BOOK TRAILS OPEN IN ANDERSON COUNTY

BOOK TRAILS OPEN IN ANDERSON COUNTY

Two trails have opened in Anderson County making it even more enjoyable to get outdoors with the family and enjoy the beauty of Anderson County! Both trails are easy and family friendly, so gather up the kids and hit the trails in Anderson County, Tennessee!

Storybook TrailThe first trail is a Storybook Trail at Norris Dam State Park based on the book Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Along the trail visitors will get to read through the pages and enjoy large colored pictures. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open this TN State Parks Imagination Library Storybook Trail on Saturday, November 16th at 10:00 am. The public is welcome to attend. Ranger-led hikes along the new trail will take place at 10:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on November 16th.This easy stroller-friendly trail is just over a mile round-trip. There will be owl programs, hands-on owl themed arts and craft activities for children and you may even get to meet “Blinky” the owl. This free, family-friendly event will take place in the parking area by the Lakeside Trail. Please park in the TVA Visitor Center parking lot located on the east side of Norris Dam.

Norris Dam State Park is known for its hiking trails. Over 21 miles of trails provide spectacular views of Norris Lake and the surrounding hills and valleys. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, the park has just what you’re looking for. There are also many great spots to picnic, so grab the family, pack a cooler for lunch and hit the trails at Norris Dam State Park.

The second trail we are excited to tell you about is a Nature Book Trail that is located at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge. The Nature Book Trail consists of 14 large signs that display the pages of Butterflies: Exploring the Life Cycle, a book by Oak Ridge author Dr. Shirley Raines. The easy to walk trail begins by the visitor center. The total distance is about 0.5 mile and is suitable for adults and children. Learn the lifecycle of a butterfly in a fun and interactive way!

The UT Arboretum is a project of the University of Tennessee Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center. It generally hosts more than 30,000 visitors annually. This 250 acre research and education facility has over 2,500 native and exotic woody plant specimens, over 5 miles of walking trails and many educational events throughout the year. The Arborteum is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year.

The Storybook Trail at Norris Dam State Park and the Nature Book Trail at the UT Arboretum are a great way to combine the love of reading with nature and the beauty that only Anderson County offers. They are also a great way to introduce hiking to children in a fun and entertaining way.

In addition to these two new family friendly trails in Anderson County, we have over 400 miles of trails for you to enjoy on foot, bike, or horseback. Anderson County is also home to the largest privately owned off road park in the country, so if you prefer to hit the trails on a machine, be sure to check out Windrock Park for your next adventure!