Extensive damage from Hurricane Helene has forced the closure of three East Tennessee state parks, but others in the region have a host of activities on tap in late October for those who want to get outdoors and enjoy the fall season.
David Crockett Birthplace, Roan Mountain and Rocky Fork state parks remain closed to the public as park staff and volunteers work to access damage and clear trails. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Site, Panther Creek State Park and Seven Islands State Birding Park have reopened, but many trails inside those parks remain closed.
Here’s a look at some of the activities on tap in coming weeks at other Tennessee State Parks in the eastern region:
Oct. 18-19
Fall Colors Pontoon Tour
Fall Creek Falls
10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Join Matthew Thomas at the boat dock for a pontoon boat tour along the lake. The cost is $15 per person.
Oct. 18-20
Fall Color Cruise
Norris Dam
12:30-1:30 p.m.
2-3 p.m.
Venture along the shores of Norris Lake via pontoon boat ride to view nature’s artistry. Each boat ride will last approximately one hour and departs from the Norris Dam Marina. Rangers will narrate the trip with tree identification and park history. Each cruise is limited to 10 people. The cost is $18 for anyone ages 7 and older; $12 for children 6 and younger. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Meet 15 minutes before the departure time.
Oct. 18Fall Colors Van Tour
Fall Creek Falls
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Betty Nunn Nature Center to embark on a van tour across the park. On the tour, you’ll cross the lake and stop at overlooks along the Scenic Loop to enjoy the fall colors. The cost is $10 per person.
Oct. 18Flint and Steel Fire Hike
Indian Mountain
9-10 a.m.
Come learn how to ID and use flint rocks to make fire. Meet at the Rabbit Road parking lot. The cost is $5 per person.
Oct. 19October Hayride
Panther Creek
4:30-5:15 p.m.
5:30-6:15 p.m.
Join a park ranger for a fall hayride through Panther Creek State Park. Enjoy the fall colors, along with hot chocolate or hot cider. The tractor will depart approximately 10 minutes after the scheduled time so please arrive in a timely manner. The cost is $10 per person.
Oct. 19Fall Foliage Float
Big Ridge
10 a.m.-noon
Meet at the boat dock at 9:45 a.m. and gear up for a morning on the 49-acre Big Ridge Lake. The goal will be to paddle around most of the lakeshore. Rangers will stop and discuss the park’s history, local folklore and the flora and fauna of fall. Kayaks and paddling gear will be provided by the park. Bring water or any snacks you might want. Dress for the weather conditions. The cost is $15 per person.
Oct. 19Early Morning Waterfall Hike
Cummins Falls
7-9 a.m.
Meet at the visitor center at 7 a.m. (CST) for a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike that will include stops at the waterfall overlook, the gorge and Blackburn Fork State Scenic River to the bottom of the waterfall. Plan to get your feet wet. Wear appropriate footwear (no flip flops) that you don’t mind getting wet and a dry pair for the trip home. Hike includes slippery rocks, river crossings and a little elevation change. The cost is $10 per person.
Oct. 19Four Waterfalls Hike
Fall Creek Falls
10 a.m.-noon
Take a guided two-mile hike on the Woodland and Gorge Overlook trails. See four waterfalls from various angels and overlooks, plus the autumnal colors above and within the creek gorge. The cost is $10 per person.
Oct. 21-29Fall Color Cruise
Norris Dam
12:30-1:30 p.m.
2-3 p.m.
Venture along the shores of Norris Lake via pontoon boat ride to view nature’s artistry. Each boat ride will last approximately one hour and departs from the Norris Dam Marina. Rangers will narrate the trip with tree identification and park history. Each cruise is limited to 10 people. The cost is $18 for anyone ages 7 and older; $12 for children 6 and younger. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required; some dates do sell out. Meet 15 minutes before the departure time.
Oct. 23Carter Mansion Guided Tour
Sycamore Shoals
1-2 p.m.
Enjoy a guided tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house built circa 1775. The house is located at 1031 Broad St. in Elizabethton. The cost is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors (65 and older), veterans and active military; and $5 for youth ages 17 and under. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase.
Oct. 24Scary Stories at Fort Watauga
Sycamore Shoals
7-9 p.m.
Strange things happen around All Hallows Eve, especially an old fort by the river. Join park staff for an evening of spooky tales. Bring your own seat and dress for chilly, damp air.
Oct. 25
Ghost House Hike
Big Ridge
8-9:30 p.m.
Come hear true ghost stories of Big Ridge State Park on a guided, easy-to-moderate one-mile hike around the old homestead. Dress for the weather. Bring a flashlight. Program is not suitable for children under 7. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $12.50 per person.
Oct. 26
Halloween in the Park
Indian Mountain
5-8 p.m.
The annual Halloween in the Park event at the RV campground is free to attend. It includes trick-or-treating, hayrides, a DJ and a haunted shelter. Donations are optional.
Oct. 27
Old Time Music Jam
Sycamore Shoals
1:30-4 p.m.
Old-time musicians of all levels are welcome to come play in the Visitor Center Gathering Room. Others are invited to kick back and listen. Admission is free.
Oct. 28
Sabine Hill Guided Tour
Sycamore Shoals
10-11 a.m.
Join interpretive staff for a guided tour of the stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the state. As an added feature, the house will contain exhibits on early American funeral customs and mourning traditions. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. The cost is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors (65 and older), veterans and active military; and $5 for youth ages 17 and under. Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G St. in Elizabethton.
Oct. 29
Bewitched Hills
Norris Dam
6 p.m.
Ring in the spooky season with a good story at Bewitched Hills: The Lore of Appalachian Superstitions. Come to the park office at 125 Village Green Circle to learn how different cultures melded together to pass along their folk tales. Registration is recommended. The event is free, but donations are welcome.
Oct. 31
Prison Mine Hike
Frozen Head
7-9:30 p.m.
Meet at Brushy Mountain Prison, located at 9182 TN-116 in Petros, for spooky stories and a bit of dark history for an after-hours hike to the abandoned prison coal mines. Park at the big field in front of Brushy and carpool to Armes Gap. The hike is approximately two miles, roundtrip, and is moderately difficult. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, bug spray and water. Wear sturdy footwear. Registration is required. There’s a $5 signup fee. Limited to 10 participants, who must be 15 years or older.
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