Tennessee State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath will lead a pair of hikes in the Rugby area suitable for those who like to stop and look at the flowers.  The first will be an easy 1.2-mile hike at the Rugby State Natural Area at 10 a.m. Eastern time; the second, a moderate 1- mile hike to the Gentleman’s Swimming Hole at 12:45 p.m..  Lunch will be at 11:30. The Harrow Road Café is an option for those who not want to pack a lunch.

Hedgepath describes the hikes as “slow, stop-and-go, interpretive walks.” Participants should wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothes, and might want to bring sunscreen and bug repellant. This outing is cosponsored by the Cove Lake Hiking group of Tennessee Trails Association.  

Those interested in carpooling can meet at the Rush Fitness Center parking lot in Oak Ridge to depart at 8:30 a.m. Eastern, or at the Obed Wild and Scenic River Visitors Center in Wartburg, to depart at 9:05 a.m. Those who do not wish to carpool can meet the group at the Rugby State Natural Area trailhead behind the Rugby Visitor Center at 10 a.m.

For more information, contact TCWP Executive Director Sandra Goss at 865-583-3967 or at Sandra@sandrakgoss.com.