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
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