A historical and ecological adventure awaits those lacing up their boots for an Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail hike with the Tennessee Division of Natural Areas.
The hike is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, and hikers will meet at the Hampton Creek Cove parking lot. A limited number of spaces are available, so hikers must RSVP by calling 615-532-0431 or sending an email to loretha.legette@tn.gov.
The cost of the hike is $10, which may be paid by card over the phone or in cash on the day of the hike.
Lisa Huff will lead hikers through densely wooded areas and some open spaces, teaching about the history of the trail and the ecology of the area.
“We’ll see lots of flowers and trees and birds; it’s very scenic,” said Huff.
The trail follows the course of the Overmountain Men, who traversed through the woods and to victory at the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina.
“I think it’s popular because of the historical element,” said Huff. “The Overmountain Men helped to win the revolution by resetting the course of the war, and they were wilderness settlers from our part of the country who were not trained in militia and not highly regarded. They answered the call to protect their own homes and they came and won and went home.”
The section of the trail hikers will explore goes from Roaring Creek, North Carolina to Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area. Hikers will caravan from Hampton Creek Cove to Roaring Creek where they will begin the hike.
Huff said the trail is considered moderately long at between five and six miles and moderately difficult with two climbs.
“There are only two short uphill sections,” Huff said, “One is from where we park at Roaring Creek to get up to the Appalachian Trail at Yellow Mountain Gap — probably a mile — then there’s a short uphill section once we drop down into Hampton Creek drainage.”
Hikers should bring their own water, snacks and lunches as well as clothing for warm, cool, wet, windy or dry weather. They should not plan to arrive back at their vehicles till about 4 or 5 p.m.