Blog / Morrison

Best Places For Hiking Near Morrision

As we all get more and more attached to technology and detached from nature, there's nothing like a hike to help you get reacquainted with the great outdoors. Luckily for the people living in or around Morrison, Kentucky, you have plenty of amazing trails to choose from. Here are some of the best. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park Just a quick 20-minute drive southwest of Morrison, Old Stone Fort Archaelogical Park has one of the most fascinating hiking trails in the entire state. The Old Stone Fort was built around 2,000 years ago by ancient Native Americans and used continuously for about 500 years before being abandoned. When it was found by European settlers, they couldn't quite figure out what it was used for, so they called it a fort. In 1966, the fort was purchased by the state of Tennessee, and the park was born. Its main hiking trail offers a trip back in time, which helps the hiker get a better understanding of the continent's long history. It follows the walls of the Old Stone Fort, passing former Native American ceremonial gathering places, including the fort's original entrance, which was built to face the exact place where the sun rises during the summer solstice. Panels, replicas, and photos that include information about ancient Native Americans are ever-present, giving the hiker a glimpse of how life used to be around in the Morrison area.Rock Island State Park The 883-acre Rock Island State Park is located at the meeting point of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky rivers and offers some absolutely breathtaking views. That includes the Great Falls, a 30-foot waterfall that was used to power a cotton textile mill over a century ago. The area became a park 50 years ago and quickly became one of the best destinations around for hikers, swimmers, or fishers. If you decide to stay overnight during your hiking trip, you can use any of the park's 10 gorgeous and well-equipped cabins, open all year round. There are also campsites where visitors can park their trailers and RV or set up their tents. Savage Gulf Natural Area The 15,590-acre Savage Gulf Natural Area features over 50 miles of hiking trails of various difficulty, making it a great hiking spot for beginners and veterans alike. Visitors will be treated to some fantastic views, from steep ledges to beautiful waterfalls. The most popular hiking trail is the Big Creek Rim Trail, with 6 miles of difficult terrain and fantastic views. The Tennessee State Parks department manages and operates the area, which has picnic and camping areas as well as a visitor center where hikers can get trail maps. From old Native American structures to incredible waterfalls, locals and visitors in Morrison are blessed with a great variety of landmarks to discover on their hikes. Experienced hikers will find new challenges, while those who are just getting into this hobby will certainly discover what the fuss is all about. So grab your friends or family, get your hiking gear, and head over to any of these amazing locations, all of them just a short drive away. Image via Flickr by Phil Horton used under CC By
Posted in:

Related Posts

Condiment Spinner in Restaurant

3 Classic American Diners Around Morrison, TN

The American diner has been a culinary staple in our nation for many years. Every small town has a handful of classic diners with regular visitors and hometown charm. Morrison, Tennessee, is no exception. Here are three classic American diners worth visiting around the area. Note: Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, please verify hours of operations by contacting the businesses directly. 1. Medley's Diner Right in the heart of Morrison, on Manchester Highway, Medley's Diner is a hometown favorite offering up classic diner dishes and providing family-owned charm. Open daily from 5:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, 5:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Medley's provides plenty of opportunities to stop in and get your fill of some serious comfort food. Come in for a hearty breakfast and choose from a menu of mouth-watering options including pecan pancakes, hash browns, eggs, bacon, country ham, omelets, and of course hot coffee. Lunch specials are regularly changing, but they typically offer a daily deal with soup and a sandwich. At dinnertime, enjoy a juicy cheeseburger, crab cakes, or pork chops. Kids are welcome in this family-friendly atmosphere and they'll also have yummy options like grilled cheese, chicken strips, or a hot dog. more 2. Nana's Kountry Kupboard Just about 15 to 20 minutes west of Morrison in McMinnville, Nana's Kountry Kupboard is another local favorite that serves breakfast all day long. Nana's is open from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays. Daily specials are always available offering fresh meals and seasonal dishes. Check their social media sites to see the specials for the week, or simply stop in for a surprise. Grab pancakes, eggs, and coffee for breakfast or lunch, or try one of their loaded open-faced sandwiches. Don't forget about dessert. Pies and cakes are made fresh each week, but you can expect regular favorites like blueberry cobbler and fruit pies. Nana's Kountry Kupboard is great for families with kid-friendly menu options and a relaxed environment. They also offer take-out if you want to enjoy at home. 3. Kat's Diner & Market Also in McMinnville, but only about 10 to 15 minutes north of Morrison, Kat's Diner & Market is definitely worth a visit any day of the week. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday through Saturday and for breakfast and lunch on Sundays, Kat's always offers comfort through country cooking. Start your meal with some appetizers like corn nuggets, onion rings, or fries. For some serious comfort food, try the Southern Fried Chicken plate and sweet tea. Don't forget to stop in at the country store after your meal. Kat's Market offers all kinds of goodies and products from local vendors. Grab some festive home decor, beautiful floral arrangements, or some baked goods to enjoy at home. Next time you're craving some traditional diner food with that hometown feel, check out one of these nearby American diners. You're sure to leave happy. Image via pexels.com

Park in Fall

5 Reasons to Visit Rock Island State Park

If you're in the mood to get away from it all, consider a trip to Rock Island State Park. While it's a 45-minute drive from Morrison, it's well worth it to explore the natural wonders of East Tennessee. Let's check out some of Rock Island's notable features and find out what you can expect during your visit. 1. Great Falls Great Falls, a 30-foot horseshoe-shaped cascading waterfall, is the perfect backdrop for a nature hike. The waterfall sits above the stunning Caney Fork Gorge, and several scenic overlooks provide opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Keep an eye out for yellow-throated warblers, Acadian flycatchers, and scarlet tanagers. The grassy areas are popular with the white-tailed deer that call Rock Island home. Experienced kayakers will enjoy taking on the whitewater rapids underneath the Great Falls. The 19th-century textile mill that once used the waterfall for hydroelectric power still stands on the grounds of the park. more 2. Center Hill Lake If you enjoy fishing, swimming, or boating, you'll want to check out Center Hill Lake. This Rock Island gem has an abundance of largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and bluegill. You can fish from the shore or try your luck on one of the lake's many docks or piers. If you own a kayak, canoe, or motorboat, you'll appreciate Center Hill Lake's convenient launch ramp. The lake also features a beautiful sand beach, complete with changing rooms and shower facilities. 3. Camping Rock Island State Park offers several amenities for visitors who wish to camp. The main campground can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents, while a smaller campground is limited to tent camping. The main site offers electrical hookups, charcoal grills, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers also have access to showers and bathrooms. Wi-Fi is available, and a picnic pavilion and playground are conveniently located nearby. If you prefer to stay in the tent-only campground, you'll also have access to these amenities, in addition to lovely shaded grass-surfaced areas to set up your tent. 4. Historic Structures History buffs will enjoy a visit to Rock Island State Park just as much as nature lovers. In addition to the 19th-century textile mill located near Great Falls, you'll find Spring Castle. Constructed in the 1890s, this large springhouse served as a refrigerator for the mill workers. Another historical point of interest is the Great Falls Dam. Completed in 1916, this hydroelectric human-made wonder is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 5. Gift Shop Whether you're camping out in Rock Island State Park or just visiting for a short day trip, you'll find all the supplies you need at the Visitor Center Gift Shop. The shop also sells unique souvenirs and gifts. Be sure to stop by for the perfect keepsake to remember your visit by. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why making the drive from Morrison to Rock Island State Park is well worth your time. You'll not only enjoy the natural wonders of this Tennessee treasure, but you'll also create special moments and memories. Image via pexels.com

Stack of Towels with Rose in Spa

Best Spas Around Morrison, TN

Are you in need of a relaxing getaway? Morrison, Tennessee is brimming with great spas that will give you the self-care you need. Here are a few of the best spas in the Morrison area. Sage Skincare and Wellness If you're looking for some self-care that will leave you feeling and looking radiant, inside and out, Sage Skincare and Wellness is the place for you. With their pure plant essence products, understanding of how the body works as a whole, and constant commitment to learning and improving, they have all the tools to give you the best service around. At Sage Skincare and Wellness, you'll enjoyed being pampered in a relaxing environment and leave feeling and looking beautiful and healthy. Their services include massage, microcurrent, guasha, dermaplaning, microneedling, microdermabrasion, and more. more Wink Skincare Studio Wink Skincare Studio is just 15 minutes from Morrison. It's one of McMinnville's favorite skincare studios making it the perfect place for a little self-love. Wink offers a variety of services that go well beyond a simple facial. They also carry popular product lines like Dave's Candles, Supergoop, Sara Happ, Lunette, Skinscript, and more. The Haven Day Spa The Haven Day Spa is a health and wellness spa that specializes in an array of services including full body massages, reflexology, and hypnotherapy. You can also spend some time doing yoga in their workout room or enjoying a sweet treat in their cafe. If you want a day away, but can't figure out what to do with the kids, no problem. The Haven Day Spa has a childcare room so that you can relax knowing your kids will be well taken care of. Serene Day Spa If you need an escape from the chaos of life, Serene Day Spa is the place to go. They offer personalized massage and skincare therapies that rejuvenate your mind and body. From a relaxing massage to rehab for injuries, Serene Day Spa has you covered. They have all of the standard services like their deep tissue massage. It's purpose is to release tension by relieving both your muscles and connective tissue. If you're looking for a more unique massage, you can try out their traditional Thai massage. This massage is an ancient method of rejuvenation that uses yoga-based stretching, deep compressions, and acupressure. Unlike most massages, it's performed fully clothed on a floor mat. Another spa service that they offer is their Body Glow massage. This treatment is designed to exfoliate and moisturize your skin while providing a relaxing massage. You can choose between a sugar or salt scrub that is then used to polish away dry skin cells and remove impurities from the skin. Next, warm steamed towels are applied to remove the scrub. Top it off with a moisturizing body butter and your skin will be feeling silky and smooth. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out with friends or a private escape from your everyday stress, these top spas around Morrison, Tennessee are sure to have you feeling refreshed and ready to take on another week. Image via pixabay.com