Healthy Living, Fitness

Kick Off the New Year with a Tennessee Hike

national parks Tennessee
Published on December 16, 2016

New Year’s Day is a few weeks away. Instead of doing the usual partying and lounging around the next day, why not switch things up by taking a healthy hike? Kick off the new year right by hiking in the great outdoors in Eastern Tennessee.

America’s national parks have kicked off what’s called ‘First Day Hikes’ at parks across America. The national parks of Tennessee are a beautiful place to start the year off on a healthy note. It’s also a great way to meet other health conscience people and explore the beautiful natural scenery of the Volunteer State. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment after hiking to the top of a mountain, breathing in the brisk fresh air, while gazing down upon beautiful, sparkling Tennessee lakes like Tellico Lake. On New Year’s Day make it a reality with the friendliest fellow Tennesseans. 

Did you know there are more than a thousand miles of trails in the national parks of Tennessee? You don’t have to go it alone. Guided and non-guided hikes are available for beginners to experienced hikers. This is a great way for active seniors who are considering retiring in Tennessee to stay healthy 365 days a year.

There are more than a dozen hiking trails to choose from this New Year Day in Eastern Tennessee. Here’s a few:

  • January 1st 1:00pm-3:00pm
    • Big Ridge State Park – Ranger-led moderate 3-mile trail hike with scenic views of Norris Lake and the surrounding area.
  • January 1st 9am-12pm 
    • Booker T. Washington State Park – Adults and children can join Ranger Basham for a 2.5 to 3 miles long hike with moderate difficulty.
  • January 1st 11:00am – 1:00pm
    • Booker T. Washington State Park – Ranger-led 1.5-mile hike along the banks of the Tennessee River.
  • January 1st 10:00am – 2:00pm
    • Cove Lake State Park – View waterfalls and Cove Lake on this 3-mile hike atop Devil’s Race Track.
  • January 1st 10:00am – 1:00pm
    • Cumberland Trail State Park – Hike off trail wonders along Cumberland Trail and partake in a discussion about local history and agriculture.
  • January 1st 1:00pm – 2:30pm
    • Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park – Take a brisk 2-mile hike of moderate difficulty along the creek and river.
  • January 1st 1:00pm - 3:00pm
    • Fort Loudoun State Historic Park – Joan the park ranger for a 1-mile wheelchair accessible hike and learn about upcoming projects at Fort Loudoun State Historic Park.
  • January 1st 10:00am – 11:00am
    • Frozen Head State Park – Hikers of all ages can take part in an easy 1.2-mile hike along the Panther Branch Trail to DeBord Falls as learn about the park’s history.
  • January 1st 6:00pm – 9:00pm
    • Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park – Start the year off learning about the inhabitants who’ve called this forest their home for a thousand years on a 0.5-mile ranger-led hike.
  • January 1st 1:00pm– 3:00pm
    • Indian Mountain State Park – The entire family will enjoy this 3-mile hike on the Boy Scout Trail.
  • January 1st 10:00am – 1:00pm
    • Panther Creek State Park – Give your body a good workout on this ranger-led, moderately strenuous 3-mile hike that gives hikers an up close view the beautiful scenery.
  • January 1st 2:00pm – 3:00pm
    • Red Clay State Historic Park – An easy 1-mile hike that’ll help you work off the holiday pounds.
  • January 1st 2:00pm – 4:30pm
    • Roan Mountain State Park – Travel along the park’s newest trail, Moonshiners’ Run, on this 1.5-mile hike with moderate difficulty.
  • January 1st 1:00pm – 6:00pm
    • Rocky Fork State Park – Hikers are bound to be amazed during this 5.5-mile hike of Birchfield Camp Lake as they learn about this half century old lake which spans nearly 5-acres.
  • January 1st 1:30pm – 3:30pm
    • Seven Islands State Birding Park – Hikers will appreciate the wildlife in this 2.5-mile hike that is mostly level with some gentle slopes.
  • January 1st 9:00am– 9:30am
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park – A special guided interpretive walk through Sycamore Shoals.

Tennessee’s natural beauty is among the top draws for seniors retiring in Tennessee. Hiking or ‘forest bathing’ along the beautiful trails is one of the many way seniors can maintain their health and positive sense of well being. Visible from many of the trails, the sparkling waters of the Tennessee lakes such as Norris Lake and Tellico Lake offer more than a serene atmosphere, they encourage recreational activities. Hiking trails surround the unspoiled Norris Lake. Tellico Lake is a favorite of swimmers and boaters. Here you’ll find dozens of marinas, waterfront restaurants and some of the most beautiful lakefront homes. 

Tellico Village comprises over 5,000 acres along Tellico Lake. Established in 1986, it has become one of the premier senior planned active adult retirement communities in the southeast. Its three private top ranked championship golf courses offer outstanding play. Tellico Lake provides a pristine resource for boating, fishing, swimming, and waterfront living. An unparalleled number of high quality amenities help residents enjoy a truly special and fulfilling active lifestyle. All reasons why it is important to remember that, when it comes to finding a dream retirement community in Tennessee,  we can say from experience “it’s better at Tellico Village.” Four time bliss award winner, this waterfront community is hard to beat.

On December 1, 2014, a group of 20 volunteer trail builders completed the last few hundred yards of the of the East Lakeshore Trail, marking a 12+ year effort, building more than 30 miles of completed trail. The initial trail building outings in 2003 were the result of meetings that started the previous year in reaction to the loss of beautiful forested land between Baker Hollow and Powerline Cove. 

Take a First Hike on January 1 in one of the national parks of Tennessee. If you’re considering retiring in Tennessee, be sure to stop by Tellico Village and see this award winning waterfront retirement community.  

Call Tellico Village directly at 888.287.0676 to schedule a tour.