Forget Black Friday, enjoy Tennessee's outdoors with these state park hikes near you

Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal

State parks in Tennessee will host their annual "Day After Thanksgiving" hikes on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.

The parks encourage people not interested in shopping on Black Friday or watching football games all day to head out to a state park near them and engage with nature.

Tours are guided or self-guided and are for all ages. The hikes range from easy strolls to rugged exercises. Hikers are advised to bring sturdy hiking shoes, a daypack, water, and snacks for the trail. Guests are encouraged to register before the event.

Here is all you need to know about hiking in Tennessee state parks this Friday.

How many Tennessee state parks are there?

The volunteer state is home to 57 state parks across its 42,143 square miles. The most recent park addition was Savage Gulf State Park which opened in 2023.

What are the closest state parks to Memphis?

The Mississippi River has returned to normal levels after experiencing a drought for a few months. This is how the river looks as of Mar. 7, 2023 from the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park in the Millington area outside of Memphis, TN.
The Mississippi River has returned to normal levels after experiencing a drought for a few months. This is how the river looks as of Mar. 7, 2023 from the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park in the Millington area outside of Memphis, TN.

There are two parks within the Shelby County limits.

T.O. Fuller State Park will have a hike starting at 9 a.m. and lasting until noon. There will be a 4.5-mile hike that is a leisurely stroll through the park's nature trail. Guests are to meet at 1500 W. Mitchell Road at the visitor center.

Meeman-Shelby State Park will have a sunset hike at 5 p.m. that ends at 6:30. It will be a 2-mile hike on the Woodland Trail. There will be an option for more experienced hikers to continue if they wish. Guests should meet at the head of the Woodland Trail.

What are the closest state parks to Nashville?

A great blue heron walks through the water at Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022.
A great blue heron walks through the water at Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022.

Davidson County has three state parks located in it.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park will have a walk through the mall from 2-3 p.m. on Friday. It is a one-mile loop starting at the visitor center.

Radnor Lake State Park will have an educational hike from 7-9 a.m. It is a one-mile moderate hike. The hike will include a 1/2 hour stop to learn about and pull invasive-exotic plants. Space is limited to 30 visitors ages 12 and older. The meeting spot is at the Walter Criley Visitor Center.

Long Hunter State Park is having an educational display from 1-2 p.m. There will be a park ranger dressed as a long hunter. He will be explaining survival skills, politics and general life in the 1700s. Guests will meet at the Upper Bluffs parking lot at the trailhead. There is a $5 fee to attend.

What are the closest state parks to Chattanooga?

There are two state parks in Hamilton County, but neither is hosting a Day After Thanksgiving hike. Two neighboring counties with state parks are hosting hikes.

South Cumberland State Park is located in Sequatchie County. The park will have its hike from 1-3 p.m. The hike will be around the Grundy Forst Day Loop which is about three miles. It is considered a moderate to strenuous hike. guests should meet at 131 Fiery Gizzard Road.

Red Clay State Park is located in Bradley County. Guests are invited to take a tour of the park grounds and learn about the Cherokee People and the Trail of Tears. Meet at the visitor center to spend some of Black Friday in the great outdoors.

What are the closest state parks to Knoxville?

Lifting morning fog unveils the French Broad River, center, and the rising peaks of the Smokies, background, from an overlook in Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak on Monday, Oct. 27, 2014.
Lifting morning fog unveils the French Broad River, center, and the rising peaks of the Smokies, background, from an overlook in Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak on Monday, Oct. 27, 2014.

There is only one state park located in Knox County.

Sevens Islands State Birding Park will have its annual hike from 1-3 p.m. It will be a three-mile hike that encourages reconnection with our bodies. It will have moderate inclines and uneven surfaces. The hike starts at the Bluebird Barn.

What is the oldest Tennessee state park?

The oldest state park in Tennessee is Fall Creek Falls State Park. It is located in Spencer, Tennessee. The park is in the middle of the triangle of Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville. Fall Creek Falls is hosting its own hike from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be an easy to moderate hike on the new Hardie Trail. Guests should meet at the junction of Old Bon Air Road and Gladstone Acres Road.

Jordan Green covers trending news for the USAToday Network. She can be reached via email at jordan.Green@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter/X @_green_jordan_.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tennessee state parks host 'Day After Thanksgiving' Black Friday hikes

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