News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Alvin C. York Historic State Park will join other state parks to host a First Day Hikes event New Year’s Day.
State Park Manager Nate Dodson said the event is a good way to start the new year by getting out and enjoying the history of the area, with a guide leading the way. Dodson said the park will be offering a mile-long trail tour called the Homestead Loop.
“This is a trail that follows along the Wolf River and loops around the backside of the farmland that Sergeant York received in 1922,” Dodson said. “So we’ll be talking in depth about how Sergeant York gets the farm in the first place.”
Dodson said the guide is a great opportunity for the parks to connect the rich history to the community. Dodson said the free hike will begin at 10am on New Year’s Day.
“I think it’s extremely beneficial,” Dodson said. “I can specifically speak about the park rangers here, they are extremely knowledgeable. They are passionate about what they do and they research the story and are always finding new things out about Sergeant York to be able to share with people that may know his name from movies and books.”
Dodson said at most parks rangers focus on the types of trees and plants within the park. Dodson said that is not what the park is about at York.
“Being a historic site again we focus a lot on the story of Sergeant Alvin C. York and his time here in the valley,” Dodson said. “So the opportunity to tell his story is really what we focus on.”
Dodson said he encourages those who have already been to the park to come and join the guide as you may learn new information about Sergeant York and the land. Dodson said he recommends bringing a good pair of walking shoes and some water to have on hand for the guide. Dodson said the park does have a special chair that can be rented and used for people who would like to go on the guide but may have trouble moving around.
