Enjoy guided hikes, boating excursions or a variety of educational opportunities for the whole family. Learn more about what's in store in your area by visiting www.tnstateparks.com/events or Tennessee State Parks' new 75th Anniversary microsite at www.tnstateparks75.com. Here are a few highlights:
2012 Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee
Bicycle enthusiasts across the state are preparing for the annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, which will kick off its 23rd year with a seven-day ride beginning Sept. 8 and will feature a loop through some of Middle and East Tennessee’s most beautiful landscapes. Originating at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville, Tn., this year’s route will feature a combination of rolling hills, valleys and some flat terrain. Cyclists can expect to experience beautiful, rural Tennessee scenery and interesting back roads along the way, including visits to several Tennessee State Parks such as Harrison Bay in the Chattanooga area. For more information visit http://news.tn.gov/node/9491.
Fall Creek Falls State Park 35th Annual Mountaineer Folk Festival
Fall Creek Falls State Park will host its 34th Annual Mountaineer Folk Festival Sept. 7-9, offering a weekend of traditional music, country cooking, pioneer skills demonstrations and more than 100 craft booths. For more information visit http://news.tn.gov/node/9499.
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park and the Sequoyah Birthplace Great Island Festival Sept. 8-9
The Fort Loudoun State Historic Park and the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum are partnering for the Great Island Festival, slated for Sept. 8-9, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. The Great Island Festival is actually a series of concurrent events, designed to take visitors back in time to an 18th century Trade Faire and a Cherokee encampment. The 18th century Trade Faire at Fort Loudoun will feature encampments of soldiers, settlers and American Indians. Meanwhile, at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Native American food, arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance. For more information, please visit http://news.tn.gov/node/9510
Bledsoe Creek State Park to Hold Special Music Festival Sept. 8
The year 2012 marks Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary, and to help commemorate this important milestone, Bledsoe Creek State Park will host a special music festival on Saturday, Sept. 8, beginning at 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Featuring a repertoire of contemporary, gospel and folk, musical guests will include Garcia and Scott; Rick and Penny Roark of Union Hill; Day Seven; and Flatbroke – a band whose roster includes several of Tennessee State Parks’ own park rangers and staff. There will be a variety of concessions available to guests, along with a fund-raising auction and a special commemorative birthday cake. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of Bledsoe Creek and the park’s ongoing programming and special events. More information can be found at http://news.tn.gov/node/9513.