Looking for a bit of adventure before the big game on Sunday? Then join naturalist Jason Allen for a unique winter hike at Long Hunter State Park this Sunday, Feb. 6th at 11 a.m. This will be a rare opportunity to hike several of Long Hunter's trails while also doing some off-trail exploring. The event is free and open to the public.
This moderately difficult hike will cover approximately six to eight miles and is expected to last until 5 p.m. (The Super Bowl kicks off at 5:30 p.m.) This will not be a fast-paced hike; there will be frequent stops for nature interpretation and discussions. Tree identification, birds, and wild edibles are a few of the topics that will be discussed. And since it's Super Bowl Sunday, there might even be a short break for some football tossing.
Participants should meet at the Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area parking lot on South Mt. Juliet Road (see below for directions).
Although most of the terrain will be fairly flat, there will be some off-trail hiking -- so be prepared for occasional thickets/thorns, unstable footing, and mud. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring snacks and water. And don't forget your camera and binoculars if you have them.
Participants will hike sections of the Couchville Cedar Glade Trail, the Couchville Lake Trail, the Nature Loop, and the Bryant Grove Trail, while other parts of the hike will be off-trail and through the woods.
The Couchville Cedar Glade is one of Tennessee's most unique ecosystems. This desert-like area is home to two federally endangered plants: Tennessee Coneflower and Leafy Prairie Clover. The glade also features Tennessee's only native cactus: the Prickly Pear. The Couchville Lake Trail is home to the only certified arboretum in Tennessee State Parks and is also great for wildlife viewing. Deer, wild turkey, ducks, geese, shorebirds, owls, hawks, and osprey are all common here. The Nature Loop is a short interpretive trail that visits forest, cedar glades, and limestone sinkholes. The scenic Bryant Grove Trail winds along the shores of Percy Priest Lake and through a variety of unique habitats.
Keep in mind there will be no restroom facilities nearby for the majority of the hike. However, at some point during the hike -- probably just past the halfway point -- restrooms will be available at the Couchville Lake area. No pets are allowed on this hike, but kids are welcome. The event will be held rain or shine. (According to the latest National Weather Service extended forecast, Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high in the low 50's.)
Directions to Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area:From Nashville, take I-40 East to Mt. Juliet Road (Exit 226-A). Go south (right) for about 5 miles, then turn left on South Mt. Juliet Road as if you are going to Bryant Grove Recreation Area. (There will be a sign with arrows pointing toward Bryant Grove Recreation Area and the Mountain Bike Trail.) Go about a half-mile on South Mt. Juliet Road and look for Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area (and the gravel parking lot) on the right.
Or, take I-24 east to Old Hickory Boulevard (Exit 62). Go north (left) on SR-171 for about 8 miles, then turn right on South Mt. Juliet Road as if you are going to the Bryant Grove Recreation Area. (There will be a sign with arrows pointing toward Bryant Grove Recreation Area and the Mountain Bike Trail.) Go about a half-mile on South Mt. Juliet Road and look for Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area (and the gravel parking lot) on the right.
For further directions, contact the park office at 615-885-2422.
