STARTING THE new year off right, folks strapped on their walking boots and braved the cold for the annual First Day Hike at Old Stone Archeological Park.
The hike was part of a series of First Day Hikes held in state parks throughout Tennessee. From Reelfoot Lake to Fall Creek Falls to Warriors’ Path and every state park in between, First Day Hikes are designed for all ages and abilities and offered at all times of the day.
Park ranger Eric Collins said the hike explored the park’s unique history. The fork of the Little and Big Duck Rivers has attracted numerous communities and people to Manchester for over 2,000 years. The tour focused on the history of the ancient enclosure and how the Duck River has impacted the development of human history in Middle Tennessee from the past to the present.
“We did our standard hike around the ancient enclosure,” he said. “It was about under a mile and a half. I told the story of the Old Stone Fort and talked about the archeology and history of the park. I liked going into a lot of detail. I wanted to try and give everyone their time’s worth for coming out here and wanting to learn about the park.”
Hikers enjoyed the sights of the park’s waterfalls and nature’s sounds from birds and other wildlife.
Collins, who has been hosting the hike for the last three years, said he enjoys leading the walk due to the interest it sparks with participants.
“It’s cool to have these hikes because of the variety of questions I get,” he explained. “On smaller hikes, you don’t have that many people asking questions. But when you get a group of people, they are less shy about asking questions because someone else asks, and then they follow with their questions. It also helps me remember things I might accidentally leave out. We always have a good turnout, so it’s great to have that many people on the first day of the year.”
Collin said he hoped those who turned out for the hike could get a glimpse of this local hidden gem. He also hopes they return to discover more about the park throughout the year.
“I hope they take away an appreciation for the park and our resources,” he said. “We are kind of like a hidden gem in Manchester. If they’re local, I hope they come back to visit more. If they’re visitors, I hope they left with a special memory of the park.” GN
