Hike All 14 in 2014 in South Cumberland State Park

The Friends of South Cumberland challenges area hikers to “Hike All 14 in 2014.” In Mary Priestley’s guide to hiking in the South Cumberland State Park, she lists 14 hikes that cover all 10 parks that make up the South Cumberland State Park in 120 miles of hiking. 

“If you hike all 14, you will have covered a lot of trail and seen some of the most spectacular scenery to be found,” said Priestley. 

The Hike All 14 challenge will kick off on Sat., Feb. 8; registration will be 9:30–10 a.m., at the State Park Visitor Center. The first of the 14 hikes, Hike 4 on the Meadow Trail, will be 10–11:30 a.m., led by Mary Priestley. Lunch at Dutch Maid Bakery will follow at 12 p.m., with a program by Tennessee Naturalist Rob Moreland. After lunch, Hike 3 at Grundy Lakes will begin at 1:30 p.m. Participants may come for any or all of these opening events. 

There is a $10 fee to sign up for the challenge that includes registration and a copy of the trail guide. Hikers can also order a Hike All 14 T-shirt with a checklist of hikes on the back. Those who join the “I Hiked Em All Club” will receive a certificate, trail map bandana and a year’s membership to the FSC. 

Everyone is invited to participate at no charge on any of the individual hikes. Scouts and other student groups are encouraged to take part. 

For more information contact Naullain Kendrick by email to <naullain@hotmail.com>.

The next scheduled hikes take place on March 22, and include Hike 6, the Greeter Falls Loop and Laurel Trail, combined with Hike 2, the Laurel Falls Loop. Tennessee Naturalists Jack Furman and Naullain Kendrick will be the leaders. 

On April 6, Mary Priestley and Naullain Kendrick will lead Hike 10, the Collins Gulf Loop. Additional hikes will be offered during Trails & Trilliums on April 12–13. 

With more than 24,500 acres in separate parcels, South Cumberland is spread out over a 100-square-mile area. Approximately 81 miles of white- and blue-blazed trails run through Savage Gulf, Fiery Gizzard and all of the other parks that make up the South Cumberland. The 14 hikes described in the guide include easy strolls and more difficult day-long treks. To receive monthly announcements about Hike 14, go to the FSC website <www.friendsofscsra.org> and sign up for the free Trail Tracker mailing list.