Third Saturday Hike
April 19 @ 10:00 am - 12:30 pm EDT
Join the Friends of Rugby State Natural Area for a free guided hike each month on the third Saturday. Spring is a great time to go hiking as tree leafage and wildflowers emerge! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. This one time we’ll take an unofficial but historic trail following a bluff above the Clear Fork River dotted with towering hemlocks and evergreen rhododendron bushes above the stream. BUT we’ll meet 10 a.m. at historic Uffington House, 1728 Rugby Parkway, not the Visitor Centre. Come early and leave a car at Laurel Dale Cemetery if you want to save some later steps as that’s where the hike will end. Then walk back along the winding road to Uffington House by 10.
These free guided hikes are scheduled for the third Saturday of each month and normally start from the Historic Rugby Visitor Centre Porch (1331 Rugby Parkway, Rugby, Tennessee 37733) at 10 a.m. (Eastern Time). Leaders will be either local, from Friends of the Rugby State Natural Area, or from the state Department of Conservation. (No hikes are planned for June, July or August on account of expected hot weather.) Leader for the April 19 wildflower hike will be Benita Howell. Leader for the May 17 hike will be Travis Bow, Stewardship Ecologist for the state Division of Natural Areas. Bring a daypack, water and snacks to eat on the trail. These are is a 2-4 mile, moderate but family-friendly hikes. Dogs on leash are welcome. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather.
After the hike, take some time to stroll around the historic town site. Bring a picnic, or visit RM Brooks Store for lunch!
Overnight Accommodations: www.historicrugby.org