Blue Ridge Country March/April 2021 - 56

at the natural observation ledge called
Look Rock. The 360-degree vistas in any
season are breathtaking. There's also an
observation tower open to the public. YR
(mysmokymountainguide.com/gsmnp/lookrock-tower-trail)
;  Ghost Tours. (Dandridge, TN). Light the
lanterns and join a chilling ghost walk tour
of historic downtown. Hear stories of the
unexplained dating back through time in
Tennessee's second oldest town. Guided
tours visit a dozen sites, including a
graveyard. YR (appalachianghostwalks.com)

PLAY
;  Rock climbing and bouldering -
Obed Wild and Scenic River. (Wartburg, TN).
Challenge your expert skills at dozens of
routes up to 200 feet through the many
sandstone bluffs. Primitive camping, fishing,
whitewater paddling and hiking are also
popular in this unspoiled wilderness of
mountains, gorges, forests and waterfalls.
YR (nps.gov/obed/index.htm)
;  Hall Bend Trail. (Loudon County, TN).
For unmatched views of Tellico Lake and
the Smoky Mountains, hike the 3.7-mile
intermediate trail. The 30-acre Wild
Area is rich with wildflowers, Eastern red
cedar, native grasses and birds -with
the chance to see bald eagles. The trail is
easily accessed from either side with ample
parking. YR (hikingproject.com/trail/7029880/
hall-bend-trail)
;  Cumberland Gap National Historic
Park. (Claiborne County, TN). Explore this
historic pathway through the mountains
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Escape the crowds at Spruce Flats Falls, Great
Smoky Mountains National Park.

on 85 miles of trails across 20,000 acres
in three states. This geological gateway
contains a vast diversity of flora and fauna
(371 animal species and a hawk migration
flyway) as well as rich human history. Take
a ranger-led tour of Gap Cave, a majestic
underground cathedral. YR (nps.gov/cuga)
;  WindRiver Lakefront & Golf
Community. (Lenoir City, TN). Hit the links
at this location designed by Bob Cupp, a
Jack Nicklaus protégé. Built with " rolling
fairways and undulating greens, " this par72 course has lake and mountain views
along with the distinction of receiving the
state's first Signature Sanctuary Program
designation by Audubon International.
This course pledged sustainable resource
management for the environmental health
of the property. YR (windriverliving.com/
amenities/golf)
;  Look Rock - Foothills Parkway.
(Blount County, TN). To escape the crowds,
take a drive on this 18-mile road and enjoy
many scenic pull-offs. In particular, stop

;  Paddle the French Broad River.
(Knoxville, TN). Paddle the navigable
streams and rivers on a curated trip
through various waterways in the county.
The various launch points include
Volunteer Landing, Suttree Landing Park,
Island Home Airport, Holston River Park
and the Tennessee River behind the
University. This Knox County Water Trail
explores a 44-mile stretch with guides
from the Knoxville Adventure Collective.
YR (visitknoxville.com/blog/post/paddlingknoxvilles-waterways)
;  Spruce Flats Falls - GSMNP. (Blount
County, TN). For a moderately challenging
adventure on less-visited location in the
Smokies, hike this trail. Park at the Great
Smoky Mountains Institute on Tremont
Road and follow the signs. Your destination
is a four-tiered waterfall with the largest
splashing down 40 feet. It's an ideal photo
location. YR (theoutbound.com/tennessee/
hiking/hike-to-spruce-flats-falls)
;  Norris Dam State Park. (Norris, TN).
Hike, camp, fish and swim at this 4,000acre park. There are 800 miles of shoreline
at Norris Lake with waterfalls, caves and
mountains to explore during the visit. Stop
by Rice Grist Mill, Caleb Crosby Threshing
Barn and Lenoir Museum as well as the
visitor center to learn about early life in the
area. YR (tnstateparks.com/parks/norris-dam)
;  Sailing on Cherokee Lake. (Jefferson
City, TN). Join a " learn to sail " class, watch
races, stay overnight on the lake or attend a
potluck dinner at Black Oak Marina. Enjoy
live entertainment or rent a watercraft
at this premier boating location. YR
(blackoakmarina.com)
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Blue Ridge Country March/April 2021

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