Frugal Family Travelers: Swimming

Showing posts with label Swimming. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Natural Beauty and History Abound!

Over spring break, Frugal Family Travelers explored yet another section of the Natchez Trace Parkway, just outside of Jackson, MS. For those who have never traveled the Natchez Trace, consider it! It is a beautiful motor trail spanning from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN, and with so many historic and nature sites along the way, it’s rich with opportunities for exploration!

This particular journey led us to Rocky Spring, located right at mile post 54.8 off the parkway. The remnants of this town, first settled in the 1790’s, are well marked with historic placards along the trail through the once bustling community. Hikers will be transported back in time as they learn the history of the town and the reasons for its ultimate demise. While traversing the trails archeological remnants, such as cisterns and safes will be discovered as reminders that people once lived and thrives here. Perhaps the most remarkable part of Rocking Springs is the Methodist Church, constructed in 1837. It is the only building which remains and is quite beautiful to behold.

This area is run by the national park service as is the entire Natchez Trace Parkway. In addition to the trail mentioned above, Rocky Springs has a campground and another hiking area which provides access to a crystal clear creek and a portion of the old sunken trace.

Will all of this being said, pick a date and start planning your trip to Rocky Spring! Consider combining this with other offerings nearby, to create an entire vacation for your Frugal Family Travelers.

Note: Consider packing a picnic lunch! Bring bug spray, sunscreen and water! It gets hot here in the summer!

Location: The Trail entrance is at mile marker 54.8 off the Natchez Trace Parkway. A detailed map of the area is in the pictures below and can also be found at the entrance station. Click HERE for directions!

Disclaimer:

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.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

4 Outdoor Jewels in Alabama

Our Frugal Family Travelers love exploring locations on and off the beaten path! Many times when planning a trip, we look for smaller outdoor gems that may typically be overlooked when traveling to an area/city with a bigger attraction. Those reading this post who travel with kids know that staying active is the key to a successful trip! We typically like to combine a big attraction with a small one to provide a variety of adventures when traveling. Outdoor gems, like the ones reviewed in this post, can certainly be combined with other family plans to satisfy this need and will also provide lasting memories.

So, whether you are planning an entire trip to Alabama, or just passing through, the 4 locations showcased in the post are worthy of your attention for both the unforgettable scenery and the history!

Note: The following locations are only a short driving distance of one another!

Moss Rock Preserve

Directions: Boulder Field Trailhead, 617 Preserve Parkway, Hoover, AL 35226

Cost: Free

With its beautiful waterfalls, rock formations and nearly 12 miles of hiking trails to explore, Moss Rock Preserve is a place that tips the travel scale and is certainly one our Frugal Family Travelers plan to visit again! There are 3 trail heads in the preserve, at different locations, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the trail map before departing. It is important to note that the area is managed and owned by the city of Hoover, so familiarize yourself with the rules before entering. We arrived at the preserve late in the day and therefore choose to explore the Boulder Field Trail Head for its popularity with the locals. It did not disappoint! With a short hike, we experienced beautiful rock formations and with an additional short hike we were able to explore beautiful streams and waterfalls. The pictures below are certainly worth a thousand words!

Boulder Canyon Nature Area

Directions: 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestivia Hills, AL 35216, Trail entrance is behind the Vestivia Hills Library. Park in the library parking lot. You can enter the library and take the trail out of the back of the young adult section of the library or walk around to the back of the library on the outdoor path.

Cost: Free

Our Frugal Family Travelers stumbled onto this little wonder in Vestivia Hills, AL. It is an awesome example of how community spirit, local government and the public school system can join forces to create a natural oasis for learning and respite from the fast paced world in which we live. The nature area encompasses approximately 20 acres owned in part by the elementary school and local government. The land and trails by the stream were originally cut by the Cub Scouts in the 80's with subsequent scouting groups adding to the trail which now extends behind the AMAZING Vestivia Hills Public Library. Our Frugal Family Travelers highly recommend exploring the trail and then the library! You may want to bring your own book and read at one of the outdoor benches or by one of the massive boulders you will encounter by the Patton Creek watershed.

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Directions: 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla, AL 35111

Cost: Adults $2; Children $1; Seniors $1

Hiking, history, cabins, camping and a train all come to mind when recalling our Frugal Family adventure at Tannehill! Although, we did not stay in the park, it is certainly an option and one on our bucket list when visiting the area again! Our day here consisted of a picnic by the stream, hiking and exploring the rich history to be found here. Be sure to visit the Tannehill website for current museum times, train schedules and admission prices!

Oak Mountain State Park

Directions: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124

Cost: Adults $5; Children $2; Seniors $2

Oak Montain State Park is truly a one stop shopping place when traveling. One could certainly stay here for numerous days! With clear lakes, boating/fishing opportunities, beautiful mountain biking trails, hiking trails, horseback riding, golf course, a waterfall and a bird hospital/sanctuary, there is not a reason in the world anyone would ever be bored while visiting Oak Mountain State Park. Furthermore, the cabins and camping opportunities are amazing!

This happens to be the second time our Frugal Family Travelers have visited Oak Mountain! We spent our time during this visit hiking to Pevine Falls as well as touring the bird sanctuary. Check out our pictures below to capture a glimpse of this jewel!

Tips:

Hike times vary for those of varying age and skill - factor in extra time. Never enter a long trail at dusk! Pack a first aid kit, water, bug spray and snacks! Sometimes cell service is limited or unavailable on hiking trails so let someone know when you enter and depart a trail.

View FrugalFamilyTravelers' photos on Trover

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

Saturday, August 9, 2014

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!)