Department of Environment & Conservation
Robert Martineau, Commissioner

     The Tennessee Conservationist features More Great Hikes from Tennessee State Parks in each issue of the magazine. This tradition was begun in 2005 by Fran Wallas, an accomplished trailblazer and trailbuilder with a gift for sharing her experiences from a variety of pathways crisscrossing Tennessee State Parks. The More Great Hikes series continues Fran’s legacy by sharing first-person encounters with state park hiking and walking trails, and by offering helpful insights into the types of unique natural features one should expect to find along that hike.

Remembering Fran Wallas: trailbuilder, trailblazer and state parks advocate
The Tennessee Conservationist family lost a dedicated contributor, tireless trailbuilder and stalwart for Tennessee State Parks when Frances “Fran” R. Wallas passed away on October 20, 2010. One of the many ways Fran shared her love of trails, state parks and the outdoors was through her "Great Hikes" series offered in print and online. Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to Fran’s family and many friends. We will always remember Fran and the tremendous contributions she made for our great state and the great outdoors. Indeed, we pledge to continue the "Great Hikes" series with her zeal for trail building and exploration in mind.

2011 More Great Hikes

March-April 2011 by Louise Zepp Harrison Bay State Park This native pink azalea was seen blooming trailside at Harrison Bay State Park.

May-June 2011 by Bob Richards Bledsoe Creek State Park Trailhead sign for the Mayo Wix Trail, a 0.75 mile long paved trail at Bledsoe Creek State Park.

November-December 2011 by J.R. Tinch Tims Ford State Park Second suspension bridge on Lost Creek Overlook Trail at Tims Ford State Park.

2010 Great Hikes by Fran Wallas

January-February 2010 South Cumberland State Park Upper Greeter Falls on Stone Door Trail in South Cumberland State Park.	March-April 2010 Norris Dam State Park Yellow Trout Lily found on TVA's River Bluff Trail at Norris Dam State Park.	May-June 2010 Cedars of Lebanon Glade Cress, seen along the Hidden Springs Trail at Cedars of Lebanon State Park.
July-August 2010 South Cumberland Rec. Area Brianna Millar climbing bluffs at Foster Falls in South Cumberland Recreation Area.	September-October 2010 Cumberland Trail Rock escarpment on the Possum Creek Segment of the Cumberland Trail.	November-December 2010 Rock Island Twin Falls is a popular kayaking spot at Rock Island State Park.

2009 Great Hikes by Fran Wallas

January-February 2009 Fort Pillow State Historic Park An overnight backpacking campsite in Fort Pillow State Park.	March-April 2009 Edgar Evins State Park Toothwort is one of the white blooms seen on a spring hike at Edgar Evins State Park.	May-June 2009 Cumberland Trail Gaywings bloom along the Piney River section of the Cumberland Trail.
July-August 2009 Long Hunter State Park An Eastern Prickly Pear cactus along the trail at Couchville Cedar Glade at Long Hunter State Park.	September-October 2009 Pinson Mounds The wetland along the boardwalk at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park.	November-December 2009 Tims Ford The evergreen Ground Cedar, of the Clubmoss family, can be seen at Tims Ford State Park.

2008 Great Hikes by Fran Wallas

January-February 2008 Cumberland Mtn State Park The narrow passage on Pioneer Trail at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville.	March-April 2008 Meeman-Shelby Forest SP Cypress knees on Pioneer Springs Trail at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.	May-June 2008 Old Stone Fort Virginia Bluebells in bloom March-May at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park in Manchester.
July-August 2008 Fall Creek Falls State Park The trailhead of the Gilbert Gaul Trail at Fall Creek Falls State Park.	September-October 2008 Warriors' Path Patrick Henry Lake at Warriors' Path State Park in Kingsport.	November-December 2008 Cumberland Trail Gary Ruetenik of Crossville gets a great view on his hike at Black Mountain on Cumberland Trail.

2007 Great Hikes by Fran Wallas

January-February 2007 Long Hunter State Park Three Ways to Hike The Perfect Winter Trail at Long Hunter State Park	March-April 2007 Standing Stone State Park The Lake Trail’s in Bloom at Standing Stone	May-June 2007 Burgess Falls SNA The butterfly garden at Burgess Falls State Natural Area.
July-August 2007 Cumberland Trail Sandstone rock house at the beginning of the Obed Wild and Scenic River Segment.	September-October 2007 Roan Mountain Chestnut Ridge Trail at Roan Mountain State Park in Roan Mountain.	November-December 2007 Savage Gulf A view from the Savage Creek Overlook in Savage Gulf.

2006 Great Hikes by Fran Wallas

January-February 2006 Pickett State Park Pickett State Park's Hidden Passage Trail is a Wonderful Winter Trek	March-April 2006 Radnor Lake State Park Radnor Lake State Natural Area Offers an Easy Hike for People Wild About Wildflowers	May-June 2006 Frozen Head State Park Frozen Head State Natural Area Offers an Overnight Hike With Scenic Detours
July-August 2006 Carter Natural Area Buggytop Cave-A Cool Hike for a Hot Day	September-October 2006 NB Forrest State Park Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park - A Colorful Woodland Loop	November-December 2006 Montgomery Bell State Park A Six-Mile Overnight Hike For Beginners of All Ages

2005 Great Hikes by Fran Wallas

January-February 2005 Mousetail Landing State Park Intermediate Overnight Loop Trail at Mousetail Landing State Park	March-April 2005 South Cumberland Beginner Backpacking Hike to Horsepound Falls	May-June 2005 Cumberland Trail Rock Creek Segment Offers A Shady Hike for a Hot Day
July-August 2005 Fall Creek Falls State Park Fall Creek Falls Cable Trail - The Shortest Hard Hike	September-October 2005 Big Ridge State Park Big Ridge State Park - A Haunted Hike For the Halloween Season	November-December 2005 Big Hill Pond State Park Wetlands, Wilderness and Wildlife at Big Hill Pond

Totaling nearly one thousand miles, Tennessee State Parks' trails reflect the state's great natural diversity and offer an incredible array of outdoor recreational opportunities.