Xterra Panther Creek 2016

Dirty Bird Events to host “Xterra Panther Creek” featuring a new Trail Run in the Series Saturday and Sunday July 30-31, 2016 at Panther Creek State Park in Morristown, TN

June 23, 2016

XTERRA Panther Creek Trail Races – July 30 @ 8:00 am
XTERRA Panther Creek Triathlon – July 31 @ 8:00 am

Panther Creek State Park
2010 Panther Creek Park Road
Morristown, TN 37814

Event Description

In late July, for the third year running, Dirty Bird Events will be hosting one of the oldest off-road triathlons in East Tennessee, XTERRA Panther Creek. Newly added this year is another trail race in the XTERRA Tennessee Trail Running Series.

Race Report: Barkley Fall Classic 50K+

It's been a bit since the running of the Inaugural Barkley Fall Classic and I'm still blown away at what all who toed the line accomplished that day. It's races and moments like this which will remain in my memory for a long time. Some 200 plus souls toed the line on Saturday, September 20, 2014 and 163 completed the full distance, which as it turns out was more like 35 miles instead of the advertised 50K, of course did we expect any different considering the who the race directors were?

I arrived in Wartburg around 4ish in the afternoon on Friday. My first stop was at the visitors center to meet and sign Gigi's visitor book as requested by Durb and Laz. All us runners have left an impression and Gigi has left an impression with all of us that dropped in. While there I met a couple other runners. We talked about the race and of course about the big dance that takes place in the spring.

After leaving the Visitor's center I headed for the American Legion to pick up my race packet and in general mingle with the other runners who were going to take on the challenge that Laz, Durb, and the BFC had waiting for us. Unfortunately I was just so immersed in the experience that I didn't even think to pull out a cell phone and take pictures. Probably should have. While there I got to talk with Laz again and also officially meet Durb. Great guys in all actuality, top notch indeed.

Race Report: War at Windrock Stage 2: 10K

As many of you know, especially if you read the last post, that I recently completed two trail races in one day thanks to the War at Windrock Trail Running Festival hosted by Dirty Bird Events. After successfully completing Stage 1 of War at Windrock Move Fast 4 miler, it was time to rest up and get myself ready to run Stage 2: Get High 10K.  Honestly, I had no clue what lied ahead of me in the afternoon, all I knew was that it was a 10K and there was over 2000 feet of elevation gain.

So after stage one, I walked back to the events area of Windrock OHV Park where the race weekend was staged from and proceeded to the vehicle in order to start recovering and getting ready for stage 2. I had packed my self a couple of PB&J sandwiches, a banana, and a couple of granola bars. After getting my wet shoes and socks of me from the few run off spots of the previous race and changing shirts, I sat in the tailgate of our SUV and started to chow down on some food. It was around 11 am and I still had 4 hours before the next race.

Race Report: War at Windrock Stage 1: 4 Miler

I took about 2 weeks off following the Dark Hollow Wallow trail race I ran back in February. One reason for this was it was the longest race I've run in a very long time. The other reason, and main reason, was because Robin was having back surgery two days after the race and I was on tap to take care of her and Dinah Bug.  Little did I know at the time, that not only was I taking 2 weeks off from running, but I was also going to be off from work for about a month and a half. At Robin's 2 week follow-up appointment, her doctor put her on a lifting restriction of no more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks.

It was during this 4 week stretch that I got back to training, and this time my sights were set on the Panther Creek Challenge trail race, an 11 mile trail race at Panther Creek State Park (another in the Treadin' Troddin' Trails series by the Knoxville Track Club). Of course with Robin's restriction, I was limited to doing my training runs when Bug was napping, or when the teenager was home to help Robin with Bug. That would allow me to get my long runs in.

Race Report - 2012 Cove Lake 5k

Hers:
I'm patting myself on the back right now. You want to know why? Because I completed my first 5K! Yup. The "un-runner," the introvert, the non-competitor, the girl afraid of crowds, and (most recently) the injured ran her first race, The Cove Lake 5K, on June 16, 2012.

It was interesting to say the least. We began (like every race does) in a crowd of people. At the sound of the gun, we all started jogging at once. I felt like I needed to run ahead of everyone, like something was after us, like zombie apocalypse. After a few minutes though, the crowd thinned out with most everyone in front of me. Apparently, I'm slow. *giggle*

Five Year Blogiversary Giveaway Day 1 (Hiker)

Happy 5 Year Blogiversary to Appalachia & Beyond. We hope everyone is just as excited about this as we are. We've been anxiously waiting for this day to get here. As you all know we have decided to have 5 full days of giveaways just to celebrate the occasion. Also, just to be clear, you have a full week to enter on each day's giveaway starting on the day of each giveaway (e.g. Monday's giveaway will stay open until Sunday, Tuesday's until Monday, etc.).

Roane County "Run for your Health" 5k report

I really didn't hype this race or anything on Facebook or Twitter like I did when I went to run in the Coalfield 5k or when I ran the Man Run with the kiddo. Maybe it was because I wanted to make sure I met my goal so I didn't want to jinx it by talking it up. More than likely it's just been the fact that we've been so busy with doctors appointments twice a week, baby shower, nesting, etc. etc. With all that's been going on, we really haven't had a whole lot of time to do much in the way of the blog and because of that, the social network aspects of the blog and our lives in general have "suffered?".

Well I don't know that that is totally a bad thing, you know not spending the majority of our time on Facebook, Twitter, Google +.... you get the drift. After all, we are outdoor bloggers and Robin's been on to me for quite sometime about this social networking addiction I have. Something along the lines of, "people will see right through you if all you do is spend time on Twitter and Facebook. How can you enjoy the outdoors like you blog about if you are consumed?" Yes, the lesson is definitely being learned. Because I've not put so much time in front of the computer, I can tell a difference in myself and in the relationship with the family. I'm more present and I can tell they like it.

Apples, Oranges, and 5K's

We hope everyone had a chance to get out this weekend to enjoy the perfect fall weather. It was perfect for most of us out in the east here, but I did see where there was some snow out west. Yikes! Snow in October?! I know that's not totally unheard of here but it would be unusual. Anyway, the leaves are turning color more and more each day. We are nearing peak around here in the East Tennessee Valley. From Cumberland Gap to Cherokee National Forest and down to Knoxville, the colors are magnificent. It won't be long before "Old Man Winter" is knocking on our doors. So if you haven't yet, you better get out and enjoy this weather before it gets too cold.

That's exactly what we did this past weekend, and look forward to doing just that over the next few weekends. We started the weekend by heading out to Coalfield, TN for the Coalfield 5K supporting the Coalfield Cross Country team. The race started at 8:00am and ran through a subdivision next to the school then through the cross country trail on the school grounds, back in front the school and down another road before turning around and heading back to the school for the finish. It was a pretty fast course with a nice little uphill just after the start. Then there was a nice 1.5 miles or so on the trail the cross country team uses to practice on. It's a graveled trail with a couple of foot bridges and two covered bridges. After the trail, it's back to the road and a slight up hill just before heading back to the finish at the school.

Autumn Activities in East Tennessee

October is such a great month. It's almost as good as September. You start to feel a little nip in the night air. The leaves start to change colors, and harvest festivals are available to all who look for them. Football season is already well underway, but hiking and festival season is just getting cranked up.

Last weekend was the Newport Harvest Street Festival. We went, walked around the town center, and quickly left. I hope this doesn't set a precedence for the other festivals we plan on attending for the next few weekends. Honestly though, we went last year and this time around, it really seemed to be more of a junk sale or there were too many booths for those who wanted to make a small buck selling by their gold, and not near as many crafters as we remembered from last year. Anyway, we decided people-watching in Gatlinburg would be more fun and I had an itch to check out NOC's new Great Outpost in Gatlinburg, located on the main drag just before you enter the Great Smoky Mountains. That place is huge and has all the outdoor gear you could possibly want, albeit at a much higher price than you can normally find online for most things.

The Ghost Train to Blue Heron

We hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend and was able to get out and enjoy the wonderful weather. Where did you go? What did you do? We'd love to hear all about it. Did you get out for a hike, go camping, or just hang out doing yard work? Luckily for us, most of all the home buying work has been done so we had a free (for the most part) weekend to do what we wanted.

In Memory of Tom, KK4TA

As you know from our post last week, we had the Ten-Tec hamfest to attend on Saturday morning to sell gear for our friend who lost her husband to cancer earlier this year. We really couldn't have asked for better weather. The turn out was a lot bigger than in previous years thanks to the gorgeous weather. Robin and I arrived just before 7:00am and were swarmed by "old men" (don't worry, that's what they're called in Ham Radio) wanting a chance at the sweet gear we brought to sell. By 11:30am we had sold all we were going to sell (nearly everything!) and it was time to pack it up and head home to prepare for our next event of the day.

Hamfests and Ghost Trains

This weekend looks to be a busy one for us. First thing early Saturday morning we have a Hamfest to attend. For our hiking friends, a Hamfest is an event where amateur (ham) radio operators gather together to sell equipment, check out and buy equipment from radio vendors, attend classes, seminars, and demonstrations, and hope to win a cool door prize. Not much different than an Outdoor Retailer type event, just on a smaller scale. The biggest thing about these events however are the food and fellowship amongst other Hams. Anyway, this weekend is the Ten-Tec Hamfest in Sevierville, TN. We will be up there early in the morning trying to sell some Ham gear for a friend of ours who's husband went SK (silent key, aka passed away) earlier this year. There's plenty of good radio gear to purchase and you'd also be helping out a fellow ham/widow with some of her expenses. So be sure to come out if you are in the area and are a ham or even want to be a ham. They give amateur radio exams during the hamfest, too.

Courtesy of BSFNRRA

The next big thing on our plates for this weekend is the First Annual Ghost Train up at Big South Fork NRRA and Big South For Scenic Railway. The scenic railway is located in Stearns, Kentucky and takes groups down to the Blue Heron mining community in the Big South Fork for tours of the area.

A Hauntingly Good Time

Courtesy of BSFNRRA

As most of you know, and if not then you should read this blog more often (hehe), this past weekend was the "Haunting in the Hills" Storytelling Festival at Big South Fork NRRA. It should also be a no-brainer that we went as usual as it has become sort of a tradition for us. This is one festival we make a point to clear the calendar and attend.

This year was no different. We made sure our day was clear to head out to Big South Fork for the festivities. It didn't matter that UT was playing against Flordia. Besides, UT loses to Florida more often than not so it really didn't matter much to me. After all, I was able to keep tabs on the game while enjoying the festivities. Anyway, we had planned to arrive early this year so that we could really take in all there was to offer. In years past, we usually would arrive just as most of the crafters were packing it up and heading out.

Friday's Giveaway Roundup (FGR) 9/16/11

Courtesy of BSFNRRA

Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is here or will be very soon. Does anyone have anything exciting planned for the weekend? We'd love to hear what plans y'all have. We are planning on attending "The Haunting in the Hills" story telling festival in The Big South Fork this weekend, and maybe even get in a hike. Regardless of what you're doing get outside and enjoy what mother nature has to offer. And with that, who's ready for some giveaways?

This week we have a couple good ones to mention and a recap of current giveaways going on out there. Shoes, watches, hammocks, first aid kits, GPSs, and shirts. What more could one ask for? If anyone has any outdoor gear related giveaways going on they'd like for us to promote on our FGR, shoot us an email at appalachiaandbeyond (at) gmail (dot) com. We'll be sure to get them posted. Now onto the giveaways.

A Haunting In The Hills Is Coming

We hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend. We celebrated it in grand fashion: we scrubbed the outside of our house before the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee decided to dump over six inches of liquid sunshine on us. It's was Labor Day right? That means we work right? Honestly, we really had to get that done.

Anyway, enough about that stuff. With September having arrived, the weather cooling off a bit, and our favorite time of year (Autumn) being right around the corner, that can only mean one thing. It's time to get outside for some hiking and festival attending. All the autumn time festivals are getting ready to ramp up. Next weekend, there's a real treat of an event going on at The Big South Fork NRRA. It's the 19th Annual Haunting in the Hills Story Telling Festival on September 17th.

National Trails Day is Around the Corner

Saturday June 4th is National Trails Day and there's a lot of hikes and volunteer activities being held all over the place just for this occasion. In addition, our President just declared June as National Great Outdoors Month.




So what are your plans for Trails Day? Are you going on a hike or planning on giving back by volunteering in a trail maintenance activity? Let us know, we'd love to hear your plans. If your having troubles find activities or don't know what's available, check with your local State or National Parks. There's plenty of opportunities and it's not hard to find them. Remember Google is your friend.



For the East Tennessee area there are all sorts of events planned for different parks from hikes to clean ups and even trail maintenance. Tennessee State Parks page has a whole list of events on their website. To name a few, there is a trail work project to celebrate Trails Day at Frozen Head State Park on Saturday. Call the park office at 423-346-3318 for more information.

Happy Memorial Day (and the Winner Is....)

We hope that everyone has enjoyed their long Memorial Day weekend. We hope it has been fun and safe for you all. We've been having our fun that's for sure, starting with our two 7-inning vacations on Friday. We spent the day at the pool playing ladder ball on Saturday (of course this was after taking care of some yard work). We followed that up with some much needed shopping on Sunday (frankly we were all in need of some new duds so we spoiled ourselves a little). Today, we played tourist in our own back yard Pigeon Forge, spending the day at Dollywood's Splash Country. We play tourist in Pigeon Forge about twice a year (once around Christmas Time to look at the lights, and at least once visiting attractions like Dollywood's Splash Country or Dollywood).

We are definitely wore out after having been beat down by the sun all day. I don't know how much longer we will last before our beds claim us for the night only to rest up and start the rat race all over again in the morning. However, the bright side to this are that after having today off, it's only a 4-day work week (Woo-hoo).

So before our bodies decide to shut down on us for the evening, I know you've all been waiting to see who won the "Orion Sky" print giveaway. You've all shared your favorite constellations, liked us and Random Joy Fine Arts and Photography on Facebook, shared the post on your walls, Tweeted and even mentioned the giveaway on your blogs. For that we thank you all for your participation and support of Appalchia & Beyond. So without further ado, we give you the winner of the "Orion Sky" print by Random Joy Fine Arts and Photography. After plugging in the 26 comment numbers into the Random Number Generator at Random.org, we are pleased to announce that comment #7 - Jobiwan is our grand winner. Joe, send us an email at appalachiaandbeyond (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address and we will get the print out to you in the next couple of days. We hope you enjoy the print, after reading your first entry comment we are certain that you will.

That's all we have this evening. Our bodies are ready to shut down at any time now, so we'll bid y'all adieu and hope you have a wonderful week. Stay tuned as we will have more posts to follow in the coming days and there may even be another giveaway opportunity for you to jump on too.

Happy Trails,
Tim and Robin

Now For Some More Give-A-Ways

There appears to be quite a few different contest/give-a-ways/raffles going on in the outdoor blog-o-realm this week. So just to bring all the ones I've come across into one place, it's another edition of Outdoor Blog Give-A-Ways Round-Up.

The first give-a-way is from our good friend Karl @ Live Free and Hike New Hampshire. Karl recently made a trip up to Mount Washington Observatory and picked up a surprise item to give-a-way on his blog once the blog's Facebook page reaches 300 fans. So all you need to do to get in the running for this sur-prize, is go to Live Free and Hike New Hampshire's Facebook page and like it. It's that simple, and if you are already a fan, then you are already entered. So what are you waiting for, get on over there and click that like button and tell Karl how cool he is for giving something away from Mount Washington Observatory.

The next give-a-way comes from another good friend, Steven, over at My Life Outdoors. Steve has reviewed and is giving away a pair of Perfect Curve Gloves by Glacier Glove. This time around Steven has simplified it to only one entry per person, and all you need to do is get the word out about the give-a-way. You can blog about, tweet it, or post it on Facebook. Once you've done that simply go back to MyLifeOutdoors.com and leave a comment on the give-a-way post by May 10th and you are in like Flynn. When you leave your comment be sure to tell Steven how awesome he looks with those gloves on. I'm sure it will make him giggle. :P

Branden and Sarah at The Daily Hiker has another T-Shirt give-a-way. To win a Daily Hiker t-shirt, just send your best Spring Picture to the email address listed in their give-a-way post/announcement. In about a week from now they will choose their favorite photo and award the photographer their very own Daily Hiker shirt. Be sure to include in your email that you think Branden and Sarah are the coolest thing since slice bread and their T-Shirts are the grooviest you've ever seen. You come to think of it, I think Appalachia & Beyond needs a T-Shirt too.?! o_O

Over at SectionHiker.com Philip recently had a chance to try and review an Osprey 46L Hornet backpack. Because of this, Osprey was kind enough to offer one of the packs for a give-a-way. To get a chance at this sweet pack, you just need to head over to Section Hiker, and leave a comment on the give-a-way post. There's a catch though. No ordinary comment will do. Philip wants to know who your hiking mentor is/was and don't just say someone's name, but rather give some detail, a story if you will. While you are at it, tell Philip how cool I think he is that he's section hiking the AT. One of these days I might be as cool as him. ;)

Wooo.. Man that's a lot of give-a-ways don't you think? No, you want more? Okay well here they are.

Tyler at MyCampMate.com (Yes the one and only social Camp Trip Planning App for the iPhone) is giving away a camping trip up to $50. That's right a camping trip, who couldn't use one of those right about now. So here's the scoop, May is National Invite a Friend Month at MyCampMate.com and to win the camping trip, is join MyCampMate.com and invite people your friends to join/register. The first 4 people that invite and have 50 friends win a camping trip up to $50 anytime anywhere. Just let Tyler know when and where and he will get it booked for you.

Over at The Adventure Blog, Kraig (aka KungFuJedi) is having a weekly give-a-way called Ditch the Deet. Every Week for the next couple/few weeks he is giving away some pretty cool shwag. You've missed the first week but there may still be some time to get in on this weeks and of course the rest of the give-a-ways he has. All you have to do for this is send him and email with your plans for outdoor adventure for the next couple of months and how the gear he is giving away would benefit you in those plans. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to The Adventure Blog and get all the details and send those emails in. While you are at it let him know you think he's the greatest for giving away such awesome stuff cause you hate gnats and skeeters and all those winged little buggers you run into in the woods.

Finally, the fine folks over at PAHikes.com is currently giving away a magnesium fire starter and a Granite Gear Toughsack. Every month this year they are giving away some cool stuff and the fire starter and Toughsack from Granite Gear is the special gear they are awarding for May. All you have to do is go to there site find the listing for the May give-a-way (don't worry, currently it's the third item down from the top, May 1st post) and click the register link and fill in the info on the subsequent page. While you are there hit their feedback link and let them know they have a great site and some pretty cool give-a-ways.

Ok that's all the give-a-ways that I've got for you for now, well.... there is one more. That's right there's that give-a-way over at Vasque Footwear's Facebook wall going on right now that currently I'm in the "running" to win. If you remember the "I Need You" post, I really need everyone's vote as the competition has really heated up. All you have to do for this is go to Vasque Footwear's Facebook page and like them, if you haven't already. Then scroll down their wall and find my post (Timothy Bird) and click like on the post. That's it. If I win I end up with a free pair of Vasque Mindbender Trail Running shoes and free entry into Rock Creek's Scenic City Trail Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. Once you've done that, if you are feeling really ambitious, tell your friends, family and everyone else you know to do the same. I would really be most appreciative and who knows might even have a give-a-way right here. I'll definitely write up a great post about the shoes and the race experience. Who wouldn't want to read that?

Okay, so that's all I've got now so until next time...

(Edited by Tim) - Another give-a-away that I forgot to mention: OutdoorInformer.com is giving away a pair of Vasque Skree hiking shoes. Check out their post for the give-a-way for the details, I think you enter multiple times but each time there is something you need to do for the entry. Check them out and drool over all the great gear they review. Tell them Tim @ Appalachia & Beyond sent you.

Happy Trails and Vote for Tim,
Tim and Robin

Tim Needs Your Help

So I've decided I would see what kind of social networking muscle we have here at Appalachia & Beyond. We've been hard at work building our subscriber levels, Twitter Followers, and Facebook Fans and I think we've done a wonderful job. We must be doing something right or you wouldn't stay right? Well I thought I would put it to the test.

You see I used to run religiously about 5 or 6 years ago before a job change brought me working close enough to home to go home for lunch everyday. Since then I haven't hardly run much and have lately been feeling the desire to get back at it. I've put it off for far too long, minus the occasional spurts of running Robin and I would get into around the Spring and Fall each year. I suppose, the kiddo making the track team might have sparked the fire again and that's really awesome. During the off season she plans to continue training so she can run cross country next year and continue running track.

So I have one motivation to start running again, to train the kiddo. Another major motivation, in case you missed it, is that we've got another hiker on the way. Being 35, almost 36, I need to get myself back into shape to keep up with the little booger and to make sure I'm around for a long time to continue to support the family. Other than the hiking and evening strolls, I need something else to really whip my tail into shape, and running did it for me before and can do it for me again.

So now that you have the back story, here is the front story and the reason for the post. I need your help. I've entered a little give-a-way that is being sponsored by Vasque Footwear and Rock Creek Outfitters in Chattanooga. They have teamed up to give away a new pair of Vasque Mindbender Trail Running Shoes and free entry into the Scenic City Trail Marathon and Half Marathon in Chattanooga. To win I had to leave a post on Vasque Footwears Facebook wall and whoever's post gets the most likes by May 9th wins.

It's that simple. So with that said, lets see how many likes I can get on my post on Vasque Footwear's wall. Go to their Facebook page and like them, then scroll down their wall and find the post by me, Timothy Bird and click like. If I win I'll be sure to write up a wonderful review of the shoes and a race report of the 1/2 marathon. It should be a blast and it's not too far from home either.

Thank you in advance and Happy Trails,
Tim and Robin

Dogwood Arts Festival

Knoxville is renowned for its annual Dogwood Arts Festival. The festival officially kicked off last Wednesday with tons of events being scheduled throughout the month of April.

The festival showcases a number of gardens and breathtaking home landscapes by way of the Dogwood Trails and Byways. There are seven trails in all, and five byways. Each offer a spectacular botanical experience. 

Yesterday, given a 70% chance for thunderstorms and Tim on call, we decided to visit the Sequoyah Hills trail: one of Knoxville's most prestigious neighborhoods. The houses there are gorgeous, each it's own, and most of them have awe-inspiring gardens.

The trail offers numerous places to stop (if by car or bike) and take photos, but I couldn't help snapping every time something caught my eye.


The last part of this trail parallels the shore of Fort Loudon Lake, and offers plenty of entrances to the waterfront park. Clover really enjoyed getting out to sniff where every other dog had been while we enjoyed the sunset on the water.

Wildflower Hikes Galore!

Spring has been springing in between storms and cold snaps here in the East Tennessee Valley. Spring wildflowers are hitting their peaks in most areas full of vivid colors or purple, yellow, white and more. It's pretty amazing how color coordinated nature can be. Another reason to stand in awe of God's wonderful creation.

If you haven't had a chance to get out on the trails to enjoy the wildflowers, don't worry you aren't too late. There are plenty of wildflower hikes to still get in on in the area. I thought it would be nice to let you know of some in case you get the itch or happen to be in the area and would like to enjoy a ranger or naturalist led wildflower hike to learn more about the flora and fauna of our wonderful area.

• On Saturday April 9th at Norris Dam State Park, one of the rangers will be leading the a wildflower hike along the River Bluff trail. meet at the trailhead at 9:00 am EDT for a 3 mile hike and enjoy one of the most diverse wildflower shows in the area. This hike was listed on the Tennessee State Park's Facebook page.
• At Frozen Head State Park this weekend and next weekend is the 43rd annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. Park Rangers will be leading several different hikes on both Saturdays and Sundays. The Saturday hikes will be at 10am and 2 pm. Sunday's hikes will be at 2pm. All times are Eastern Daylight Time. Additional walks maybe scheduled. Call the park office or visit their events page for more information.
• April 10 - 16 is State Natural Area week in Tennessee and several wildflower walks are scheduled at many of our State Natural Areas. For a full schedule and more information check out Tennessees State Natural Areas website for a full list of events. Be sure to make your reservations early.
• April 9th and 10th Fall Creek Falls State Park will have it's 30th Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. Many different hikes and programs will be offered. Call the park or check out there website for more information.
• The 61st Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be held for 5 days between April 26th - May 1st. There will be loads of walks and plenty of other events associated with this event both indoors at different venues and of course outdoors in the Smokies. Check the event's website for more information. Registration required! Check the website for rates and online registration.
• April 16th through the 23rd is the "Spring's Beauty Pageant" at Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. Program will include photography workshops led by Harold Jerrell and John Graves. Some of the programs will be held at 10am at the park's Wilderness Road Campground amphitheater. Call the park for more information.

As you can see many of our parks are in full swing with the coming of the Spring Season, and they are all chock full of events and wildflower programs. Be sure to take some time over the coming weekends to take a visit to one of the parks or natural areas and enjoy the natural beauty that is East Tennessee's wildflowers.

Happy Trails,
Tim and Robin