Grundy State Natural Area- Fiery Gizzard Trail (part of the South Cumberland)

LOCATION
Grundy Forest State Natural Area is located just outside of Tracy City, TN. The main trail within this area is the Fiery Gizzard Trail and connects to Foster Falls Small Wild Area 12+ miles away. The trail also travels through The Little Gizzard Creek Small Wild Area. There is another trail on the Tracy City end of the Fiery Gizzard. 1.5 miles in Dog Hole Trail begins and takes you to the Raven Point Campsite 2.8 miles away and then re-intersects with The Fiery Gizzard.

DIRECTIONS
Take I-24 to the Monteagle/Sewanee exit (exit 134). Drive into Monteagle and turn left onto Hwy 41. Drive toward Tracy City. Look for a brown sign for the Grundy State Forest on your right just outside of Tracy City. Turn right drive toward a school. The Grundy Forest parking lot is just behind the school's softball field.

DESCRIPTION
• Large Hemlocks
• Wildflowers
• Rock Chimneys
• Bluffs
• Fiery Gizzard Creek
• Waterfalls

ACTIVITIES
• Picnicking @ trail head
• Hiking
• Backpacking

ISSUES
• Snakes
• Slippery rocks
• Slight elevation decrease at beginning of trail (100-200 ft)
• Rock garden crossing at @ 2 miles
• Dog Hole Mine is not barricaded

POSITIVES
• Rarely travelled
• Beautiful scenery of waterfalls
• Raven Point

SYNOPSIS
This trail is a favorite of my families. In the winter when there is snow on the ground it is our “go too”. In the summer and the temperature is above 90 degrees, it is our “go too” trail as well. It feels like the temperature drops 10-15 degrees in the gorge. The Fiery Gizzard Trail is a must for this area.

LINKS
http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/

South Cumberland State Park

LOCATION
The South Cumberland State Park is located in Middle Tennessee, southeast of Nashville and Northwest of Chattanooga. It is near the towns of Monteagle, Gruetli-Laager, Altamont, and Sewanee. This recreation area encompasses a few different parks- The Savage Gulf, Foster Falls, and Grundy Forest to name a few.

In order to review the area it must be broken down into smaller sections. Therefore, clink on the link to the left titled “LABELS” to read a review of each area.

DIRECTIONS
Directions are too the visitors center. Directions to each area will be on each post.

I-24, exit Hwy 41- Sewanee, Tracy City, Monteagle. Drive east towards Monteagle. Take a left on Summerfield Rd (there is a sign pointing towards the visitors center). The visitors center is a couple of miles on your left.

DESCRIPTION
• Beautiful views
• Mixture of hardwood and hemlock forests
• Great waterfalls
• Best Middle Tennessee snow hikes in winter
• Stone chimneys

ACTIVITIES
• Hiking
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Fishing
• Rock climbing

ISSUES
• Crowded at waterfalls not requiring a hike in
• Some campsites are crowded on weekends
• Slick rocks on trails
• Snakes

POSITIVES
• Wonderful views
• Large forests
• Geological wonders
• Trails are not crowded once 1-2 miles in

SYNOPSIS
My family and I refer to this area as our “go too” park for weekend hiking. It seems that we always find something new here even though we have been hiking this area for a number of years. Our favorite day hike trail is The Fiery Gizzard. Our favorite view trail is the Stone Door Rim Trail. When the heat of summer is burning us up; we hike the Fiery Gizzard. The stream and forest canopy seem to cool us off.

After a hike, we usually ride over to The University of the South for lunch at Shenanigans. It is a local eatery and close to the university in Sewanee.

LINKS
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/SouthCumberland/index.shtml
http://www.mapquest.com/
http://www.sewanee.edu/

Hiwassee River- Cherokee National Forest

LOCATION
The Hiwassee River is located in the Cherokee National Forest between Cleveland and Knoxville, TN. Reliance, TN is its home town. Reliance consists of a post office, campground, and two outfitters. The town is small, but the river is what you go for. This river was my “home” river growing up and possibly the best trout fishing in Middle Tennessee. Outside of fishing, The Cherokee National Forest offers great hiking, backpacking, and class II-IV whitewater kayaking.

DIRECTIONS
I-75 to exit 20 (Cleveland, TN). Travel 6 miles to the Ocoee exit (Hwy 64). Travel east on 64 thirteen miles. Exit Hwy 411 North. Six miles north of Benton, TN turn right on Hwy 30. Travel 6 miles to Reliance, TN and the Hiwassee River.

For people traveling south on I-75 from Knoxville, it is quicker to take the Athens/Decatur exit over to Etowah. From Etowah, follow Hwy 411 South to the Hwy 30 junction that takes you to Reliance.

DESCRIPTION
• Hardwood forests
• Clear water
• Beautiful views
• Wildlife abundant
• Wildflowers

ACTIVITIES
• Fishing
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Float trips
• Hiking
• Mountain biking

ISSUES
• Bears
• Poisonous snakes
• Water generation, check the release schedule
• Slick rocks

POSITIVES
• Seclusion
• Quality trout area
• Great whitewater kayaking
• Multiple campgrounds nearby
• Kayak, canoe rentals

SYNOPSIS
I have probably fished this river 300 times in my life and always find something new. I have spent days catching nothing, too days catching 30- 9-12” trout, too days when I caught 1- 24” trout. I have hiked, backpacked, or biked almost every trail in the forest. It is my early spring “retreat” area and spend a week there every year.

For the hunter- Benton, TN has a trap and skeet range that is excellent when you need a break from the forest. Prices are reasonable and can include a golf cart for the lazy.

LINKS
http://www.hiwasseeoutfitters.com/
http://hiwassee.net/
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/

Kayak Modification for Duck Hunting

My son has finally become old enough to paddle on his own so I turned our 2-man kayak into a duck hunting boat. It will be perfect for sneak boating or getting back into the marshes where a motorized boat can't reach. It will comfortably hold two men, gear, and decoys; or I can paddle it myself by moving the front seat to the middle. The kayak I modified is a Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135T. Following is a brief description of the steps for modifying the kayak into a hunting kayak.


ITEMS NEEDED
• Kayak
• Plastic paint primer
• Camouflage spray paint in black, green, light and dark brown
• Stencil kit & razor

• PVC pipe & connectors
• PVC glue
• Rope and clips
• Camouflage cloth
• Raffia and assorted vegetation to match your area
• Needle and thread

STEPS
• I primed it with plastic paint primer and put a flat green base coat down.
• From there I used stencils I made myself. The stencils consist of marsh grass, cattails, tiger stripes, and leafs.
• I started with the tiger strip in black, continued with the marsh grass in light and dark brown.
• On the top I stenciled leafs. Starting with light brown and shaded over the top with the dark brown.
• On the sides, I stenciled the cattails in light brown.
• I also made a curtain out of camouflage cloth and PVC for the standards. Hanging it like a “shower curtain” for access. I proceeded to stitch grass and raffia on the sides for 3D concealment.

SYNOPSIS
I have scouted and hunted with this boat a number of times since I modified it. I can paddle silently and sneak up on ducks and geese within 10-15 yards before they see me. When I am in the “blind” ducks have landed with 5 yards of the boat. The only issue I have is that the polyethylene does not hold paint very well. It does scratch. When it does, I spray a light coat of green over the scratches.

Elk River- Tims Ford State Park

LOCATION
The Elk River is in southern middle Tennessee and connects with Tims Ford Lake. The area reviewed is from the damn tailwater downstream. It flows along private land, consisting of farms and forests. Trout fishing and boating are the main activities on this area of the river; however, Tims Ford State Park is nearby for camping, short hikes, biking, and lake activities.

DIRECTIONS
• Hwy 55 towards Lynchburg, TN. Take Hwy 50 towards Winchester (if you are coming from Winchester take Hwy 50 towards Lynchburg). Hwy 50 crosses over the damn.
• Northwest of the damn on Hwy 50 is Lois Ridge Rd. It will turn into West Prong Rd and Farris Creek Rd. There are fishing and boating accesses along the roads.

DESCRIPTION
• Beautiful views along river
• Rock bluffs
• Hardwood forests

ACTIVITIES
• Trout fishing
• Canoeing/Kayaking
• Hiking and Camping at Tims Ford State Park

ISSUES
• Crowded fishing accesses
• Slick rock bottom
• Grassy bottom in some areas
• Deep holes
• Tailwater generation, check the release schedule

POSITIVES
• Quality brown trout
• Stocking of fish
• Quiet
• Easy class I-II river

SYNOPSIS
I fish this river often with my son. My family and I also kayak it occasionally; however, we like kayaking the part near Fayetteville, TN the best. The fishing access is limited and the fish tend to congregate in areas that require permission from landowners or boating. Dog Hole Access and Farris Creek Bridge are your best bets for fly-fishing. They are located off Lois Ridge Rd. Mayfly nymphs, midges, and woolly buggers are your best bet for fly-fishing.

Lynchburg, TN is the home of Jack Daniels Distillery. The tour is free and takes about an hour. Lynchburg also hosts the Jack Daniels BBQ Cook-off in the fall.

LINKS
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/TimsFord/
http://www.mapquest.com/
http://www.lynchburgtn.com/
http://www.timsfliesandlies.com/

Pickett State Park

LOCATION
Pickett State Park is located in the Cumberland Mountains, west of The Big South Fork and Near Jamestown, TN. It is within the Pickett State Forest and offers an abundance of natural wonders to view.

DIRECTIONS
I-40 to Exit 317 and take Hwy. 127 north for 46 miles. Turn right on Hwy. 154 and drive 12 miles to the park entrance

DESCRIPTION
• Hardwood and White pine forest with laurels
• Large rock houses
• Natural sandstone bridges
• Scenic bluffs
• Mountain streams

ACTIVITIES
• Hiking
• Camping
• Fishing on Arch Lake
• Cabin Rental
• Horseback riding

ISSUES
• Slick when wet
• Steep trails to rock houses
• Road maps to trails are incomplete

POSITIVES
• Beautiful forest
• Wildflowers
• Rock Houses are incredible to see
• Not very crowded

SYNOPSIS
My family and I always spend at least one day hiking Pickett when we are in the Big South Fork. The Hazard Cave and Indian Rock House trails are short and across the street from each other. We always make these a stop because of the wonderment of each. All the trails are short, but offer great sites to behold.

Historic Rugby, TN is nearby and the breakfast at the town restaurant is a must eat.

LINKS
http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/Pickett/index.shtml
http://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm
http://www.historicrugby.org/

Caney Fork River

LOCATION
The Caney Fork River meanders along the Cumberland Plateau and is the headwater and tailwater for Center Hill Lake. The area described is for the tailwater section of the river. This portion of the river flows from the damn to below I-40 and offers trout and smallmouth bass fishing. Edgar Evins State Park is along the upper portion of the river on the east side and offers day hiking.

DIRECTIONS
• I-40 to Buffalo Valley Rd exit, turn south to fish the upper part of the river.
• The damn is on Wolf Creek Rd. Follow Buffalo Valley Rd to stop sign and take a right. The damn is approximately 100 yards on the right.
• To fish the lower portion of the river turn north on Buffalo Valley Rd. Drive approximately 1 mile and take a right on St Mary’s Rd. Betty Access in on the left.

DESCRIPTION
• Beautiful hardwoods
• Considered a “freestone” tailwater
• Deep holes
• Grassy bottom in some areas

ACTIVITIES
• Fly fishing, spin-cast fishing, bait fishing
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Day hikes and camping at Edgar Evins State Park

ISSUES
• Wading areas at each access when the damn is not generating
• Slick rock bottom
• Boating is the best option during generation
• Fishing pressure can be high
• Crowded accesses
• Damn generation- Call the TVA to check the generation schedule. The water rises quickly.

POSITIVES
• Quality size brown trout
• During stocking rainbows a plenty
• Nice boating river

SYNOPSIS
I fish this river a lot. I consider it my “home river”. Fly fishing can be challenging; but mayflies, midges, and woolly buggers are your best options. The damn and Happy Hollow are usually the most crowded with Betty’s Access being the least. There are a few other areas to fish, but I don’t want to give them up- sorry.

To canoe/kayak this portion of the river, contact a link below for shuttling.

LINKS
http://www.mapquest.com/
http://www.canoethecaney.com/
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/EdgarEvins/

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

LOCATION
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is located outside of Oneida, TN and includes parts of southern Kentucky. The area reviewed is on the western side of the Tennessee area of the park.

DIRECTIONS
I-40- exit the Jamestown-Crossville Exit onto U.S. 127. Take U.S. 127 north 36 miles into Jamestown. Two miles north of Jamestown, take Highway 154 north to the intersection of Highway 297. Follow 297 east approximately 12 miles to the Big South Fork Visitor Center and Campground.

DESCRIPTION
• Deep river gorge with the South Fork River flowing through it
• Laurels, hardwoods, hemlocks, and white pines
• 125,000 acres on the northern Cumberland Plateau
• High Bluffs

ACTIVITIES
• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Horseback riding
• Kayaking
• Rock climbing
• Fishing
• Mountain biking

ISSUES
• Horseback riders ride on hiking trails
• Access from the Eastside to the Westside of park is cumbersome

POSITIVES
• Beautiful overlooks
• Well maintained trails
• Large park offering solitude
• Friendly rangers
• Clean campsites and Restrooms

SYNOPSIS
I recently spent my 4th outing at the BSFNRRA. We hiked 3 days straight and enjoyed every trail. Our first day was to the Twin Arches and down to Charitt Creek Lodge. The arches are the largest in the southeast and the lodge is a hostel providing cabins and food. The second day we hiked the upper trail to the Angels Falls Overlook and down into the gorge. The trail was slippery and wet going into the gorge, but well worth it. The last day we hiked to Indian Cave and Hazard cave in the nearby Pickett State Park and stopped at Northrop Falls for a 1.5 mile easy hike on our way home.

LINKS
http://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/Pickett/
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/na/natareas/colditz/

Long Hunter State Park- Volunteer Trail

LOCATION
Long Hunter State Park is located southeast of Nashville on Percy Priest Lake. The main entrance is east of the bridge crossing the lake on Hobson Pike. The Volunteer trail is ¼ mile from the main entrance and on the other side of Hobson Pike.

DIRECTIONS
• I-24- Exit Old Hickory Blvd and travel east 6.4 miles. Cross over the Percy Priest Lake bridge. On your right you will see the Long Hunter State Park main entrance. ¼-mile pass the entrance on your left is the sign to Volunteer Trail.
• I-40- Exit Mt Juliet and travel south on Hobson Pike 6 miles. The entrance to the trail is on your right.

DESCRIPTION
• Rock bluffs along lake
• Wildflowers
• Lake views
• Relatively flat, slight hills, solid path

ACTIVITIES
• Hiking is what this trail is known for. There is a 4-mile day loop skirting the lake and an extension trail to a campsite further in.
• At the Long Hunter State Park, there are canoe rentals for Couchville Lake. Couchville Lake is a small reservoir with fishing. There is no boat launch.
• Group camping, picnicking sites and a playground is available

ISSUES
• Snakes
• Poison Ivey
• Loose rocks on trail
• Theft at parking area of Volunteer Trail. Please lock up or carry your personal items
• Boats can be heard along trail

POSITIVES
• Quite trail
• Not a lot of travel
• Resting benches
• Lake views
• Close proximity to Nashville for a short hike

SYNOPSIS
Volunteer Trail is our go-to hike when time is short and we need to get outside for an afternoon. Every trip has been a nice outing. We hiked there this past Sunday and found a multitude of wildlife on the trail and in the trees. We saw only 1 hiker in our 1 ½-hour hike. Definitely one of our favorites when time is short.

LINKS
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/LongHunter

First Aid Kits

First Aid kits are an essential item for any outdoor excursion. I always carry mine with me when outdoors. It weighs less than a pound and I use it to mend blisters, medicate headaches, and sanitize small cuts.


Starting out with a pre-packaged kit is usually the best idea and then you can replace items as needed or add what you believe is necessary. A family of 4 can usually get by with a light hiking kit; but for larger families a more substantial kit is better. For protection of the items it is recommended that the kit be in a waterproof container or enclosed in a zip tight plastic bag. If boating, I place my kit in a dry bag.

1. Band Aids- Assortment
2. Antiseptic Wipes
3. Pain reliever
4. Scissors
5. Moleskin
6. Gauze wrap
7. Tweezers
8. Tongue Depressor (splint)
9. Sting relief medications
10. Antibacterial ointment
11. Personal medication

These 11 items are not all in compassing. I also keep an ace bandage and a few other items in my kit. All families are different and have different needs. Cater your kit to what fits your family best.

12 Common Sense Essentials

Yesterday I touched on the “10 Essentials”. Today I will explain 12 more items I always carry with me on the trail or when boating. I call them the “12 Common Sense Essentials”. Most items are not mandatory, but I've found that throughout my years of enjoying the outdoors I’ve used each item at least once. They are:


12 COMMON SENSE ESSENTIALS
1. Wire or cord
2. Daypack
3. Sunglasses
4. Rain coat
5. Needle and thread
6. Trash bag
7. Small pot
8. Sunscreen/bug repellent
9. Emergency blanket
10. Toilet paper
11. Watch
12. Iodine tablets

Wire or chord can be used if a shoelace breaks. The daypack offers comfort and accessibility to all your gear. As the years have passed, my pack has changed. When my child was smaller it was larger, as he’s grown, my pack size has decreased. It needs to fit comfortably and hold everything needed for a day on the trail. Sunglasses are great for sunny days and avoiding eye sunburn. Raincoats are indispensible in the spring and fall in my area. Pop-up showers are prevalent. Needle and thread can be used to mend clothing, etc. Trash bags can be used to carry water or pack out trash other people have left behind. I use a small tin pot to carry most of the essentials; water can be boiled and purified if needed. I carry a sunscreen/bug repellent combination. Emergency blankets are small; luckily, I have never used it, but it’s there just in case. T.P.- got too have it. A watch is great for timing your outing; it will keep you from being out to late after dark. Iodine tablets, I've never used these either because I always carry water; however, they are with me in case I need to purify some.

All total, the 10 & 12 essentials weigh less than 10 lbs. I started with heavier and bulkier items and through the years have replaced them with eco-friendly and lighter gear meant for the outdoors. You might not think an extra 5 lbs is much, but it is after 10 miles of hiking. Start out with what you have at your home, replace as needed with what you feel comfortable with, and can afford.

The Ten Essentials

Many people think a walk in the woods is a safe adventure, and it is 99% of the time; however, 1% of the time something will go wrong. It could be something small like a blister or something larger like getting lost. I have learned through experience- always be prepared. I'm not saying to bring a coat in the middle of summer, but you need to have a certain amount of gear on you at all times. Below is a list used by many outdoorsmen. It’s not a new list, but a list that has been in use for a long time. It is “the ten essentials”. The ten essentials are:


“THE TEN ESSENTIALS”
1. Map
2. Compass
3. Emergency Whistle
4. Water & water bottle
5. Extra Food
6. Duct Tape
7. First Aid Kit
8. Knife
9. Waterproof Matches
10. Flash light

A map and compass are indispensible when hiking or boating. You should have a map of the location you are visiting with topographic details and understand how to use the compass and map together. An emergency whistle is necessary in case you become lost or hurt. It will give your location in time of distress. Water is necessary for life, it should be with you at all times. Extra food will help give you energy and lift your spirits if you become lost. Duct tape is one of man’s greatest gifts to himself; you can use it for a multitude of purposes. The knife doesn’t need to be large; a small pocketknife will suffice. Waterproof matches will allow you to build a fire for warmth and to lift your spirits when night falls and you are lost. A flashlight is self-explanatory; you know what it’s like to walk around your own home after dark without light- try the woods.

All these items can be carried in a small fanny pack or daypack. I prefer a daypack so I can carry a raincoat, sunscreen, and a few other items I will discuss tomorrow.

Frozen Head State Park

LOCATION
• Frozen Head State Park is north of I-40 outside of Wartburg, TN in the Cumberland Mountains.

DIRECTIONS
• From Harriman take Hwy. 27 North to Wartburg. Turn right (East) on Hwy. 62. Travel 2 miles and turn left on Flat Fork Road. Travel 4 miles to the park entrance

DESCRIPTION
• 13,000+ acres of forest, creeks, and wildflowers
• Frozen Head Peak is one of the highest peaks in Tennessee- 3,324 ft
• In the fall of 1952 the entire state forest was burned by the worst forest fire season in state history
• State Park status 1970

ACTIVITIES
There are over 80 miles of hiking trails; a 7 mile unpaved biking trail, fishing, horseback riding, and camping available. There are also picnic facilities, playgrounds, and sports fields available.

ISSUES
• Camp sites are limited. I recommend the primitive sites along the main road. The 21 sites by the bathhouse are crowded and do not allow much privacy.
• Primitive site number 5 & 6 are in front of the parking area. If you do not care about people walking through your site, going to and from their cars, then these sites are the most convenient.
• Bathroom availability at the primitive sites is limited
• The trail maps are not clear concerning the trail layouts and the mileage is incorrect.
• It’s very damp. There is not much sunlight filtering through the trees at the primitive sites.

POSITIVES
• The park is not very crowded with hikers
• View from the fire tower is nice on a clear day
• Primitive campsites are big and secluded
• Free firewood at the bathhouse
• The forest is lush with large trees, laurels, and ginseng
• Trails are well maintained
• Wildflowers are abundant
• Clean restrooms
• Friendly park rangers

SYNOPSIS
Outside of the trail mileage on the map somewhat wrong, our trip was wonderful. We chose a primitive camping site by the creek and it sang us to sleep after a long day of hiking. We hiked to the fire tower along North Old Mac Mountain Trail and returned by the Judge Branch Trail. Our estimated mileage was 9+ miles; however, the trail map said it was approximately 6+ miles. Along the trail, we only saw 3 sets of hikers even though the camping sites were full. The next day we loaded up our gear and headed to the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Area and hiked a quick 2 miles before heading home.

LINKS
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/FrozenHead/index.shtml
http://www.mapquest.com/
http://www.nps.gov/obed/index.htm

Introduction

My family and I spend a great deal of time either in the outdoors or in researching our next adventure. Not a weekend goes by without hitting the trails or local waters. Even our family vacations revolve around National and State Parks.

We have, and will, spend a great deal of time and money on gear, travel, and research to find the best areas and items needed for the full enjoyment of nature. The Southeast has great potential for family outings in the activities of hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, and kayaking. The U.S. as well offers some of the most outstanding National and State Parks in the world. Therefore, I have started this blog to share our knowledge.

To enjoy these areas certain items and planning are necessary. It took us years to gather this information and I would like to share it with you. Future postings will touch on the topics of park reviews, trail information, gear reviews, and websites needed to gather information.

I look forward to the days to come and please feel free to comment or add input to future postings.