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Fall is the best time of year for hiking the peaceful trails in forests across the country. Here is a look at two areas of the Southeastern U.S.
One of my favorite things to do when the weather cools in autumn is to be outside walking through the woods. Hiking is a very enjoyable way to spend a day. It is a perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life and spend quality time with family and friends. I relish the time spent on the trails that wind through peaceful woods.
One of my favorite places to hike is the hills of Tennessee. I have spent countless hours doing just that.
From short hikes on the hillsides, searching for wild ginseng to all-day hikes in the state parks, a camera is a must-have. You never know what is just around the next bend or over the next hill.
Sights captured on recent Tennessee hikes. Above: Caney Fork River between Smithville and Sparta. Below: Views in White County.
Lace up your hiking shoes, grab your water bottle and meet me at the trailhead. We will breathe in the fresh clean air, listen to the leaves rustle, birds sing and squirrels chatter above. Along the way we will try to spot the critters running through the brush.
Sights captured on recent Tennessee hikes. Left to right. Water over rock near Wildcat Falls in White County. Moss on boulder in Morgan County. Deserted Mine in Fentress County.
If you would like to hike in a Tennessee State Park, there are many wonderful parks with great hiking trails to choose from. In Cumberland County, Cumberland Mountain State Park is riddled with trails for every skill level. There is even an overnight trail for those who may want to spend the night on the trail. Trail maps can be picked up at the park office.
Sights captured on recent Cumberland County, Tennessee hikes. Left to right. Footbridge over Byrd Lake at Cumberland Mountain State Park, Byrd Creek along one trail in the park, Boathouse at the park. Critter home in tree, fall red berries and dry creekbed.
For an extended get-away, rent a cabin or townhouse at the park and take several day-hikes while you're there. Accommodations are reasonably priced and comfortable.
Sights captured on recent Cumberland County, Tennessee hikes. Left to right. Berries on wild Privet bush, red leaves, moss on rock, wild grass going to seed and wild fern.
Less than 500 miles south of the Tennessee hills is the Sunshine State border, and a few short miles south of the border is the part of Florida I know best. I have hiked these sandy piney woods for many years.
Florida may not present the glorious show of autumn color that you will find north of the state line but it has its own hidden treasures. In Jackson County, three miles north of the city of Marianna, you will find Florida Caverns State Park. This is the only Florida State Park that offers tours of its caves to the public.
The park also offers campsites, canoeing, bicycle and horse trails. Rather than typical hiking trails, this park has two nature trails that can be hiked up to the bluffs over the Chipola river floodplain. Much of the hike is demanding as it is steep, but it is well worth the effort it takes to find yourself immersed in the unique beauty of this area of Florida.
Sights captured on a recent Deep Springs hike. Bay County, Florida. Left to right. Main trail leading into canyon, topside of canyon, creek at bottom, creek deep in woods, creek through brambles, Goldenrod in bloom, footbridge over creek, trail washed away and view from footbridge.
Deep Springs Park is a very small park with a labryinth of trails. It is located in northern Bay County and hidden down old country roads, in a hamlet known as Fountain. Many of these trails are on the side of the ravine and very difficult to navigate. One must hold to the trees to keep from sliding down the side. While hiking these trails, it is hard to believe the ‘canyon' is located in one of the flattest counties in Florida.
Following the trail on the far side of the footbridge and keeping to the right, you will find the creek is wider and deeper. A good eye can even spot the bubbling spring that gives the park its name.
A lovely way to take a break from hiking is to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it with friends either at the top of the canyon where visitors can find picnic tables or at the bottom on a blanket next to the creek. Deep Springs Canyon is filled with native plants and is alive throughout the entire year. Deep Springs is a county park open to the public and there are no fees to enter.
With fall turning to winter and many long cold days ahead here are a couple of photographs to keep you warm while you wait for spring.
Spring in Cumberland County, TN and Panama City Beach, FL
*A note about the dry creekbeds and low creeks. The creeks in both states are very low. The drought-stricken southeastern U.S. has suffered in ways not noticed until you get out into the forests and see the damage done by low water levels in the normally fast running creeks. Plant and animal life are suffering due to these low water levels. For instance, the crayfish in Deep Springs Park are becoming harder and harder to find; in the past they could be seen without searching for them. Plants that would be found on creekbanks in both states have died back and may not come back.
Photo at top right is of the Caney Fork River between Smithville and Sparta, TN and taken by the author. Some photos used with permission from Daniel and Jeannette Adams, Patricia Penney and Jocelyn Wyatt. (Hold cursor over photo to see photographer name)
Contact Information:
Cumberland Mountain State Park 24 Office Drive Crossville, TN 38555 Office: 931-484-6138 Cabin Reservations: 800-250-8618
Florida Caverns State Park 3345 Caverns Road Marianna, Florida 32446 Phone: 850-482-9598
About Jacqueline Cross
I'm a native Floridian...feet planted in the shifting sands of northwest FL. but my heart strings are tightly knotted to the hills of Tennessee.
I live my poodle, Minnie Pearl, Zsa Zsa the cat who runs the whole show and a new addition, Kitty Belle.
I'm a writer, gardener, quilter, cross stitcher, soapmaker and nature lover. Mother to 3 wonderful daughters & Nana to 6 perfect grandchildren.
I also write for Suite101 and was promoted to Feature Writer in the vegetable gardens section in 2008.
Posted by cindyr2 (from Castle Rock, CO) on December 1, 2008 at 12:50 PM:
Having lived in both states your article made me long to be back home in the South. I grew up in Mississippi and vacationed numerous times in NW Florida. I lived in SW Florida for 8 years and fell in love with the beaches on Captiva/Sanibel; however you can't beat the sugary sand of the nw beaches!
I never visited the Cumberland Plateau area, but often heard of its beauty. Living in the Knoxville area, naturally we went to the Smokies and western NC quite often. My second stint in TN was in the Nashville area where we drove up and down the Natchez Trace and up to the Land Between the Lakes region.
It's true the South doesn't have the saturated colors of New England, nor the majestic mountains of the Rockies; however, it's a quiet, subtle environment that soothes the soul. I miss the lushness of the forests, the chattering of birds, and the scurrying squirrels and chipmunks.
I've lived in New England and am currently in Colorado, but with all my heart I long to be back in the South!!
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Posted by libellule (from Fountain, FL) on December 6, 2008 at 8:30 PM:
Cindyr2,
You have lived in some beautiful areas of the south. Colorado is a gorgeous state also.
I'm afraid my article pics didn't do the area justice as I missed the best color this year.
I just got back (again) from TN. Even though the colors are gone, leaves all over the roads and woods, it was just as beautiful to me. I was even able to see a bit of snow... a few flurries that didn't even stick but it was nice anyway. :-)
I'm glad the article brought back good memories.
Jackie
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Subject: Enjoyed your article!
Posted by wind (from Mount Laurel, NJ) on November 26, 2008 at 5:02 PM:
Hi Jacqueline,
I enjoyed your article and all the photos. Living here on the east coast, my husband and I enjoy hiking in the Adirondack Park and mountain area in Northeastern New York. Those who do not live near NY might have a vision that NY is a great big city, but the Adirondack Park is huge and for the most part, undeveloped. It is the largest park in the country, outside of Alaska [HYPERLINK@www.adirondack-park.net]
Your article reminded me how much I love hiking there and want to go back. When we hike, I usually keep a lookout for native blooms and wildlife as we go along. We haven't been able to get there the past few years... maybe next year.
Thanks for a great article :)
~Diana
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Posted by sallyg (from Anne Arundel Co., MD) on November 26, 2008 at 6:04 PM:
I've been in the mood for a good hike. Fall weahter especially makes me want to walk in the woods. Never hiked in TN but one stop in Alabama showed us some beautiful sights. Thanks for all the pictures!
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Posted by libellule (from Fountain, FL) on November 27, 2008 at 4:25 AM:
Diana,
I can only imagine how beautiful it is up there in the fall. Hopefully, y'all will be able to get back out there next year.
Jackie
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Posted by libellule (from Fountain, FL) on November 27, 2008 at 4:27 AM:
Sally,
I think fall is the perfect time to be out in the woods. The weather is cool but not cold and the scenery is beyond perfect.
Northeastern Alabama is one of the prettiest places in the south in my opinion. Of course, east TN get my vote for 1st place every time. :)
Jackie
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Subject: Hiking
Posted by irisMA (from South Hamilton, MA) on November 26, 2008 at 7:44 AM:
Wonderful article & pictures. With arthritis my hiking days are over. But it is interesting to see views from other parts of the country.
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Posted by libellule (from Fountain, FL) on November 27, 2008 at 4:29 AM:
irisMA,
Sorry to hear that you can't get out there like you once could. Your area must be one of the top places east of the Mississippi for hiking in the fall.
I'm glad you enjoyed the article.
Jackie
