With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to explore the area’s beautiful, nearby state parks.

South Cumberland, Savage Gulf and Tims Ford state parks are located within Franklin and Grundy counties and offer plenty of hiking opportunities and much more.

The following ranger-guided park activities are open to the public. Register in advance as some events have a capacity limit and a fee.

June 23

Grundy Day Loop Hike

Join seasonal interpreter Katie Lane on Friday from 10-11:30 a.m. for a guided hike at South Cumberland State Park’s Grundy Day Loop to discuss plants and trees as well as history of the area. This hike is 1.9 miles and is considered easy to moderate. Arrive at the Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead, 131 Fiery Gizzard Road, Tracy City, at least 10 minutes before the start to check in. This is a free hike.

June 24

Buggytop Cave tour

Join Katie Lane for a Buggytop Cave tour on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at South Cumberland State Park’s Buggytop Cave Trailhead for a hike into the cave. This is around five miles with one of the miles inside the cave. This is a strenuous and wet hike. Bring a headlamp and plan to get dirty. Meet at the trailhead at least 10 minutes before the hike begins. Cost is $10 each.

June 25

Silent hike

Meet Katie Lane on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon at South Cumberland State Park’s Lost Cove East Trailhead, 6398 Sherwood Road, Sewanee, for a moderate, three-mile silent hike around Sherwood Day Loop. This is a free hike.

Sunset hike

Join Katie Lane on Sunday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at South Cumberland State Park’s Denny Cove Trailhead, 5949 TN-150 Scenic Sequatchie, for a 15-minute long, easy hike from the Denny Cove Trailhead to the overlook. Bring a flashlight for the walk back. Meet 10 minutes before the hike.

July 10-14

Great Outdoor Camp

Join Park Ranger Jessie DeRight July 10 at 8 a.m. for the Great Outdoor Camp at South Cumberland State Park. This is a camp for ages 13-18 years. Campers will enjoy rock climbing, caving, canoeing, trail building, long-distance hiking, camping and more. Drop off campers at the Visitor’s Center, 11745 US 41, Monteagle. Campers will be shuttled to a different location for the day’s activities. Pick up campers at 4:30 p.m. most days at the Visitor’s Center. Thursday will be overnight camping. For information call the Visitor Center. Cost is $100 for the week.

July 14-15

Overnight canoe float

Join Park Ranger Dalton Smith at Tims Ford State Park for an overnight canoe float July 14 from 10 a.m. to July 15 at 2 p.m. starting at Lakeview Marina inside the park. Campers ages 13-18 as well as adults will paddle to Goose Island to camp for the night (about 5 miles of paddling). Cost is $40 for 13-18 years and $65 for adults. For information on the supply list call Smith at 931-434-6032 or email Dalton.smith@tn.gov.

July 24-28

Boating camp

Tims Ford State Park will hold their Spirit of America Youth Boating Camp for ages 12-15 July 24-28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn water safety, receive a Tennessee boating license and experience three days of on-water training with multiple types of boats including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, houseboats, airboats, outboard boats, law enforcement boats and sail boats. Cost is $85. Applications are required by calling 931-968-3536.