* Public hikes that I will be leading in the near future: Well, after leading several tree ID hikes and arboretum tours in late 2022, I’m taking a brief break. But stay tuned for more hikes and programs in 2023!

* Upcoming hikes and nature programs at Long Hunter State Park and/or Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area: Long Hunter schedule of events

* Division of Natural Areas list of hikes: 2022-23 Natural Areas events

* In 2007 I started the Long Hunter Mega-Hike, where we attempt to hike all of the park’s trails — about 26 miles — in a single day. This foolish event happens every October. Here’s a bit more info: Long Hunter Mega-Hike

* A Long Hunter Mega-Hike video created by my talented, nature-loving friend Melinda Loy Bell: 2011 Long Hunter Mega-Hike

* Speaking of mega-hikes, the Barkley Marathons (also held in Tennessee) is the granddaddy of them all. Here’s a nice piece on the race and its creator, the one and only Lazarus Lake: Good Luck, Morons: Lazarus Lake & His Impossible Race

* Long Hunter’s new story trail: Long Hunter debuts Reading Ranger Story Trail

* One of my favorite annual events at Long Hunter is the Lost Loon Triathlon. Here’s the lowdown: Wild Side TV: Lost Loon Triathlon

* More nature events & news from the Friends of Long Hunter State Park: LH Facebook

* Tennessee State Parks calendar: TSP Upcoming Events

* Programs led by our state naturalist, the always entertaining and informative Randy Hedgepath: Tennessee State Naturalist

* Click on links for upcoming hikes arranged by these organizations: Tennessee Trails Association, Nashville Hiking Meetup, Part-time Adventurers of Tennessee, Tennessee Hiking Group and Mt. Juliet/Wilson County Hiking & Outdoors.