May 31 -June 6

// May 31st, 2010 // Comments Off // Fall Creek Falls

Welcome to Fall Creek Falls State Park! Summer vacation time is here and what a great place to spend it! The park provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some hiking, picnicking, boating, swimming, and wildlife watching while taking in the beautiful scenery. We encourage you to take advantage of the programs we have arranged for your enjoyment and enlightenment.

Note: A parent or guardian must accompany youngsters twelve years old and younger.
Stuart Carroll – Interpretive Specialist III Amanda Bates – Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Matt Brown – Park Ranger II Andrew Thackston – Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
David Vogt – Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Davis Alexander – Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Sunday, May 30th

8:30am Devotional – Randy Garrell will be hosting an interdenominational devotional at the Inn.
10:00am Pine Cone Bird Feeders – Meet Andrew at the Rec. Hall to learn how to make your own bird feeder out of pine cones.
1:30pm Nature Scavenger Hunt – Meet Andrew at the Rec. Hall for a sense sharpening scavenger hunt.
2:00pm Volleyball – Meet Davis at the volleyball court in the Village for an exciting game of volleyball.
3:00pm Sidewalk Chalk Art – Meet Andrew at the Rec. Hall to create a masterpiece on the sidewalk.
6:30pm Softball – Meet at the lighted field in the Village. Kids (12 years old and younger) play the first hour. Teens and Adults (13 years old and older) play at 7:30pm. Please wear adequate footwear.
7:30pm Live Musical Entertainment – Meet at the Amphitheater by the pool for an evening filled with musical entertainment provided by Rigney Family Bluegrass. Admission is $3; kids 6 and under are free. In the event of rain, meet at the Rec. Hall.

Monday, May 31st

8:15am Old Fashioned Nature Hike – Meet Davis in front of the Nature Center for a hike along the Paw Paw Trail. This is a moderate hike so wear sturdy shoes and bring along plenty of water.
11:00am Creek Critters – Meet Davis at the Nature Center to explore the park’s underwater environment. Be sure to wear shoes that you can get wet.
1:00pm Hike to the Base of Fall Creek Falls – Meet Andrew at the Main Overlook of Fall Creek Falls for a short but strenuous hike to the bottom of the falls. Along the way, we will discuss our park’s forest ecology and geology.
2:00pm Trash Bash – Meet Davis at the Nature Center to help clean up the litter around the Cascades area. Your assistance in this resource management project will be greatly appreciated. Please bring work gloves if you have them.
3:00pm Canoe Float – Meet Andrew at the Boat Dock to explore Fall Creek Lake. You may rent your canoe at the boat dock; first-come, first-serve.
6:30pm Softball – Meet at the lighted field in the Village. Kids (12 years old and younger) play the first hour. Teens and Adults (13 years old and older) play at 7:30pm. Please wear adequate footwear.

Tuesday, June 1st

9:30am Beaded Snakes – Meet Amanda at the Rec. Hall to make a beaded snake. This is one pet that your parents are sure to let you keep.
1:30pm Tie-Dye – Meet Amanda at the Rec. Hall to brighten up your wardrobe! Bring your own or buy a t-shirt at the Rec. Hall for $5 to support the Friends of Fall Creek Falls.
2:30pm Rock Hop – Meet Andrew at the Nature Center for a technical and strenuous off trail hike through Cane Creek Gorge. Along the way, we will see both Fall Creek Falls and Cane Creek Falls. Be prepared to navigate steep slopes, large boulders, and slippery surfaces. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water in your day pack. We do not recommend attempting this trip unguided due to the possibility of getting lost! The minimum age is 12 years, and persons with physical infirmities should not attend. This hike takes approximately 3 hours.
3:00pm Wildlife ID Slideshow – Meet Amanda at the Rec. Hall to learn about some of Tennessee’s wildlife.
6:30pm Softball – Meet at the lighted field in the Village. Kids (12 years old and younger) play the first hour. Teens and Adults (13 years old and older) play at 7:30pm. Please wear adequate footwear.
7:45pm Night Hike – Meet Andrew at the Campers’ Check-In to search for some of Fall Creek’s nightlife along the golf course.

Wednesday, June 2nd

9:00am Hike to Fall Creek Falls Overlook – Meet Amanda at the lobby of the Inn for a moderate 4-mile, round-trip hike on a paved trail to the top of Fall Creek Falls. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with some of our park’s native plants and animals and learn about the park’s history.
10:00am Introduction to Tennessee Owls – Meet David at the Rec. Hall for a short presentation on the 8 species of owls known to Tennessee. Stay and dissect owl pellets to discover what these fascinating birds eat.
1:00pm Paper Airplanes – Meet David at the Rec. Hall to learn a variety of paper airplane designs and compete for best flyer awards.
1:15pm Cable Trail Hike – Join Amanda at the Nature Center for a short but strenuous hike down the Cable Trail to the bottom of Cane Creek Falls. This is a great opportunity to experience the grandeur of one of our park’s most prominent geological features. Wear sturdy shoes and bring along some water.
2:45pm Creek Critters – Meet Amanda at the Nature Center to explore the park’s underwater environment. Be sure to wear shoes that you can get wet.
3:00pm Sidewalk Chalk Art – Meet David at the Rec. Hall to create a masterpiece on the sidewalk.
6:30pm Softball – Meet at the lighted field in the Village. Kids (12 years old and younger) play the first hour. Teens and Adults (13 years old and older) play at 7:30pm. Please wear adequate footwear.

Thursday, June 3rd

8:15am Piney Falls Ramble – Meet Amanda at the Piney Falls parking area for a short hike to view Piney Falls and the suspension bridge over Piney Creek. We will also learn about some of the park’s history.
10:45am Kickball – Meet Amanda at the softball field in the Village for a fun filled game of kickball.
3:00pm Edible/Medicinal Plant Hike – Meet Amanda at the Nature Center for a short hike discussing some of the historical importance of our native plants.
3:15pm Trash Bash – Meet Davis at the George Hole to help clean up the litter around the edge of the creek. Your assistance in this resource management project will be greatly appreciated. Please bring work gloves if you have them.
3:30pm Pontoon Boat Tour – Meet David at the Boat Dock for a pontoon boat tour around the lake. There is a limit of 8 and a fee of $5. You must sign up at the Nature Center. In case of cancellation, no refunds can be given.
4:30pm Pontoon Boat Tour – Meet David at the Boat Dock for a pontoon boat tour around the lake. There is a limit of 8 and a fee of $5. You must sign up at the Nature Center. In case of cancellation, no refunds can be given.
6:30pm Softball – Meet at the lighted field in the Village. Kids (12 years old and younger) play the first hour. Teens and Adults (13 years old and older) play at 7:30pm. Please wear adequate footwear.
7:45pm Campfire – Meet David at the George Hole for some stories about the early pioneers and Native Americans that settled the plateau as well as how the park came into existence. Be sure to bring your roasting sticks and marshmallows. As we end our evening around the campfire, we will attempt to solve some fun riddles. You may want to bring along a flashlight.

Friday, June 4th

8:30am Cable Trail Hike – Join Davis in front of the Nature Center for a short but strenuous hike down the Cable Trail to the bottom of Cane Creek Falls. This is a great opportunity to experience the grandeur of one of our park’s most prominent geological features. Wear sturdy shoes and bring along some water.
10:00am Snake Show – Meet David at the Nature Center to get up close and personal with some of the park’s more elusive residents.
1:30pm Paddle Boat Float – Meet Davis at the Boat Dock and take the helm of a paddle boat for an informative cruise around the lake. You may rent your paddle boat at the boat dock; first-come, first-serve.
1:45pm Hike to Fall Creek Falls Overlook – Meet Ranger Matt at the Nature Center for a moderate 2-mile hike to Fall Creek Falls. We will discuss various rocks, plants, and animals along the way.
2:00pm Pontoon Boat Tour – Meet Amanda at the Boat Dock for a pontoon boat tour around the lake. There is a limit of 8 and a fee of $5. You must sign up at the Nature Center. In case of cancellation, no refunds can be given.
2:30pm Park History and Orientation – Meet David at the Nature Center for an introductory slideshow featuring Tennessee’s largest and most visited state park.
3:00pm Pontoon Boat Tour – Meet Amanda at the Boat Dock for a pontoon boat tour around the lake. There is a limit of 8 and a fee of $5. You must sign up at the Nature Center. In case of cancellation, no refunds can be given.
5:00pm Meet the Naturalist – Meet David in the lobby of the Inn to get maps, brochures, and general information regarding your visit to the park. David will be at the information table until 6:30pm.
6:30pm Softball – Meet at the lighted field in the Village. Kids (12 years old and younger) play the first hour. Teens and Adults (13 years old and older) play at 7:30pm. Please wear adequate footwear.
7:45pm Evening Nature Ramble – Meet Ranger Matt at the Campers’ Check-In for a nature walk around the golf course. This is a great opportunity to see some of the park’s nightlife like deer, raccoons, frogs, etc.

Saturday, June 5th – National Trails Day

8:15am Rock Hop – Meet Amanda in front of the Nature Center for a technical and strenuous off trail hike through Cane Creek Gorge. Along the way, we will see both Fall Creek Falls and Cane Creek Falls. Be prepared to navigate steep slopes, large boulders, and slippery surfaces. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water in your day pack. We do not recommend attempting this trip unguided due to the possibility of getting lost! The minimum age is 12 years, and persons with physical infirmities should not attend. This hike takes approximately 3 hours.
8:45am Waterfalls Hike – Meet Davis in front of the Nature Center for a 7-mile hike to see some of our park’s impressive waterfalls. Along the way, we will see Cane Creek Falls, Rockhouse Creek Falls, Cane Creek Cascades, Raccoon Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls, and Piney Falls.
9:00am Bird Walk – Meet David at the Nature Center for a casual stroll around the area to enjoy a variety of our feathered friends. Bring binoculars if you have them or borrow a pair from us.
1:00pm Cable Trail Hike – Join Andrew at the Nature Center for a short but strenuous hike down the Cable Trail to the bottom of Cane Creek Falls. This is a great opportunity to experience the grandeur of one of our park’s most prominent geological features. Wear sturdy shoes and bring along some water.
1:30pm Waterfalls Bike Tour – Meet Ranger Matt in the parking area at the Dam for a scenic 6½-mile bike tour to Fall Creek Falls and Piney Falls. This trip will feature spectacular views of Cane Creek Gorge.
1:45pm Canoe Float – Meet Amanda at the Boat Dock to explore Fall Creek Lake. You may rent your canoe at the boat dock; first-come, first-serve.
2:00pm Native American Skills – Meet David at the Liberty Hill School (Andy Field Picnic Area – near the North Entrance) to discuss the tools, weapons, and lifestyles of the ancient peoples of Tennessee.
2:30pm Gilbert Gaul Hike – Meet Andrew at the Youth Camp 2 gate for a hike along the Gilbert Gaul Trail. This lakeside hike is a great place to view waterfowl, birds, beaver activity, wildflowers, and much, much more. Along the way, we will look at animal tracks in the mud flats around the edges of the lake. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Tick repellent is advised for this hike.
6:30pm Softball – Meet at the lighted field in the Village. Kids (12 years old and younger) play the first hour. Teens and Adults (13 years old and older) play at 7:30pm. Please wear adequate footwear.
7:30pm Live Musical Entertainment – Meet at the Amphitheater by the pool for an evening filled with musical entertainment provided by Fredonia Bluegrass. Admission is $3; kids 6 and under are free. In the event of rain, meet at the Rec. Hall.

Sunday, June 6th

8:30am Devotional – Randy Garrell will be hosting an interdenominational devotional at the Inn.
10:00am Marbles – Meet Andrew at the Rec. Hall to play an exciting game of marbles. This activity is a favorite pastime of many and is fun for all ages.
1:30pm Hike to the Base of Fall Creek Falls – Meet Davis at the Main Overlook of Fall Creek Falls for a short but strenuous hike to the bottom of the falls. Along the way, we will discuss our park’s forest ecology and geology.
2:00pm Nature Bingo – Meet Andrew at the Rec. Hall to play a game of fun and educational Nature Bingo.
3:30pm Paddle Boat Race – Meet Davis at the Boat Dock and take the helm of a paddle boat for a competitive race around the lake. You may rent your paddle boat at the boat dock; first-come, first-serve.
4:00pm Trash to Treasure – Meet Andrew at the Rec. Hall to learn how to turn your trash into a cool craft.
6:30pm Softball – Meet at the lighted field in the Village. Kids (12 years old and younger) play the first hour. Teens and Adults (13 years old and older) play at 7:30pm. Please wear adequate footwear.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is committed to principles of equal opportunity, equal access and affirmative action. Contact the EEO/AA Coordinator at 1-888-867-7455 or the ADA Coordinator at 1-866-253-5827 for further information. Hearing impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service 1-800-848-0298.

Did you know that salamanders are of great ecological importance? Stream breeding species are part of a delicately balanced nutrient cycle that also involves aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, snakes, and other predators to move nutrients out of water on to land. The larvae of pond breeding species consume large numbers of pest insects prior to metamorphosis.
Ecological relationships are among the many topics discussed in the Fall Creek Falls 2½-day or 5-day Environmental Education Program for school groups. For more information, contact the Nature Center (423) 881-5708.