This Tennessee Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Exploration Day Trip
By Chris Dodge|Published June 19, 2024
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
There is a place where a sense of wonder and nature meet to create a magical outdoor experience. Allow me to introduce you to Audubon Acres, this nature sanctuary in Chattanooga draws you in with its beauty and invokes your imagination to the ever-changing experiences found within our wilderness. So get ready to embark on a journey through a preserved and gorgeous area away from the busy city to reconnect with nature.
Located in a convenient spot close to all there is to see and do in Chattanooga but far enough away that you can escape the busy city life, this sanctuary is the perfect place to get outside. There are five miles of trails to take advantage of with plenty to see along the way from historical interests to the living breathing forest all around.
Start your journey by taking a trip over the swinging bridge over the South Chickamauga Creek. We have found many of these types of bridges throughout the state from the Gatlinburg Skybridge to the the suspension bridge that passes over Cane Creek Cascades. These are fun for the whole family and allow a little sense of adventure to your hike.
The spring is awash with an array of colors from wildflowers. Around every corner is a splash of new growth and life to marvel at. That is always one thing that gets me excited about getting outdoors, the world around us is always changing. If you slow down and pay attention then you will find new birds migrating, insects busy at work, and hidden mushrooms waiting to be found. Places like this can spark your imagination and realize what an enchanting world we live in.
In the summer the water is an inviting place to play and relax. Take a dip in the slow-moving stream to cool off on a warm day or paddle down the river. Allow yourself to drift with the cadence of the creek leaving all your worries behind and embracing the slow changes found in nature.
In the fall the forest explodes like fireworks with brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Each crunchy step brings you further away from the pressures of life and further into the wilderness where you can breathe the fresh air once again.
The area is also rich in history from native Americans to early settlers. The Spring Frog Cabin for instance was most likely built by the Cherokee people in the mid-1700s. Many years later a man named Robert Sparks Walker dedicated his life to research and nature as he wrote short stories, poems, and papers about his findings. Mr. Walker was also responsible for making Audubon Acres what it is today and in his dedication to his passions started the work to restore this lovely cabin in 1948 which can be enjoyed to this day.
A land that is ever-changing only to those who slow down to pay attention brings magic and sparks the imagination. Audubon Acres is rich with history, natural beauty, and adventure just waiting for those to accept the invitation. To learn more about the programs and events that take place in the sanctuary please visit the Audubon Acres website.
A helpful tool I use while exploring a new area is the AllTralis app it is helpful to have the map of the area in hand so you can be sure that you won’t miss anything.
There are lots of other great adventures awaiting those in the Chattanooga area. Take a trip to the best attractions on Lookout Mountian for a great weekend getaway.
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