Fall Creek Falls State Park Chestnut-Chinquapin Hike
(Click here to see photos of the trip)
 

Please join us for a leisurely hike through the cool autumn woods at Fall Creek Falls State Park on Saturday, November 4, 2006.  First, we will gather at the Nature Center at 10:00 AM, and then we will view at least one of the breath-taking falls. This will be followed by a hike on Chinquapin Trail where we will see American chestnut and its close relative, the Allegheny chinquapin.  One of the chestnut trees is about 40 feet tall which is large these days.  The shrubby chinquapin is plentiful along the trail along with American holly, big leaf magnolia, Virginia pine, blackgum, wild blueberries, and dry-land oaks and hickories.  Professor Joe Schibig, a forest ecologist from Volunteer State Community College, will identify  trees and shrubs along the trail.  He and other chestnut experts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have concerning the American chestnut.  The round trip hike will  not exceed 3 miles.  You should bring your camera, something to drink, and trail snacks.

To see the map of Fall Creek Falls go to: http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/features/hiking.shtml
and click on the Fall Creek Falls area map.

Directions:

Go to:   http://maps.yahoo.com/
and you will be able to get directions from your area to Spencer, Tennessee, which is a few miles northwest of Fall Creek Falls State Park.