Tennessee State Parks will usher in the New Year with First Day Hikes on Jan. 1. Free, guided hikes are available at all state parks with the exception of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, which hosts the annual New Year’s Eve event in Nashville.
In our area, free hikes will be available at Paris Landing State Park in Buchanan and Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tiptonville.
Reelfoot Lake is a major wintering ground for thousands of ducks, geese, and hundreds of Bald Eagles. On this hike we will explore areas where these birds are concentrated during the evening hours as they come in to roost. If you want to watch the sky alive with waterfowl.You don’t want to miss the First Hike. Grassy Trail is an easy 1.5 mile hike and open to both adults and children. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots.
Call 731 253 9652 for more info on the Reelfoot hike.
“The New Year is a time many Tennesseans will make resolutions to be more active, and the First Day Hikes are a great way to fulfill that,” Jim Bryson, deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, said. “The hikes range from nice strolls to rugged terrain, so we hope everyone will consider this outstanding way to welcome in 2020.”
Each hike is led by an experienced park ranger and is part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes in all 50 states.
Specific information about each of the hikes at Tennessee State Parks can be found at https://tnstateparks.com/about/special-events/first-day-hikes/.
Tennessee State Parks host a series of Signature Hikes each year. They include First Day Hikes, Spring Hikes in March, National Trails Day Hikes in June, National Public Lands Day Hikes in September, and After-Thanksgiving Hikes the day after Thanksgiving.