiked to the church where York found his faith and visited his grave.

As we completed our journey through the parks, we realized we had achieved our goal of hiking more consistently. But more importantly, we developed a deeper appreciation for Tennessee State Parks, their role in preserving our history, and the experiences they offer to everyone.

I discovered that many people are unaware of these opportunities, which inspired me to create a blog dedicated to showcasing Tennessee State Parks. Since the challenge, I've participated in events like Eagle Fest at Reelfoot Lake State Park, volunteered at Radnor Lake State Park, and explored an abandoned summer camp at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park with a ranger-led group. And, naturally, I’ve continued hiking! I read about the Long Hunter State Park Mega-Hike in the September/October 2020 issue of The Tennessee Conservationist, and I’m excited to train for this year’s event on October 23. My visits to the parks are far from over; I aspire to explore more parks in Eastern and Western Tennessee, with plenty left to discover in Middle Tennessee.

I encourage everyone to challenge themselves to spend more time in our parks. For those considering it, I have three tips from my experience: First, always check the park's website for any alerts regarding trail or facility closures before your visit. Second, pack snacks and water for your hike—this is essential for safety, and a good snack can be a lifesaver on challenging trails. Finally, take a screenshot of the park's trail map on your phone before heading out; you may lose signal while hiking, and having a map on hand is invaluable if you encounter confusing sections.

Stay safe, support Tennessee State Parks whenever possible, and enjoy your adventures. Perhaps I’ll see you out there!

This first video discusses the state parks in Tennessee that stood out in 2020, especially during the pandemic.

The second video highlights the top three parks in Tennessee that received the most donations, showcasing the community's dedication to preserving these natural treasures.