REVISED: April 12, 2016
Trails and Trilliums 2016
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Includes events, programs, and hikes
Friday, April 15
9:00 - 2:00 Lost Cove Geology
5 miles, difficult
Meet Ranger Park at the Carter State Natural Area parking lot for a strenuous 5 mile hike to the entrance
of one of the largest cave openings in the state of Tennessee. This hike will concentrate on the geology of
the area. There will be significant elevation change as well as rough ground so please wear sturdy shoes
and bring plenty of water and lunch!
Meeting Address: 6829 Sherwood Rd, Sherwood, TN 37376
9:00 - 3:30 Fiery Gizzard Trail Work
10 miles + work, difficult
Flex your Tennessee volunteer muscle by helping Ranger Jason Reynolds with a major trail reroute along
the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This exciting reroute will cut through some rough and beautiful terrain so be
prepared with sturdy footwear and plenty of water and snacks. If you have a favorite tool or pair of gloves,
feel free to bring them. We will meet at the Grundy Forest parking lot and will work till early afternoon. For
more info email Ranger Jason at [email protected]. Please pre-register as this opportunity will be
canceled if no one pre-registers.
Meeting Address: 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd. Tracy City, TN 37387
1:30 - 3:30 ”Welcome to Wild about Wildflowers” Shakerag Hollow Trail Hike I
1.5 miles , difficult
Offered by the Sewanee Herbarium. Shakerag is one of the most spectacular shows of wildflowers in the
Southeast; Yolande and Robin Gottfried, Tennessee Naturalists, will lead the hike. Proper footwear is
essential; patches of rough, rocky, muddy trail, and a short, steep uphill at the end.
Limited to 20 people
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Trails and Trilliums Children's Choir and Student Art Exhibition
Monteagle Sunday School Assembly Auditorium
The Trails and Trilliums Children's Choir opens the weekend by performing a concert of traditional
southern mountain music. The choir is made up of students from Franklin, Marion and Grundy counties.
Local students also participate in a Student Art Exhibition focused on nature themed work. A reception
honoring students and their families immediately follows the program. No registration necessary.
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Wine and Wildflowers
Harton Hall
Kickoff Trails and Trilliums by meeting and mingling with fellow hikers, native plant enthusiasts and artlovers at this casual wine and cheese reception. Enjoy paintings, sculptures, and photographs from
regional artists that are for sale with 40% of proceeds going to Friends of the South Cumberland. Relax,
unwind and share plans for the hikes and programs you want to attend as you meet new friends and
reconnect with familiar faces. Register online or at the door. Admission $15 per person.
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REVISED: April 12, 2016
Friday, April 15 (continued)
9:00 - 10:00 Astronomy
easy
Meet up with Ranger Park Greer at the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly Ball Fields for a look into the
wonders of the night sky. Ever wonder how to spot a satellite? Or which of those little specks are planets
and which are stars? Or maybe, what's the story behind the Pleiades anyhow? Well, bring all of your
questions as well as a red light and find out! The fields are a short walk (approximately 3 blocks) from the
mall to where the telescope will be set up so wear close toed shoes. Please dress for the weather and
bring water.
Saturday, April 16
7:00 - 9:00 Warren Point Birding
easy
Join Harrison Bay State Park Ranger Jordan Brison for a birding walk out to Warren’s Point. Bison
discovered a love for birds while attending East Tennessee State University where he worked in Dr. Fred
J. Alsop III lab of Ornithology on many projects including Northern Saw-whet Owl population survey in
Upper-east Tennessee and American Kestrel Nesting Box Survey. He has participated in the Washington
County Christmas Count and continues his work with birds as a certified raptor handler at Harrison Bay
State Park. Meet in front Dining Hall for an easy to moderate hike out and back taking note of the ample
ornithological offerings along the way.
9:00 - 10:00 "Wings to Soar"
Wings to Soar will thrill the bejeebers out of the audience by combining music ,video, and oh yes, live
Birds of Prey which will fly right over the audience giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "Fly By".
This incredible experience will definitely inspire long after it's over, hopefully, planting a seed that will
grow into a whole new connection to the natural world.
9:00 - 3:30 Fiery Gizzard Trail Work
10 miles + work, difficult shuttle provided
Meet at MSSA mall for a shuttle to Grundy Forrest to meet Ranger Jason Reynolds to flex your
Tennessee volunteer muscle by helping with a major trail reroute along the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This
exciting reroute will cut through some rough and beautiful terrain so be prepared with sturdy footwear and
plenty of water/snacks. If you have a favorite tool or pair of gloves, feel free to bring them. Van will pick up
volunteers from Grundy Forest about 3:30 for return to MSSA.
Leave by van from the front of the Auditorium to travel to the Grundy Forest. Return by van.
For more information email Ranger Jason at [email protected].
Limited to 14 people
9:00 - 12:00 Grundy Lakes Nature Hike
2.3 miles, easy shuttle provided
Join Nooga.com nature writer Bob Butters for a short, easy hike around Grundy Lakes to look into the
beauty of the natural world. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Leave by van from the front of the Auditorium to travel to the Grundy Lakes. Return by van.
Limited to 14 people
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REVISED: April 12, 2016
Saturday, April 16 (continued)
9:00 - 11:30 Monteagle Assembly Stagecoach Road (North Nature Trail) Hike I
2.5 miles, moderate shuttle provided
Join hike leaders Emily Herman, Scott May , and Jim Poteet on a hike to the bluff behind the Assembly
and follow an old stagecoach road down the side of the mountain. Wildflowers rivaling Shakerag Hollow
are usually in bloom along the trail.
Leave from the front of Auditorium on foot; vans will shuttle you from the bottom back to the Assembly.
Limited to 36 people
9:00 - 12:00 Fiery Gizzard Geology Trail Hike
3 miles, moderate shuttle provided
Join Ranger Park Greer on a hike that is a must for anyone who hasn’t hiked the Gizzard, or for those
who know the trail well. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the fascinating geology of the area.
You will hike to the rock pillars at Sycamore Falls, with time to explore a huge rock house cave, climb on
the boulders, and perhaps splash in the creek. Fiery Gizzard Trail was recognized as one of the nation’s
outstanding hiking trails by Backpacker Magazine.
Leave by van from the front of the Auditorium to travel to the Grundy Forest Day Loop trailhead where the
Fiery Gizzard trail begins. Return by van.
Limited to 14 people
10:00 - 11:00 "Butterfly Gardens"
Some people like to look at butterflies, while others like to take pictures. Some want to help the butterfly
population by planting native plants which rare or threatened butterflies feed on. Whatever your interest,
join Michael Culbreth, a certified interpretive guide for Tennessee State Parks to learn more about
planning your butterfly garden and native plant choices that will attract butterflies and caterpillars.
10:15 - 12:30 Foster Falls I
2 miles, moderate shuttle provided
Join Tennessee Trails hike leader Marietta Poteet for a hike to Foster Falls, a 80 foot falls. Hike will be to
the base of Foster Falls and the surrounding cliffs. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water!
Leave by van from the front of the Auditorium to travel to the TVA small wilds area. Return by van.
Limited to 25 people
10:30 - 12:30 Shakerag Hollow Trail Hike II
1.5 miles, difficult shuttle provided
Tennessee Naturalists, Yolande and Robin Gottfried, will lead hikers on this beautiful trail. After a short
van ride to the University gates, you will enjoy the upper portion of the Shakerag Trail with its scores of
wildflowers and a waterfall. Proper footwear is essential; patches of rough, rocky, muddy trail, and a
short, steep uphill at the end.
Leave by van from the front of the Auditorium to travel to and from Shakerag; drop off at University gates,
van pickup at Green’s View.
Limited to 20 people
10:30 - 11:30 Monteagle Sunday School Assembly: Past and Present--History Walk I
easy
Take a walk around the historic grounds. Learn the colorful history of the Assembly dating back to 1882,
observe the architectural features of the buildings, and find out about current Assembly programs.
Meet at the flagpole near Warren Chapel.
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REVISED: April 12, 2016
Saturday, April 16 (continued)
12:00 - 1:00 "Wings to Soar"
(repeat from 9:00)
Wings to Soar will thrill the bejeebers out of the audience by combining music ,video, and oh yes, live
Birds of Prey which will fly right over the audience giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "Fly By".
This incredible experience will definitely inspire long after it's over, hopefully, planting a seed that will
grow into a whole new connection to the natural world.
1:00 - 2:00 “Tales from the Trail”
A conversation led by Mary Priestley, author of “Fiery Gizzard, Voices from the Wilderness”. Curator of
the Herbarium at the University of the South, author, botanist, and a past recipient of the Yeatman
Environmental Education Award, she will share her experiences with the famed Fiery Gizzard and invites
you to do the same. Mary will sign copies of her newly published book at the end of the program; copies
of the book will be available for purchase.
1:00 - 3:00 Stone Door Hike
2 miles, easy
Meet Tennessee Naturalist Joan Harvingston at the Stone Door parking lot for an easy 2 mile hike to see
the beautiful Stone Door overlook. This hike is a great introduction to South Cumberland State Park. The
Great Stone Door is one of the most stunning overlooks in the state and provides views across all of the
Savage Gulf State Natural Area. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a bottle of water, and don’t forget your camera!
Shuttle not provided due to travel time limitations. Stone Door parking lot is approximately 45 minutes
drive time from Monteagle.
Meeting Location: 1183 Stone Door Rd. Beersheba Springs, Tennessee 37305
Limited to 24 people
1:15 - 4:00 Monteagle Assembly Stagecoach Road (North Nature Trail) Hike II
2.5 miles, moderate shuttle provided
Join hike leaders Emily Herman and Jim Poteet on a hike to the bluff behind the Assembly and then
follow an old stagecoach road down the side of the mountain. Wildflowers rivaling Shakerag Hollow are
usually in bloom along the trail. Leave from the front of Auditorium on foot; vans will shuttle you from the
bottom back to the Assembly.
Limited to 24 people
1:30 - 3:30 Grundy Lakes Hike
2.3 miles, easy shuttle provided
Join Tennessee Naturalist Rob Moreland, for a hike around Grundy Lakes. This is a gentle walk among
the lakes with a chance to view ancient coke ovens, which are listed on the National Register for Historic
Places.
Leave by van from the front of the Auditorium.
Limited to 28 people
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REVISED: April 12, 2016
Saturday, April 16 (continued)
1:30 - 2:30 Warren Point Birding
easy
Join Harrison Bay State Park Ranger Jordan Brison for a birding walk out to Warren’s Point. Bison
discovered a love for birds while attending East Tennessee State University where he worked in Dr. Fred
J. Alsop III lab of Ornithology on many projects including Northern Saw-whet Owl population survey in
Upper-east Tennessee and American Kestrel Nesting Box Survey. He has participated in the Washington
County Christmas Count and continues his work with birds as a certified raptor handler at Harrison Bay
State Park. Meet in front Dining Hall for an easy to moderate hike out and back taking note of the ample
ornithological offerings along the way.
Limited to 12 people
2:00 - 3:00 "The White Fringeless Orchid - A Detailed Description of the Monkey Tail Orchid
(Platanthera integrilabia), Its Discovery, History, Distribution, Habitat and Generally Awesome
Coolness"
In Tennessee this species occurs in specific habitats on the Cumberland Plateau and Blue Ridge
Mountains. The plant itself along with known details of its life history will be described.
Todd Crabtree, a botanist for the State of Tennessee who grew up spending summer days with his
cousins hiking and swimming along the Fiery Gizzard, shares his knowledge about one of the most
photogenic rare plants in Tennessee and one of the most interesting. Since 1980 it has been listed as a
candidate for federal listing and recently was proposed to be listed as a threatened species under the
Endangered Species Act.
2:00 - 3:00 Fiery Gizzard
2 miles, moderate shuttle provided
Join Interim Park Manger and long time South Cumberland Ranger George Shinn for a refreshing 2 mile
moderate hike on the northern terminus of the famed Fiery Gizzard Trail. There are plenty of rocks and
roots on this hike so please be prepared. Bring plenty of water too!
Leave by van from the front of the Auditorium.
Limited to 28 people
2:30 - 4:30 Biking in Sewanee
Join Woody Deutsch of Woody’s Bicycles for a bike tour around Sewanee and the University of the South
campus. Meet at Woody’s Bicycles in Sewanee—bikes will be available for rent for $15. Bike rentals, map
and directions at http://www.woodysbicycles.com/web/Welcome.html; driving directions are also available
on HIKES listing
Limited to 12 people
4:00 - 4:30 "South Cumberland State Park Aviary Dedication"
Join Ranger Jessie McNeel at the Park Visitor's Center to welcome our new and first ever non-releasable
Barred Owl. We will be putting our new feathery friend in it's display aviary for the first time. There will be
a short ceremony but people will be able to ask questions and get pictures of our new friend in it's new
environment. We hope to see you there!
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REVISED: April 12, 2016
Saturday, April 16 (continued)
6:00 - 9:00 pm
ART for the PARK Party
Harton Hall and Gardens
Saturday night crescendos into the always fabulous ART for the PARK gala with dinner, art, and music
benefitting Friends of the South Cumberland. The cocktail buffet is created by The Corner Market
Catering Company. Meet the artists and understand the stories behind their work. There's bound to be a
piece you NEED to take home. Celebrate the wonder of the South Cumberland Plateau!
Register online or at the door. Admission $37.50 per person.
Sunday, April 17
7:00 - 9:00 Warren Point Birding
easy
Join Edgar Evans State Park Ranger Mark Taylor for a birding hike out to Warren’s point. Taylor has
worked as a Seasonal Interpretive Ranger at South Cumberland State Park and a couple of months
at Tim's Ford State Park until hired full time. He has always been fascinated by birds and even
participated in his first Christmas Bird Count in Warren County at age 16. After becoming a Ranger,
he pursued identifying and learning about all the plants and animals that reside in his current park,
becoming an avid birder in the process. Of the 178 bird species recorded at Edgar Evins, he has
documented 166 of those.
Meet in front Dining Hall for an easy to moderate hike out and back taking note of the ample
ornithological offerings along the way.
Limited to 12 people
8:00 - 10:30 Shakerag Hollow Trail Hike III
1.5 miles, difficult shuttle provided
Tennessee Naturalists, Dennis Horn & Mary Davis, will lead hikers on this beautiful trail. After a short
van ride to the University gates, you will enjoy the upper portion of the Shakerag Trail with its scores
of wildflowers and a waterfall. Proper footwear is essential; patches of rough, rocky, muddy trail, and
a short, steep uphill at the end.
Leave by van from the front of the Auditorium to travel to and from Shakerag; dropoff at University
gates, van pickup at Green’s View.
Limited to 20 people
8:00 - 10:00 Hiking through History at Grundy Lakes
2.3 miles, easy shuttle provided
Meet Ranger Park Geer at the Grundy Lakes parking lot for a look into the turbulent past of the coal
mining industry that created much of the region by hiking an easy 2.3 miles. Our history is full of
tragedy and comedy so come on out with a healthy curiosity to learn more! Please wear sturdy
shoes and bring plenty of water.
Leave by van from the front of the Auditorium.
Limited to 28 people
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REVISED: April 12, 2016
Sunday, April 17 (continued)
8:30 - 9:30 Monteagle Sunday School Assembly: Past and Present--History Walk II
easy
Take a walk around the historic grounds. Learn the colorful history of the Assembly dating back to
1882, observe the architectural features of the buildings, and find out about current Assembly
programs.
Meet at the flagpole near Warren Chapel.
11:30 - 12:30 "Cumberland Wild Hike into History"
An all star panel of historians, naturalists and local experts including State Naturalist Emeritus Mack
Prichard and original Savage Gulf Preservation League President, Dr. Wally Bigbee will discuss the
amazing history of the South Cumberland including Native Americans, pioneers, sawmills, coal
mines, and old growth forests.
1:00 - 2:30 “Building a Fairy House According to Fairy Rules”
Using bark, leaves, shells, feathers and other all-natural materials, learn to build a house that any
fairy, elf, or gnome would love to call home. Margie Lee Gallagher will give a demonstration
including lashing to make furniture and other elements. She is a biologist, artist, and fairy house
builder.
1:00 - 4:00 Raven's Point
3 - 4 miles, moderate shuttle provided
Join Friends of South Cumberland State Park Vice President Naullian Kendrick and Past President
Ty Burnette for a short hike (1.5 – 2.0 miles) along and old logging road to Raven’s point. We have
obtained permission to hike across private land for this hike. This hike involves some minor
“bushwhacking” but is mostly level. This is a rare opportunity to visit Raven’s Point without hiking the
4.3 miles from Grundy Forest.
Leave by van from the front of the Auditorium.
Limited to 48 people
1:30 - 4:30 Foster Falls Hike
2 miles, moderate
Cynthia and Stephen Bryant will lead you along the Foster Falls trail. Foster Falls has a stunning 60foot waterfall with a viewing deck as well as a trail down to the bottom of the falls. Start on the
plateau, and hike down to the pool below the falls. There may be time for a swim, weather
permitting. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
No shuttle provided.
Limited to 24 people
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REVISED: April 12, 2016
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