09/18/2018
Whether you prefer to hike it or bike it, Long Hunter's Jones Mill Trail is one of the most unique trails in Middle Tennessee with its rare cedar glade wildflowers and splendid views of Percy Priest Lake. Thanks to last year's expansion, there are now even more habitats to be seen along this winding trail. And now it's time to start Phase 2! If you'd like to join us for this adventure as we expand the trail, we have two great opportunities for you this week: a Trail Building Workshop and a Trail Building Day. See below for all the details. And thank you!
1. TRAIL BUILDING WORKSHOP: Thursday, Sept. 20 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Location: Long Hunter State Park office. You're invited to this free workshop led by Michael Meister, Tennessee State Parks Trails & Vistas Administrator. Highlights during this workshop will include:
- Building a sustainable mountain bike trail.
- Building a mountain bike trail vs. a hiking trail.
- Recognizing and correcting problem areas that appear.
- Trail construction tools and methods.
- Safely working side by side.
This classroom experience will give our volunteers the big picture of the goals intended as we begin the 2.5-mile extension project of Phase II.
This workshop is free and open to everyone. Whether you plan to be involved in this project or you just want to learn more about trail building in general, you are welcome to attend.
2. TRAIL BUILDING DAY at Long Hunter State Park for National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 22 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Location: Jones Mill Trail parking lot.
Each year Long Hunter celebrates National Public Land Day with a volunteer project to help beautify the park and trails. This year the Friends of Long Hunter is providing the project to maintain and enhance features on Jones Mill Mountain Bike Trail. The expansion of this trail system has been funded by an REI grant. We will need lots of hands to cut brush and correct drainage issues.
There will be ample work for all ages. Snacks and hydration will be provided, but you may also want to bring some extra water in a reusable water bottle. Volunteers should bring work gloves and wear long pants as well as closed toed shoes. If you have an extra steel toothed rake or garden hoe bring that along as well.
For more info on either of these events, contact the park office at 615-885-2422.