Tag: hiking

While We Are In Tennessee…

Let’s talk hiking trails. Tennessee is a very beautiful state with many hiking and nature trails to enjoy. My sister and I recently hiked two local trails – Raptor Ridge Trail at Paris Landing State Park in Henry County, Tennessee and Cub Lake Creek Trail on Natchez Trace near Wildersville, Tennessee.

Let’s begin with Raptor Ridge Trail at Paris Landing State Park in Henry County. The trail offers a grand look at all the local flora and fauna, as well as animals that are native to the area.

Paris Landing also offers opportunities for water sports and there is a golf course located at Paris Landing.

There are cabins to rent, as well as a Lodge with restaurant and gift shop available.

The park was founded in 1945 along the western shore of the Tennessee River.

Raptor Ridge Trail is an easy 2.55 mile hike, so beginners like me can enjoy the hike. There are also campgrounds available for those who do not wish to stay in a cabin.

Now let’s go to Cub Creek Lake Trail which is one of many trails on the Natchez Trace. The Natchez Trace is a 440 mile historic trail that goes from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi. This was a trail that was created and used by Native Americans.

The Cub Lake Trail begins next to the Cub Lake Recreation Lodge parking lot. The trail is a loop that circles around the lake. The trail is approximately three miles long and is well marked. Beginners such as I should have no trouble staying on the trail.

You can even bring a friend along to keep you company! Clyde, the four legged friend pictured, enjoyed the hike as much as anyone else.

Scenic views of the water are evident as you hike on the trail.

And bring your furry friend. They also will enjoy the trail.

With evidence of the local wildlife.

Nature at its’ best.

There are opportunities for more rustic environments for those who choose.

There are also cabins to rent.

The Lodge on Pin Oak Lake is currently under reconstruction and is closed, but will re-open in 2027 when the reconstruction is scheduled to be completed.

There is a designated swimming area, as well as boating and fishing opportunities that are available. There is an annual fishing derby held at Cub Lake.

So come join us in Tennessee, where the food is hot and the people are friendly.

Bruceton, Hollow Rock, and a Visit By Tocqueville

Above is a picture of the old roundhouse that is still located in Bruceton, Tennessee

A more recent picture of the same roundhouse.

On September 18, 2024, Mr. Buddy Smothers provided a presentation on the history of Bruceton, Hollow Rock, and the railroad that still runs through both towns. Buddy Smothers is a retired high school history teacher and he taught for 34 years. He was also a local radio sports personality for 34 years.

Buddy Smothers began his talk speaking about Alexis Tocqueville’s visit to the Bruceton and Hollow Rock area in 1831. Tocqueville and his traveling mate, Gustave de Beaumont, spent 4 days in an inn at Sandy Bridge, which later became Hollow Rock. Tocqueville was recovering from an illness at the time.

It was stated that McLemoresville and Buena Vista, two local areas, are the two oldest areas in Tennessee. Hollow Rock was incorporated in 1869.

The town of Hollow Rock was named for this rock formation in 1867, when a telegraph office and train station were established.

In the late 1800’s, the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railroad System operated in Hollow Rock. Hollow Rock was the only place where four lines of the railroad intersected with one another. In the 1890’s, the railroad moved their location and created the town of Junction City. Junction City later became Bruceton.

The Hollow Rock-Bruceton Special School District was formed in 1927. Prior to 1927, the only other high school in the area was in Hollow Rock. The Hollow Rock High School was in operation from 1914 to 1927.

Above is an older picture of the high school.

The railroad was integral to the development of the Bruceton and Hollow Rock area. Other businesses that have been important in the development of the local economy was H.I.S., which left the area in 2000. The railroad depot still remains in Bruceton today.

For a more in depth look at this presentation, see the Carroll County News-Leader, Wednesday September 25, 2024 by Jesse Joseph.