Old Stone Fort Wildflower & Waterfall Hike

Tuesday, April 8 – Old Stone Fort State Park Wildflower and Waterfall Hike, Manchester, TN, 4 miles, easy. Joint hike with the Highland Rim Chapter and Joan Hartvigsen. Meet at the Visitor Center/Museum parking lot at 8:30 am CT. We will begin on the path below the Enclosure Trail along the Duck River to view Blue Hole Falls and Big Falls.  We will then continue on the Forks of the River Trail where all the Bluebells and other wildflowers grow.  This trail takes us to the confluence of the Duck and Little Duck Rivers, where we will pick up the Moat Trail and connect back to the Enclosure Trail. Down this trail we will see beautiful and mature walnut trees and other large hardwood trees.  We will then hike along the Little Duck River below the Enclosure Trail to view Step Falls. Next, we will return to our vehicles in the Visitor Center/Museum parking lot and drive to the Picnic Area. From there we will walk across the iconic foot bridge over the Duck River and access the Garrison Road Trail and the Nature Trail. These trails contain the Arboretum funded by a TTA Evans Means Grant. The Nature Trail has cool views of the other side of Blue Hole Falls.  Here we can have our lunches at the Group Boy Scout Camp, or we can finish our hike and eat lunch at the park’s lovely picnic area or covered picnic pavilion.  

 Check the weather forecast within a day of the hike, as earlier forecasts can change dramatically. Choose appropriate layers; wear hiking shoes or boots; bring lunch along with more water than you think you need; use insect repellent, hiking poles, sunscreen, and rain jacket as needed.

For carpooling/caravanning, meet at 8:30 am ET at the parking lot just after LaQuinta Inn, right (north) off I-24 Exit 175. https://bit.ly/3QITAD4 Register with the hike leader (required for all Scenic City hikes): Will Latham (704) 365-8889. Carpool: $7.00.