Without the support of volunteers, land managing agencies, and outdoor-minded businesses our trails would disappear. Trails take us to good physical and mental health by giving us fresh air, getting our hearts pumping, and allowing us the chance to get away from our daily challenges and stresses. Trails provide gentle to strenuous workouts, depending on where you want to go and what you want to do. Help celebrate National Trails Day at Reflection Riding with a number of fun hikes and programs. Be certain to bring your family and a picnic lunch and spend some time enjoying the warm summer days on the trails of the riding.

Schedule of Events

9:00am to 11:00am – Volunteer Work Day. Join the Reflection Riding Volunteers for a morning of working on the trail system in the riding. Contact Sarah Quattrochi, Volunteer Coordinator, to participate (423) 653-0091.

11:00am to 11:30am – Rededication of Muffet Handly Brock Trail System

11:30am to 2:00pm – Children’s Games and Family Picnicking. Bring your lunch and find a nice spot around the pond to sit and enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch. During this time, volunteers will lead a number of children’s activities, including an art project and nature scavenger hunt.

11:30am to 5:00pm – HIKE: Profile Trail Hiking (self guiding). In celebration of the rededication of the Muffet Handly Brock Path System, this spring volunteers have been working to reclaim the areas of the path that have been taken over by nature. Be certain to grab a trail guide and explore this extensive trail on your own.

12noon to 1:00pm – Talk on Hiking (Jeffrey Hunter). Join Jeffrey Hunter of the American Hiking Society and Reflection Riding Board Member for an informative talk on hiking, conservation and the origins of National Trails Day.

1:00pm to 2:00pm – HIKE: Family Friendly Hike (Michael Green). This easy, family-friendly hike led by Michael Green, Reflection Riding Board Member, will incorporate a meander around the cultural park area of the riding with some nature-oriented fun and information.

1:00pm to 2:00pm – Talk on Hiking the Appalachian Trail (Debbie & Charlie Tucker). Debbie & Charlie Tucker recount their experiences hiking the famous Appalachian Trail (or as it is known in hiking circles, the AT).

3:00pm to 5:00pm – HIKE: Health Hike (tba). Enjoy a slightly more strenuous hike through the lesser-known upper trails of Reflection Riding. This hike will maintain a steady pace and get the blood pumping.

8:00pm to 10:00pm – Full Moon Meander & Stories by the Fire (led by Jeffrey Hunter, Bobby Thompson & Jim Pfitzer). Guided hike around the Riding under the light of the full moon. Jeffrey will point out the various creatures that come out during the evening hours, while Bobby will highlight the numerous star formations that appear through the brightness of this lunar bath. Afterwards, participants will gather around a fire pit at the Humphreys House for s’mores and storytelling by Chattanooga's Storyteller, Jim Pfitzer.

DIRECTIONS:

Reflection Riding is located at 400 Garden RoadChattanooga, TN 37419 (right next to the ChattanoogaNatureCenter). To find us, take I-24 west toward Nashville. Take the Brown's Ferry Road exit and turn left. Travel app. 1 mile to the light and turn left onto Cummings Highway. Go another mile and turn right onto Old Wauhatchie Pike (toward Reflection Riding). Take the next right onto Garden Road and travel app. 1 mile. Just before the entrance to the ChattanoogaNatureCenter, take a left toward the Humphrey's House. You will see a sign for National Trails Day events.

For more information, contact Sarah Quattrochi at (423)653-0091.

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