2005 CAMPING TRIP

Meriwether Lewis Park is a National Park located at mile maker 385.9, about half way between Nashville and the Alabama boarder on the Natchez Trace National Parkway. Meriwether Lewis Park is the place where Meriwether Lewis of the Meriwether and Clark Expedition up the Missouri, died under mysterious circumstances. Officially it was ruled a suicide. He was on his way from St. Louis to Washington. The trip was easiest done by going down the Mississippi River to the city of Natchez, Mississippi then up the Natchez Trace to Nashville. They stopped at the Grinder's Stand Inn. That night there were two gun shots. They found him with two gun shots: One to the head and one to the chest. It is argued that either one of those would render him unable to take the 2nd shot. 

The Park is relatively small but has a number of easy to moderate trails. Camping is free but has few amenities. It is well maintained. The campground does have water and restrooms. It can be used for RVs and Tent campers alike... even though there are no hookups for RVs. There is a monument to Meriwether Lewis near the the Welcome Center. 

In 2005, I took my two youngest children of an overnight camping trip. It was April and few other campers were there. I have been there a number of times on photo tours but this was the only time I camp. I took my best pictures of my son and youngest daughter during that visit. 

NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH STAINED GLASS WINDOWS

These windows were made by my father, Fred Hawkins Jr., shortly before his death. In his honor, the Church named their new Sanctuary after him.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

I love the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP)! It is one of my favorite places to vacation. It contains some very amazing vistas and thousands of miles of trails, including over 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

 At the western foot of the GSMNP is located the city of Gatlinburg. It is a regular tourist town good for "people watching." Although the traffic is bad through the narrow streets, the stand is not that long and very easy to walk. 

DAVID CROCKETT STATE PARK

 David Crockett State Park

Lawrenceburg, TN

One of my very favorite place to go to relax is the David Crockett State Park just outside of Lawrenceburg in south-center Tennessee. It is a rather small State Park but has many of the things I look for in a Park:

• Beautiful scenery: It is in the foothill of what is officially part of the Appalachian Mountain Region. The hill are not that big with a change in elevation of only 2-3 hundred feet. 
• Nice trails: The park has about 6 miles of trails ranging from paved bicycle and handicap assemblies trails and its less developed trails meandering through he hills, it has a trail for almost everyone. If you are a regular hiker, the trails will be very easy. The trails also include a paved outdoor classroom trail.
• Boating/Fishing: The park does have a 40 acre lake that has rent paddle boats. If you like, you can bring your own boat. It is restricted to use of paddles or a trolling motor. 
• Cabins: The Park boasts several nice, environmentally friendly cabins for rent. They are available all year. 
• Camping: There are 2 primary campgrounds. The only problem is that they are not open year around. One is actually closed from October to May. In addition, the Park has a small primitive campground used by Scouts (up to 30 campers). 
• Museum: The Park has a smallish museum with displays showing scenes of life in the time of David Crockett. The museum includes a grist mill run by a water wheel. The museum is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Restaurant: While the Restaurant is open all year, it is not open every day. The food is good Southern food but not necessarily great. I do like to eat there because of the relaxed atmosphere and the view overlooking the lake.
• Sports facilities: Near the Restaurant, there is an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Other sporting activities available in the same location are tennis, basketball, volleyball, softball, and archery. There is some sporting equipment available at the Park Office. 

David Crockett Entryway

Wooden Bridge

Little Shoal Creek

Trails

OVERLOOK TRAIL

STAIRS TRAIL

STAIRS TRAIL

STAIRS TRAIL

SHOALS CREEK TRAIL

SHOALS CREEK TRAIL