Big Fun @ Big Ridge

We had the biggest crowd, and had the "biggest" fun of our summer series at Big Ridge State Park

  This state Park is just 12 miles off the exit to Norris (take right) so it only takes about 35 min from k town to arrive at this 3,000 + acre park.   It has 15 miles of trails, and camp sites, nice cabins, boating and swim beach area too.   

We first stopped right off I 75 at my friend and dentist office Dr. Michael Beeler (masterpiece smiles) as I had told him and his daughter Tori that I'd be out that way this summer and they said to stop by and they'd make us some goody bags.  We all got goodie bag of healthy snacks, water and then some dental health products too! 

 Then down the road 11 miles and follow brown signs to Big Ridge    At the main visitor center there Ranger Dereck Wilson met us with RAMBLER the state park mascot who is a lot fitter than before!

He is on a health campaign to get himself and other kids and families fit by hiking, biking, and here enjoying some swimming.

Then he took our 38 folks and 3 dogs on Lakeside loop where we stopped at an old graveyard and then hit the Ghost trail loop, then ended up by the Grist mill area and back to the swimming/visitor area where we started.   About 4.5 mile hike and some of us and the kids really enjoyed a nice swim in the nice clear Norris water.  

Y'all need to check out this state park & the other local trails and parks we have thru Legacy Parks & Knox City and County parks

Next hike I'll be leading is Aug 25th Fort Dickerson as part of the Knoxfest outdoor adventure weekend.   8:45 lower new parking lot off Augusta Way to sign up call 541-4500 at my office at Covenant Health  and more info on the weekend event www.outdoorknoxville.com