priorities

Three-fourths of the Earth's surface is water, and one-fourth is land. It is quite clear that the good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount of time fishing as taking care of the lawn. 
--Chuck Clark  

Above: Christian, my friend's son, fishing at Warriors' Path State Park in Kingsport, TN.

inspire me

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. 

Criticize me, and I may not like you. 

Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. 

Encourage me, and I will not forget you. 

Love me and I may be forced to love you.

--William Arthur Ward (1921–1994) author--

Warriors Path State Park, Kingsport, TN

Mountain Biking

Not especially well known are the mountain bike trail riding opportunities at Warriors' Path State Park in Kingsport. There are 9 miles of rugged, single-track trails that range from moderate to difficult providing an extensive network of trails through a beautiful, wooded area. Friends who have tried it out report that the trails are quite challenging, especially for novice riders. For directions, descriptions and downloadable map of the mountain bike trails at Warriors Path State Park visit the Northeast Tennessee Mountain Bike Association.

If you're looking for a more tame, relaxing ride, check out the nearby Creeper Trail in Damascus and Abingdon, VA.

Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport also provides opportunities for mountain biking on designated trails.

The new Pinnacle Mountain Trail in Unicoi, TN was designed for both hikers and bikers.

The Hampton Watershed Trails in Hampton, TN have 5 miles of trails rated easy to very difficult.

ETSU has an extensive mountain bike trail.

Also...the linear trails in Kingsport and Erwin.

Isn't it awesome to live in an area with so many amazing recreational opportunities? I'm sure I've missed many other mountain bike destinations, so if you have a favorite place to go, please leave us a comment.

the simple life

To find the universal elements enough;
to find the air and the water exhilarating;
to be refreshed by a morning walk
or an evening saunter...
to be thrilled by the stars at night;
to be elated over a bird's nest
or a wildflower in spring -
these are some of the rewards of the simple life.
-John Burroughs (1837-1921)
American naturalist and essayist

Morning reflections at Warriors' Path State Park, Kingsport, TN

no limits

[The Christian message is that] “no ground is more holy, no work more sacred, no life more worthy than any other. Every moment, every place and every interaction is sacred and holy, infused with the Spirit’s presence."
--Rev. Davida Foy Crabtree (b.1944)

Sitting on the dock of the bay

Sitting on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
I'm just sitting on the dock of the bay
Wasting time
--Otis Redding (1941-1967) American soul singer. This well known song was recorded just three days before the airplane crash that took the life of the "King of Soul" at age 26.

Above: Blue Heron sittin' on the dock on a rainy day at Warriors' Path State Park, Kingsport, TN

dragonfly @ warriors' path

This may turn out to be bug week on Appy Treks -- today I found several different varieties of dragonflies on my hike at Warriors' Path State Park in Kingsport, TN. There are several trails located within the 950 acre park situated on the shores of TVA's Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River. Most are hiking trails, but they also have specific trails for mountain biking and horseback riding. Click here for directions to the park and trail maps. Warrior's Path is one of the most impressive parks in our region - the list of park offerings is extensive: swimming, boating, picnicking, camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, golf, tennis, soccer, disc golf - plus one of the most amazing playgrounds you'll ever see. If you have young children, the playground itself is well worth the drive.

Warrior's Path

Warrior's Path State Park, located just outside of Kingsport, TN, has just about everything you can imagine in a park: golfing, swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, as well as playgrounds, tennis and soccer facilities. For years I would go to Warrior's Path for cookouts and a stroll around Duck Island, never realizing the extent of all the other opportunities that existed. The website above contains directions to the park along with a park map. Here is a link to the old hiking trail map, which has more detail than the current map on the website.

Warrior's Path has the very best playgrounds in the Tri-Cities. It's called "Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground" - it is "a place where children of all abilities can learn and play together."

In terms of hiking, there are many opportunities. 1) The Holston Bluffs Trail is a unique 1/2 mile loop that takes you down to a secluded beach on the river. The trail head is located within the Overflow Campground which is to the left before you enter the park itself. 2) The Overlook Trail, takes you 1/2 mile through the forest to a nice view of the lake (and I-81) below. To reach this trail drive through the park, past the marina, immediately before the final boat launch turn right and go up the hill. Park at the soccer field and you will then see a trail head to the left (you could also walk up the old farm road). Here's a view from the overlook. 3) The Fall Creek Loop Trail can be accessed from the back of the park. The road to this back parking lot is rough (high clearance vehicle strongly recommended) and spaces are limited. It's located off of Childress Ferry Road (map here). You can also get to this area of the park by hiking in on the Devil's Backbone Trail. 4) There are numerous other trails to explore too many to list!