10 Hikes in Middle TN to Conquer This Spring

With Spring fast approaching, it’s time you consider doing something fun and challenging at the same time. Choose one weekend to spend time in the outdoors and get to enjoy the beauty of mother nature. Speaking of mother nature, there’s no better way to interact with her loveliness than to go hiking. Look for a place that has safe walking trails which leads to a wonderful mountain, falls or forests. Actually, this is the kind of adventure that Middle Tennessee promises. From Nashville to Clarksville, there are so many hiking spots to visit and conquer. They are the ideal fun spots for the spring holiday. Here are the best 10:

Clarksville Greenway

Are you crazy about nature? Then you should head to Clarksville Greenway this spring. From the name, you should expect green walking trails and lush vegetation on the sides leading to a raised point. This hiking spot is great for someone who is interested in a long-distance hiking adventure. The trail is about 4 miles and it gives you a closer feel of nature. You’ll hear birds singing and the rives running as you walk. You may also get the chance to take photographs of wild animals as they feed. It’s a very inspiring hiking spot.

Harpeth River

The Harpeth River is historically known to be a safe haven for hikers. The overall hiking distance is about 1.5 miles but there’s so much to conquer within this short distance. For one, the paths are narrow and you have to tread carefully lest you find yourself in the river. Two, there is a 300-ft handmade tunnel that you are expected to pass through. The challenges aside, Harpeth River is generally an exciting hiking spot with spectacular views.

Radnor Lake

Radnor Lake is well known as Nashville’s best conservation spot. The plant life here is rich and versatile while the wildlife is plentiful and unique. The hiking trails are in lovely shapes and safe for individuals and group hikers. The spot is popular with weekend group hikes but you can still do it on a weekend. The most popular trails here are Garnier Ridge Trails that takes you to the ridges. The trails are characterized by rocky climbs.

Billy Dunlop Park

Though small in size, Billy Dunlop Park never disappoints in Spring. It’s one of the best in Clarksville. It’s characterized by a beautiful river that gives you the option of taking a quick swim or kayaking. The spot is also popular with picnic adventures. However, the height of the adventure is the walking trails. They are normally crowded with leaves that fall from the beautiful trees. Stepping on the dry leaves as you ascend the trail is just an amazing experience.

Beaman Park

Tucked in a rocky neighborhood, the driving experience to Beaman Park is just as exciting as the hiking adventure. It’s considered by many as a peaceful park because it’s usually less crowded. It stretches over 1,700 acres. If you prefer a ridge walk, you can take the ridge top trail and you’ll find yourself at the height of the park. On your way to the top, you’ll see some amazing nature. The trail also leads to the beautiful Marrowbone Creek. So, you have the chance to conquer it too.

Cummins Falls

If you are not afraid of getting wet, the Cummins falls is the right place to visit. The overall hike is about 2.5 miles and you are guaranteed amazing stops if you go on a guided tour. The most notable one is the ancient Cummins House. Here, you are able to have a panoramic view of the falls and the neighboring Blackburn Fork State River. Those who have conquered the hike say that it’s an adventure characterized by slippery rocks, tough elevations, and knee-deep water. So, carry the right gears to overcome these challenges.

Rotary Park

When looking for a family-friendly park in Clarksville, very few are as interesting as the Rotary Park. Other than having the finest picnic spots, the park has amazing trails that are used by hikers. The trails led to the top of the creek. On your way up, you’ll have a great view of beautiful streams and wildlife. You can take a stop at any of the streams to wash your face or just to listen to the singing birds. The most interesting thing is that you can come back to the park to have a bath or a meal with your family. Your kids will also have the opportunity to play there.

Fall Creek Falls

Do you marvel at waterfalls? Then you should visit Fall Creek Falls this spring. You’ll get the opportunity to go on a guided hike. The fall is just a 90-minute drive from Nashville and is characterized by a series of small cascades which direct their waters into swimming pools. So, if you are not scared of taking a dive in natural waters, then you’ll have the chance here. Just remember to bring your swimming gear to avoid any inconveniences.

Natchez Trace

The most popular hiking trail here is the Highland Rim Trail. It’s not just popular with hikers but horseback riders too. It stretches roughly 20 miles and features amazing stops such as the Tennessee Valley Divide and the War of 1812 Memorial. So, you not only have outdoor challenges to conquer but history too. Sometimes, the hiking spot can be unkempt but this does not dispute its amazing adventure features. it has some of the finest views, thus great for sightseeing.

South Cumberland

Lastly, you can join environmentalist Randy Hedgepath on his spring exploits of the Collins Gulf wildflower Pilgrimage. The 5-mile hiking trail takes you deep into the wild as you get the opportunity to see amazing flowers that are not found anywhere else in Tennessee. You’ll also get the chance to climb through attractive sceneries and waterfalls. The most interesting aspect of the hike is a 60-foot climb out. Not many are able to conquer the climb out but it’s very interesting for group hiking since you can compete with each other to see who reaches the furthest.

Closing Thought:

With Middle Tennessee promising so much outdoor fun this spring, you cant’s miss something to do. Pack your hiking gear and walk into any of these hiking spots. You’ll love every bit of the exploit. This article can barely cover everything. You just have to experience it yourself.

10 Paleo Dishes to Try This Fall

The Paleo diet is very popular amongst athletes and individuals alike, and creating a Paleo meal plan is relatively easy. The Paleo diet is based on the eating habits of our ancestors in the Stone Age, focusing on meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds as a basis to their nutrition. There are a variety of delicious Paleo meals that one can try out this fall.

Lemon Chicken Kebabs

You will use skinless chicken breasts, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and pepper. Just preheat your grill until it’s ready; you can also start soaking the wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning. Then mix the olive oil, pepper and garlic in a separate bowl and add the chicken pieces to it. After leaving them to marinate for about half an hour, simply add them to the skewers and grill them for a further 15 minutes until they are done. Remember to continuously rotate.

Grilled scallops in a red pepper sauce

Is the perfect Paleo meal. You will need to get some coconut oil, a lemon and a dozen large scallops. You will also need to prepare a sauce, which will consist of a large clove of garlic, lemon juice from a freshly squeezed lemon, a large roasted red pepper and some olive oil. Simply squeeze the lemon juice over the scallops to marinade them. Then you can add all of the remaining ingredients together and mix them up until you have a smooth sauce; then heat it in a sauce pan. Finally you need to grill the scallops, using coconut oil, for about five minutes each. When they are done, put them on a plate and cover them with your delicious pepper sauce to complete the meal.

Fall Vegetable Salad

This salad is the answer to those warmer days of fall, the days that call for something a bit lighter, but still seasonal. Roasting the vegetables in the salad dressing creates a remarkably intense flavor, but generous amounts of spinach balance out the richness so it doesn’t get overwhelming. Add some almonds for a little crunch, and it’s perfect for a warm October day.

You can serve this salad hot out of the oven, or you can pop the roasted vegetables in the fridge to chill before tossing them with the dressing and the spinach (don’t mix it all up and then chill; the spinach will get soggy). Either way, it’s a delicious and colorful meal to perk up your day with a slightly different way of enjoying a seasonal favorite.

Roasted Garlic Autumn Root Vegetable Mash

Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t be complete without a generous serving of mashed root vegetables. And while mashed potatoes will always have a special place in my heart, I’ve come to prefer this Autumn Mash as a comforting, colorful alternative because: (A) it tastes better, and (B) it’s so much prettier. Best of all, this dish doesn’t just taste fab, it also keeps fantastically. Make a batch a couple of days ahead of time, and reheat it when you’re ready to feast. Minimizing the muss ‘n fuss (or is it fuss ‘n muss?) on Turkey Day is always a good thing.

Stuffed Peppers with Turkey and Vegetables

Enjoy turkey all season long with this healthy dish. Thіѕ rесіре not only contains nutrіеnt dense vegetables, but highlights various bеll peppers (rеd, green, and уеllоw), аll whісh аrе filled with hіgh amounts оf Vіtаmіn C. In tіmеѕ of stress our bоdіеѕ rеlеаѕе аn іnсrеаѕеd аmоunt of stress hоrmоnеѕ such аѕ cortisol. Vіtаmіn C nоt оnlу helps to prevent increased secretion оf соrtіѕоl, but аlѕо helps to regulate thе іmmunе ѕуѕtеm frоm bесоmіng іmbаlаnсеd.

Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes

Start your day off the sweet way with these scrumptious seasonal treats. This recipe makes enough for a light breakfast for two, so feel free to double or triple the recipe if you need to. They’re great plain, but you can top them with whatever you want. A little honey and some maple syrup. Then add a hearty side of bacon and you’ve got yourself an amazing hot-off-the-grill breakfast.

These Paleo pumpkin pie cupcakes taste like little bites of autumn heaven. You don’t even need a mixer to make the cupcakes. Just a food processor or blender will do. If you want to make the whipped topping, you will need a mixer.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

The perfect side dish for any fall feast. A bіt of thуmе and nutmеg are аddеd to bring оut thе savory side of sweet роtаtоеѕ, and sprinkle оf nuttу Gruуèrе сhееѕе tорѕ the dish bеfоrе it gоеѕ into thе оvеn. Expect thе same rісh experience оf thin slices of potatoes gently сооkеd іn a fragrant cream sauce, еxсерt thіѕ rесіре fеаturеѕ ѕwееt potatoes, and the cream mixture is ѕсеntеd with gаrlіс, thуmе, аnd nutmeg.

Paleo Apple Pie

A Paleo take on an old American favorite. Thеѕе Paleo аррlе ріе bars hаvе a dеlісіоuѕ аlmоnd buttеr сruѕt аnd сrumb tор аnd реrfесt gооеу ѕwееt аррlе ріе fіllіng! Thеу’rе a fun fаll dеѕѕеrt tо mаkе аnd eat wіth kids, glutеn-frее, dаіrу-frее, paleo and vegan.

Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Casserole

This creamy pumpkin chicken casserole is nicely spiced and wonderfully creamy. The pumpkin has a lot of flavor and envelopes the bits of chicken and spaghetti squash strands in this dish.

The way you make this recipe is very similar to the way you make my paleo chicken spaghetti. The major difference is here you’re making a creamy pumpkin sauce vs. a creamy mushroom sauce. The creamy pumpkin sauce is made with ingredients like cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, cumin and coriander powder. This recipe also includes eggs.

Thai Pumpkin Chicken Curry

Like any curry, you need to start this dish by creating your base. In this case, cook your onions, Thai bird’s eye chilies, ginger and garlic. Then add your spices and curry paste. Once you’ve given your spices a minute to bloom on the pan, add your cubed chicken and make sure it gets well coated with your spice mixture. This will give the meat some color and flavor. Add your bell pepper and Thai basil then pour in the pumpkin puree, coconut milk and fish sauce. Simmer it for 15 or so minutes until the chicken is done, add some lime juice and viola, you’ve got yourself a spicy pumpkin chicken curry