The Wisdom of The Walking Stick: A Lesson Learned Hiking Rock Island State Park

The Tennessee Traveler would like to impart some painfully gained wisdom for all who enjoy hiking Tennessee’s great outdoors: Bring A Walking Stick.

It’s common sense advise too easily forgotten and ignored, with potentially dire consequences.

I speak from experience.

A friend and I were hiking the Caney Fork River gorge above the Great Falls at Rock Island State Park. We entered near the Cotton Mill, followed the Old Mill trail down, then broke off the main trail for a path leading down to gorge and river. There, we found our way to a narrow break where we could leap from rock to rock over the water,  and pick up the Downstream Trail on the other side.

It’s an easy hike, tracing the bluffs, down the stairs by the power plant, then through the woods, with several great views of the wide falls as it cascades from the opposite bluff. From there, the trail continues to the famed “Blue Hole,” a renowned fishing spot.

Did I mention my hiking buddy brought a walking stick that day, but I’d forgotten mine at home? Keep that in mind.

The return hike was pleasant and uneventful. This time, though we followed the trail beneath the bluff all the way back to where the river back fills a wide pool, sort of a lagoon. Our intention was to find an alternate way across the river, but discovered it was too wide, deep and roaring there. So, we backtracked for the trail, making our way around that pool.

As I stepped forward from a pocket  between rocks my foot got caught, I lost my balance and fell forward. 

THWACK!!! 

The right side of my face met the limestone shelf at full force. I never lost consciousness, but as I reached up I expected to feel broken pieces of my skull. Instead, only a spot of blood, a point already forming below my temple, my jaw hurt and an intense headache. Worse, though, I saw everything double, not vertically but horizontally, making it very difficult to discern my way forward. 

With my friend’s help and a walking stick pulled from the debris, I slowly made my way back along the trail and across the river. My head throbbing, I got down to crawl as needed, but still had to manage that leap. He went first, braced himself, then extended his stick for me to grab while I maneuvered along the edge of the rock. Then I jumped, grabbed that stick mid-air and he pulled me over.

I made it! The rest of our hike out was routine was routine but slow. Within the hour we were out of there, and I was driving myself home with an intense headache.

I stubbornly suffered through the night, but next morning I headed for the doctor, fearing there could be bleeding on my brain.

  A CT scan revealed no blood or concussion but extensive damage—nine fractures—to the right side of my face. My maxillary sinus was also shattered, front and rear. The doctor was shocked I felt to real pain.

I’m recuperating now with a new mission: remind every hiker to bring and use a walking/hiking stick wherever and whenever it makes sense. 

        That “third leg” would have made all the difference, and easily prevented my fall.

Please, learn from my mistake.

Alvin York State Historic Park Celebrates Tennessee's World War I Hero

Sgt. Alvin York

Tennessee’s state parks are best known as preserves of the state’s natural beauty, but a few highlight Tennesseans who had an impact on the world stage.  For one, that renown began 98 years ago on a battlefield in France, October 8, 1918.

Alvin C. York State Historic Park in Pall Mall, tells the life story of a country boy who grew up to be an international hero as the most decorated soldier of World War I

The park includes the farm and home Sergeant York and his family lived in from 1922 until he died, and the grist mill he operated in the 1940s and 50s. 

A devout Christian, pacifist and conscientious objector, York proudly served his country once drafted into the U.S. Army. When his patrol was ambushed behind enemy lines that October day, he risked all leading the few survivors in a counter-attack. York’s heroism, and the capture of 132 Germans, earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor and international acclaim. These exploits were later chronicled in the film classic Sergeant York, starring Gary Cooper.

Exhibits in the visitor center, a recreation of the store York ran in 1920s tell of his life and heroism, and how he used his celebrity to improve life for others. It’s an inspiring story about an inspiring son of Tennessee. 

Southeast's Only Dark Sky Site Awaits Night Visitors To Pogue Creek Canyon Natural Area

Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area

photo credit: Mike Serkownek/IDA

Have you ever experienced the night sky, as intended —away from the glare and distractions of modern life?

That inspiring thrill awaits all visitors to the astronomy field at Pickett State Park /Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area,  near Jamestown in Fentress County. 

It’s the first park in the southeast certified as a “dark sky” viewing area by the International Dark Sky Association . That distinction identifies the  dwindling number of sites around the world where there’s no light pollution. Visitors can explore the night sky in all its glory, as it once inspired generations.  

Tennessee’s Pogue Creek Canyon is currently the only Dark Sky location in the Southeast where the stars, planets and Milky Way will seem so close.( Click here to read the state brochure on the site.)

Summer, winter, spring or fall spend a few hours there and you’ll be humbled, as you ponder the brilliance of the heavens. When you go, schedule for a night around a new or late moon so moonlight won’t disrupt your view. Also, check area weather to make sure skies are clear.

Black History in Tennessee: The Lorraine Motel and National Civil Rights Museum

April 4, 1968
Memphis, Tennessee

 If you’re of a certain age, the date and place stirs the image of a collective memory: men standing around the body of a dying Martin Luther King, Jr., pointing from the balcony of the Lorraine Motel at a building across the way where the fatal shot originated.

It’s a pivotal moment in Black and American history, the tragic loss of a great leader. His words and actions still inspire and challenge we, as one nation, to grow toward our potential and live the principles we aspire to.

When in Memphis make your pilgrimage to the Lorraine Motel, now home of the National Civil Rights Museum. Just to be in that space, knowing what transpired there, forces a soul searching upon you. 

A wreath on the balcony outside room 306 marks the spot where Dr. King fell. The cars parked below, identical to those in that iconic image, are fixed reminders of the tragedy which transpired on that narrow stage. 

To look around the plaza, to realize how near the assassin was as he took aim, to know this is where one chapter ended and another began in the struggle for national equality is to ask yourself what have I done, what more can I do to help realize his dream.

The Museum traces and tells of the struggle for Civil Rights from our earliest history. It’s a worthy education about ugly truths and noble ambitions that can be difficult for white Americans to face. But it is the story of black America, and the empowerment of basic human dignity.

The Lorraine Motel is one of Tennessee’s historic sites one cannot visit, and turn away unmoved.

Start Planning Your Tennessee Vacation

Looking ahead to spring and summer? 

There’s no better time to start planning your Tennessee vacation!

If you’ve never visited the Volunteer State or you’re a resident who hasn’t fully explored the many glories of Tennessee, you’ll be surprised and thrilled with all there is to discover here.  From  the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the banks of the Mississippi River, our western border, Tennessee truly holds something for everyone!

We Tennesseans are proud of our state and it’s breathtaking scenery, unique heritage and destinations, and many contributions to popular music and culture. 

For lovers of the great outdoors, Tennessee State Parks  are second to none.  Scattered across the state, these jewels preserve our natural beauty and archaeological legacy while offering visitors the best in hiking, camping, boating or fishing. Urban explorers will be rewarded for visits to Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, or any of our smaller towns and cities, as well.

Throughout the year The Tennessee Traveler will do our part to point you toward worthy destinations and events across the state. 

Tourists and visitors will also find the Tennessee Department of Tourism has all the resources to to help plan a fun-filled vacation for the entire family here. Plans for your Tennessee adventure should start at the official website, Tennessee Vacation. There you can order or download the official 2016 Tennessee Vacation Guide. 

Anyone driving through our state should take advantage of our Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways program.  Currently this state-wide network features 16 different road trips, each devoted to a theme. Plans are underway to link all trails with a special “musical heritage” trail later this year. The roots of rock and roll, the blues, country, gospel and rhythm and blues all run deep in Tennessee!

Entirely self guided, you can start downone of these trails wherever you are, wherever you’re headed in Tennessee. Each trail map includes recommended stops along your way: historical sites, popular attractions, small towns, natural landmarks, great restaurants and venues!

It’s never too early to start planning a great vacation in Tennessee, and the  maps  and apps to make it easy are easily avaialble!

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