Thursday, June 27, 2024

Breaks Interstate Park

 Thursday, June 27th, 2024



 
Started the morning off with a good breakfast, cooked outside but eaten inside due to the rain.

 
Even as we drove to the park, the views were amazing and we were glad the weather decided to clear up.

 

 
In the Visitor Center, there was a small museum that we went through before heading out.

Trail Map

Towers Tunnel Overlook was our first stop.


 


Stateline Overlook was our second stop.


 

 


First Trail of the day was the Geological Trail. Let me just preface these pictures by saying, they do not do the trail justice!! It is one of those, you must see it for yourself, places.

 

 

 

 

 

Second Hike was the Ridge Trail


After hiking the Geological Trail, you can take the Ridge Trail back to the parking area.

 

 

Our last stop, the Towers Overlook.


 

 

 

 

 


Notes


  • If you plan to hike these trails, read and plan ahead, talk to the park staff, they were very helpful. 
  • We highly suggest you carry hiking staves, water and high protein snacks. 
  • Let the Visitor Center staff know you are going to hike the trails. Leave a note on your dash in your vehicle, in case something happens to you on the trail.
  • Bring at least one flashlight!
  • Watch your step! Rocks are slippery and snakes are real.
























Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Clinch River State Park

Clinch River State Park, June 26, 2024




 
We arrived at Clinch River State Park about 10am and since the park is being developed, we had to park on the road behind the waste water plant next to Oxbow Lake. You walk across the dam and make a left and you will see the park signs. They have trail maps there as well. The only trial, at this time, is the Sugar Hill Loop Trail and that is what we took.

 
Ruins of a French Settlement and there is also a porta-john here at this site.

 
Next to the Settlement is a Trail Shelter where you can catch your breath and eat lunch or a snack.

 

 
On our hike we saw many deer, one even laying asleep on the ground, before we spooked it. We came on a milk snake (video below) and a box turtle.

 
Trail is a beautiful walk.

 
A portion of the trail overlooks the train track, but we did not get to see the train.