This Saturday, June 2, could be a good day for people who enjoy hiking. Tennessee State Parks will offer free, guided hikes at all 56 state parks that day to celebrate National Trails Day.
Hiking activities vary depending on the location, but they include day hikes, night hikes, historical hikes, trail clean-up hikes and more. Trails range from easy and paved to rugged backcountry.
Georgia will also host guided hikes at many of its state parks that day. Parking fees will still be collected, but some of the hikes are free.
-Booker T. Washington State Park: 10 a.m.-noon, nature hike. 423-322-5160.
-Cloudland Canyon State Park: 10-11 a.m., 2-mile dog hike along backcountry trail, all dogs must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash. Parking is $5.
-Fort Mountain State Park: 7:30-9 p.m., easy-to-moderate sunset hike to the West Overlook. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-422-1932.
-Harrison Bay State Park: 2:30-4 p.m., meet at Bay Point Loop trailhead for 2-mile nature hike. Children welcome, but trail is not stroller-friendly. 423-344-6214.
-Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park: 5-6 p.m., one-mile guided hike focusing on native plants, wildlife and history. 423-263-0050.
-James H. Floyd State Park: 3-5 p.m., moderate-to-strenuous nature hike that highlights animals and plant life in the park. $5 parking. 706-857-0826
-Red Clay State Historic Park: 2-4 p.m., meet at the gazebo. 423-478-0339.
-South Cumberland State Park: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. CDT, volunteer work day. Volunteers should bring snacks, water and wear sturdy shoes. The group will meet at 1869 Old CCC Road, Sherwood, Tennessee.
Contact staff writer Mark Pace at mpace@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659. Follow him on Twitter @themarkpace and on Facebook @ChattanoogaOutdoors.