Nearby South Cumberland, Savage Gulf and Tims Ford state parks will be offering an array of exciting guided hikes over the next few weeks that the entire family will enjoy.

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 our parks. Register in advance as some events have a capacity limit and a fee.

Aug. 31

Raven’s Point hike

Meet Park Ranger Hannah Sheley Thursday at South Cumberland State Park’s Fiery Gizzard North trailhead for an out-and-back, moderate hike from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to Raven’s Point on the Fiery Gizzard. Bring a lunch to enjoy while at Ravens Point. This hike is suitable for ages 13 and older. Meet at 131 Fiery Gizzard Road, Tracy City. Registration is required. Cost is $10.

Sept. 5

Day Loop hike

Join Park Ranger Mark Greenwood for a five-mile, roundtrip Day Loop hike at Savage Gulf State Park on Sept. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Savage Gulf East Ranger Station, 3157 State Route 399, Palmer. Bring drink and snacks. This is a basic, introductory hike to the east side of Savage Gulf. Registration is required. Cost is $5 for ages 12 and younger and $10 for adults.

Sept. 6

Day Loop hike

Join Park Ranger Mark Greenwood for a five-mile, roundtrip Day Loop hike at Savage Gulf State Park on Sept. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Savage Gulf East Ranger Station, 3157 State Route 399, Palmer. Bring drink and snacks. This is a basic, introductory hike to the east side of Savage Gulf. Registration is required. Cost is $5 for ages 12 and younger and $10 for adults.

Sept. 9-10

Overnight backpacking

Join Park Ranger Kelsey Garcia on Sept. 9-10 for an overnight backpacking hike. Meet on Sept. 9 at 9 a.m. at the Tims Ford State Park Nature Center to hike approximately seven miles. The campsite will be at Evans Loop where campers will spend the night. The next morning, on Sept. 10, hikers will return by the same route to reach the Nature Center by 1 p.m. Meals and snacks will not be provided. Pack swimwear and other camping gear as required (see list on the park’s website). Cost is $45 for children ages 12-18 and $60 for adults. Register by Sept. 4.