Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean you should stay indoors. Our local city and state parks have heaps of activities this time of year, from winter solstice hikes to Christmas bird counts. Here are some events to check out.
❄️ Winter Solstice Hikes
Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, is on Sunday, Dec. 21. Many of our local parks have activities celebrating the start of winter, and the return of more sunlight.
- While Warner Park’s big solstice celebration is sold out, you can sing winter songs and tell stories around a fire from 1-2:30 p.m. on Dec. 18.
- On Dec. 20, hike at Bells Bend Park in the morning, then shop at a winter solstice artisan market in the afternoon.
- Fort Negley has a winter solstice sunset stroll from 4-5 p.m. on Dec. 20.
- Several Middle Tennessee state parks have winter solstice hikes on Dec. 21: Cordell Hull Birthplace, Fall Creek Falls, Fiery Gizzard, Old Stone Fort, and Rocky Fork.
🕊️ Christmas Bird Count Hikes
Audubon’s 126th Christmas Bird Count runs until Jan. 5. This event promotes conservation through counting instead of hunting birds. You’ll need to sign up to officially submit your counts, which contribute to research. On Dec. 20, count birds with the Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society at Bells Bend Park.
🎄 Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Hikes
While Metro Parks facilities are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can still hike. In the past, my family and I have hiked at Edwin Warner Park, Bells Bend Park, and Timberland Park. It’s one of our favorite holiday traditions. If you’d rather participate in a group hike or activity, check out these state park events.
- On Christmas Eve, make ornaments at Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park, or go on an hour hike at Harpeth River State Park.
- On Christmas Day, Old Stone Fork State Park is hosting a 1.4-mile hike to explore 2,000-year-old Native American mounds and waterfalls.
🗓️ New Year’s Hikes
There’s no better way to ring in the new year than with a hike. Practically every state park in Middle Tennessee is hosting a first-day hike, like Radnor Lake — where you can check out the park’s newest 12 acres — Cedars of Lebanon, and Edgar Evins, which includes a feast. Search the Tennessee State Park’s website for more!
