Winter Middle Tennessee hikes offer stark beauty and some good exercise too

Mary Hance Nashville Tennessean

Published 6:00 AM EST Nov 27, 2019

Lots of people think the primo Middle Tennessee hiking is in the fall with all of the color of the changing leaves.

Or maybe in the spring when the trees are starting to leaf out with their new growth.

But there is a lot to be said for a winter hike too, according to state naturalist Randy Hedgepath, who says winter walks can offer some stark beauty and a few other advantages too.

"A walk in a forest can perk you right up and there are several other advantages to walking outside in the winter. There are few if any bugs to bother you and the crowds of other people are few as well.

"The iciness woods preserve surprises with a purpose to find out," he said. The surroundings is open and lots of details of the land are seen. Some may think that winter is all brown and grey however evergreens and rocks add bits of shade. Cool temperatures make strenuous walking extra satisfactory and really bloodless temperatures give you lovely ice formations."

All State Park hikes

There are two Tennessee country parks "All Park Hike Days" this wintry weather, one on the day after Thanksgiving and one on New Year's Day.

These are days whilst all fifty six Tennessee state parks provide some form of hike or path event. These guided hikes are loose and a park-with the aid of-park listing of hiking alternatives may be located at tnstateparks.Com/activities/hiking

State Park hikes to take to your own

Hedgepath supplied a few endorsed walks that you may take in your very own:

"Stillhouse Hollow Falls south of Mount Pleasant on Hwy 43 is a exceptional 1.2 mile round experience walk with the bonus in the colder instances of a frozen waterfalls and ice formations," he stated.

Details: tn.Gov/surroundings/program-areas/na-natural-areas/herbal-regions-center-area

"The Day Loop part of the Volunteer Trail at Long Hunter State Park is a awesome iciness walk with the added enchantment of the diminished lake making the shore a probable exploration place. The trail is 3.Nine miles and easy," he said.

Details: tnstateparks.Com/parks/long-hunter

A couple of other Hedgepath picks are: South Cumberland State Park's Rim Trails, which offer "sweeping panoramic perspectives into the gulfs of the Cumberland Plateau. The Big Creek Loop from Stone Door is 7 miles roundtrip and easy," he stated.

Details: tnstateparks.Com/parks/south-cumberland

And if you are looking for an all day guided hike, Justine Adams-Bates, a state park naturalist, will lead a 9.1 mile moderate walk on the Savage Day Loop and North Rim Trails starting at 9 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Savage Gulf State Natural Area off Hwy 399 near Palmer.

Details: tn.gov/environment/program-areas/na-natural-areas/natural-areas-east-region

Warner Parks

Percy and Edwin Warner Parks have miles and miles of trails and frequent hikes for all ages and abilities, and even offers free golf cart tours on most Fridays and Saturdays for people with mobility issues. Reservations required.

A couple of guided hikes coming up include a Holiday Hill Hike from 1:30- 3:30 on Dec. 28 for ages 8 and up; a 10 a.m. Dec. 13 Birds and Trees of the Hill Forest Hike for ages 13 and up; a 1:30 p.m. Jan. 10 Families in the Hill Forest Hike for ages 8 and up; and a 1 p.m. Jan. 17 Hill Forest Hike. Online registration required.

Warner Park Nature Center also has a Winter Solstice Celebration of nature's longest night, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 20. The event includes a luminary walk in the forest, as well as crafts, a campfire, music and snacks. Online registration required.

Details: nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Nature-Centers-and-Natural-Areas/Warner-Park-Nature-Center

Long Hunter Hike

Long Hunter State Park's Ranger Leslie Anne Rawlings will lead a one mile "Winter in the Glade" botany hike at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 22. This is a chance to take in winter sights and sounds. Meet at Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area on South Mt. Juliet Road. Details and registration at tnstateparks.com/parks/long-hunter or call 615-885-2422

MORE: Things to do in Nashville: Ms. Cheap's guide to free fun (almost) any time of year

Nashville Hiking Meetup

The meetup has an "easy" hike starting at 9:15 a.m. Nov. 30 at the West Parking lot of the Radnor Lake State Natural Area. 3 miles.

There is an evening hike at 6:30 p.m. for "experienced hikers" on Dec. 3 starting at the Deep Wells Entrance to Percy Warner Park. This hike repeats on Jan. 14.

And the meetup has a Full Moon Hike at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 starting at the Picnic Shelter 9 in Edwin Warner Park. 4.25 miles on paved road. There are also regular evening hikes for the meetup at Edwin Warner Park.