Whether it be Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park or Roan Mountain State Park, Carter County’s two local tourist attractions will be hosting unique events over the weekend.
The public can celebrate National Trails Day — Saturday, June 3 — at either destination with specially-designed treats for attendees to take in the sights and sounds of each location.
Roan Mountain State Park is offering the annual Diamond Dash 5K much to the delight of the staff, according to Park Ranger Meg Guy. The ranger added the race is always a great time and that the park is hoping to see a high number of participants this year.
While advanced registration has passed, participants can sign up the day of beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the campground. The price for the race is $15, which does not include a shirt, but Guy added that shirts could be available the day of the race for $10 but that there would be no guarantees about sizes or amount of shirts. The race is scheduled to take place from the campground at 9 a.m. and awards will be presented at the conclusion of the event.
Down in Elizabethton, attendees can celebrate National Trails Day by taking part in a guided walk of a portion of the Overmountain Victory Trail. Individuals will get to join Corbin Hayslett as they walk through the park and along the river to explore the historical River Cross of the Overmountain Men and the hallowed Muster Grounds to “explore the impacts of our frontier ancestors on a local and national history,” according to the Sycamore Shoals State Park website.
The park encourages everyone to dress appropriately for weather and asks for no pets to take part in the walk. Individuals wanting to take part in the free hike are asked to meet in the park’s visitor center by 9 a.m.
State parks and other entities will be taking part in National Trails Day, an event sponsored by the American Hiking Society. Founded in 1976, the organization has continued to promote and protect foot trails, surrounding areas and the “hiking experience” to assist with state parks. American Hiking Society organizes and coordinates National Trails Day and Volunteer Vacations — nationally-recognized programs that assist in keeping trails open, safe and enjoyable for patrons.
According to the American Hiking Society website, the organization “champions conservation issues, builds public and private partnerships, supports volunteer stewardship and provides critical resources to help plan, fund and develop trails. We also provide resources to the public about how and where to hike and are committed to increasing the participation and enjoyment of hiking by everyone.”
Visit either tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals or tnstateparks.com/parks/about/roan-mountain to learn more about each of the state parks in the region and to view a list of upcoming events at each location.