Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Tennessee State Parks will offer free, guided hikes at all 56 of its parks on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 the day after Thanksgiving. This is the second year for this event, and one in a series of five statewide hikes throughout the year.
“The After Thanksgiving Hikes are a perfect way to spend time with family and friends,” said TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau. “Our parks are beautiful this time of year, and we want everyone to enjoy what our parks have to offer.”
Tennessee State Parks is also partnering with REI Co-op, the nation’s largest consumer and specialty outdoor retailer, on their #OptOutside campaign. REI is closing the doors of 143 of its retail locations and has instead asked their employees to do what they love most, which is enjoying the outdoors.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with REI on this as they’ve been a big supporter of several of our Tennessee State Parks projects.” said Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill. “While REI is challenging its employees and customers to get outside on black Friday, we challenge all of these folks to visit a Tennessee State Park that day and see what we have to offer.”
The hikes are designed for all ages and abilities. Some hikes will be approximately one mile in length and tailored for novice hikers, while others are lengthier and geared toward more experienced hikers. For a more in-depth look at hikes in your area, visit http://tnstateparks.com/about/special-event-cards/after-thanksgiving-hike. This link will also show what is offered regionally so visitors can see different options of hikes available.
In Sevier County, a hike will be offered at Seven Islands State Birding Park.
To help aspiring adventurers choose how to #OptOutside, optoutside.rei.com features recommended hiking trails, which include many Tennessee State Parks. We encourage visitors on social media to use #TNgobblewobble and #OptOutside to share their trail experience.
For more information, please visit www.tnstateparks.com.
After Thanksgiving Day Hikes #TNgobblewobble Photo Contest!
Send us your best photo from Friday, Nov. 27 that represents the great outdoors from one of the 56 Tennessee State Parks. If your photo is chosen as the winner, you’ll win a free weekend getaway from Tennessee State Parks. Winner will have a choice between a two-night stay in a cabin or an inn.
Details:
- Take a photograph during your After Thanksgiving Day Hike
- Send us your photo on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tennesseestateparks) or Twitter (@TennStateParks) by Monday, November 30.
- Use hashtags #TNgobblewobble and #OptOutside
The marketing team will select a winner based on the photo that best illustrates the great outdoors and all that our Tennessee State Parks have to offer!
