Fall Creek Falls State Park

If you were following our summer adventures through our Facebook posts, you know that Frugal Family Travelers visited outdoor locations throughout  Tennessee and North Carolina.   Today's blog post features an amazing state park worthy of any bucket list!  Truly an outdoor mountain paradise nestled in the mountains just north of Chattanooga, TN,  Fall Creek Falls State Park features beautiful cabins, campsites, a mountain lodge, golf course, boating, biking, horseback riding, hiking paths lined with amazing streams, numerous waterfalls, (one of which features a sliding rock), zip lining and of course the majestic water fall for which the park is named. (Click here to see activity details.)

We arrived in the later part of the afternoon so our first priority was to prepare our our camp site.   Everything we needed for cooking and camping was easily found right in the general store located conveniently on the grounds of the park!  We loved that the campsites were nicely shaded and provided privacy, while at the same time having a community atmosphere.  Our Frugal Family Travelers felt like pioneers while pitching the tent and cooking hot dogs, s'mores and popcorn on an open campfire!

The next day began with a guided hike, led by a park ranger, to the base of Fall Creek Falls.   We learned that the park contains one of the only virgin Hemlock groves in that area.  The hike was strenuous but the breathtaking views, as we made our descent into the canyon, made every step well worth the effort.  Next, we hiked on several trails which led to waterfalls, streams and swinging bridges.   We highly suggest getting a map so you do not miss any of the trails or sites in the park. The greater part of the afternoon was spent at the Cane Creek Falls.  This is one of the most popular areas of the park for day use visitors because of the easy access to the falls and swimming holes.  We enjoyed cooling off in the water here but particularly enjoyed sliding down the natural rock water slide!

Fall Creek Falls State park is great location for those seeking a destination get-away or for those looking for a nice stop along an adventurous mountain vacation.  This is truly a park with recreational and educational activities suitable for visitors of ALL ages!

Tips: 
Pack water, sunscreen, tubes, and insect repellent!!

Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!!  To discover more about letterboxing Click Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
  

Note:

Take advantage of the maps and information provided at the ranger station.   Firewood is available for purchase.  They do not allow outside wood to be brought in for burning. 

Directions:

1. Address: 10821 Park Rd, Pikeville, TN 37367
3. Phone: (423) 881-5298

(Click on ANY Picture to Enlarge)

(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

Blue Hole in Soddy Daisy, TN

Frugal Family Travelers recently visited numerous areas in both Tennessee and North Carolina.   If you were following our Facebook page posts, you may recall that daily picture clues were shared to showcase the amazing locations we visited.   Today's blog will reveal the first of these places called "Blue Hole", which is nestled in the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Area in the town of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee.  Soddy Daisy is approximately 45 minutes north of Chattanooga.  "Blue Hole" as it is called is a deep swimming hole formed in a crevice of a mountain stream.  The large rock adjacent to the hole is perfect, as it allows visitors a place from which to jump to experience the refreshing waters.   After our 30 + minute (approximately a mile) hike to the "Blue Hole," our Frugal Family Travelers were more than willing to take a plunge into the water.   If you are a fan of hiking on beautiful mountain trails, with a rewarding adrenaline rush at the end of your journey, then you will definitely want to plan to visit the "Blue Hole" on one of your future excursions to Tennessee.

Tips: 
Pack water, sunscreen, and insect repellent!!
At one point along the trail it is necessary to cross the stream so water shoes are a must have!!  Water levels can fluctuate on this stream so be sure to check levels prior to departure and before jumping into the water! Although we saw many visitors to this area diving head first into the water, we DO NOT recommend this!

Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!!  To discover more about letterboxing Click Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
  

Note:

There are several trails to waterfalls and other areas that branch from the trail to the blue hole! Don't be afraid to ask other hikers on the trail for more specific directions.  We noticed another place on the stream trail which had a jumping rock but the locals suggested the "Blue Hole" especially those traveling with children.  

Directions:

418 Montlake Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN
These are approx. directions.   The entrance to the park area is to the left!  Look for the "brown" park sign -  North Chickamauga Creek Gorge.

(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.