Nearby South Cumberland, Savage Gulf and Tims Ford state parks offer an array of exciting guided hikes and relaxing boat tours the entire family will enjoy this fall.

South Cumberland State Park’s 30,845 acres provides some of the most exciting and rugged hiking and backcountry camping in the region with 12 trailheads to explore. For information, call the visitor center at 931-924-2980.

Tims Ford State Park, located at 570 Tims Ford Dr. in Winchester, encompasses 3,546 acres in the shadows of the Cumberland Plateau. Lakeview Marina, located within the park, provides pontoon boat, canoe and kayak rentals as well as a boat launch and courtesy dock. For information, call the visitor center at 931-968-3536.

Savage Gulf State Park, 11745 US Hwy. 41, Monteagle, had been part of South Cumberland State Park prior to its designation as a new and separate Tennessee state park. Savage Gulf offers about 60 miles of hiking trails, backcountry camping and picnic areas. For information, call 931-924-2980.

The following adventures are open to the public and are a great way to meet new people who share an interest in the outdoors. 

All events below are guided by park staff who are knowledgeable when it comes to the natural, cultural and historical treasures in the parks. Register in advance as some events have a capacity limit and a fee.

Register at reserve.tnstateparks.com.

Nov. 4

Three Forks hike

Join Park Ranger Mark Greenwood at Savage Gulf State Park on Saturday at 10 a.m. for a hike to Three Forks. Meet at the Stone Door Ranger Station, 1183 Stone Door Road, Beersheba Springs. This is a three-mile, roundtrip hike from the Stone Door Ranger Station to a small lake located in a closed area of the park. The hike typically take two hours. Cost is $10.

Canoe trip

Join in for a canoe trip to Devil’s Step Island at Tims Ford State Park on Saturday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. to learn about the history of the island, the park and the rich environment of the island. Meet at the Fairview Camper Check-In. Admission is $10.

Pontoon tour

Join in for a pontoon tour at Tims Ford State Park on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. Meet at Lakeview Marina and enjoy a scenic boat tour around historic Tims Ford Lake and a wonder-filled hike through nature on Devil’s Step Island. Cost is $15.

Nov. 11

Veterans Day color run

Join in for a family-friendly untimed color run/walk to celebrate and honor local veterans on Nov. 11 from 9-11 a.m. at Tims Ford State Park. Meet at Picnic Road. Check in at 9 a.m. The race starts at 10 a.m. Ages 10 and younger are free.

Nov. 13

Day Loop hike

Join in for a five-mile, roundtrip guided hike of the Savage Gulf Day Loop at Savage Gulf State Park on Nov. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Savage Gulf East Ranger Station, 3157 State Route 399, Palmer. Cost is $5 for ages 12 and younger and $10 for adults.

Nov. 24

After-Thanksgiving hike

Join in for an after-Thanksgiving hike on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Savage Gulf State Park. Meet at the Stone Door Ranger Station, 1183 Stone Door Road, Beersheba Springs. This is a three-mile, roundtrip hike from the Stone Door Ranger Station to a small lake located in a closed area of the park. Cost is $10.