Think ahead for your day on the trail, weather it is for 1 mile or maybe 15 miles or more. You want to have the gear and essentials you will and might need. You don’t want to have too much in your pack but you also want to have the main items you know you will need for the length of hike you choose.

1. A 12 to 15 litter backpack preferably one that is vented against your back to allow air to pass through. It is great if the pack has a built-in rain cover.
2. Water, at least 32 ounces in a plastic bottle or a bladder.
3. A small water filter like a LifeStraw in case you need extra water beyond what you brought.
4. Be sure to have snacks to get you through the hike. Power bars and packs of nuts are always good for energy. Maybe some packs of tuna if you’re on a fairly long hike for the day.
5. Ziplock bags are great for storing empty wrappers in to carry out conveniently.
6. Packing a knife is good just in case you need it.
7. Having a whistle is always a good idea in the event there is an emergency.
8. If the weather calls for possible rain be sure to have a poncho or rain jacket and maybe rain pants.
9. A small medical kit can be rare to use but appreciated when you have it and needed it.
10. A headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries are good to have if you might be out long enough that you are not off the trail before dark.
11. You may depend on your phone for where you are on the trail but its good idea to have a paper trail map for any unforeseen instance where your phone battery goes out before you are back to base.
12. Sunglasses can be best if it is a sunny day and you are out in the open.
13. Carrying a small bottle of insect repellent is always a good idea.
14. A small bottle of sunscreen can help keep you from getting sunburn if you happen to take longer on the trail than planned.
15. Toilet paper or wet wipes with Ziplock bags to carry out the used ones.
16. You will likely have your phone with you to capture moments along the trial. Take along a small power bank just in case you need to charge your phone. You always want to have plenty of battery life on your phone if you need to call for help.

Remember to leave no trace.

Whether you are hiking by yourself or with a group, it is a good idea to have a few essentil emergency items that can help get you or another out of a pinch.  Below is a short list of items that can be of great use and are light and easy to pack. All of these items should fit into a small ditty bag that can be thrown in any pack for every hike you go on.

1. A small first aid kit.
2. A whistle can be very handy for being located.
3. Carry a knife.
4. Be sure to have an extra headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
5. A triangle bandage is fantastic to have in the event of a sprained or broken arm or leg.
6. A small mirror to reflect the sun in th event of  an airel search for you and your party.
7. An emergency blank helps to warm up or keep warm and its reflective for rescue. this can make a small shelter depending on the type you have.
8. Waterproof matches or lighter if you find your party hs to stay put for the night. Building a small fire can be usful if an air el search is looking for you.
9. Water filter is a handy itm should your or someone in you party run out of water early.
10. A small airhorn can be handy in areas where large animls like bear may be encountered.
11. Bring extra food beyond what you think you will need.
12. Wet wipes are light weight and usful for number of jobs.

Remember to leave no trace.

Have a great time out on the water but be sure you have what you need.

1. Have your sunscreen on hand.
2. Be sure to have plenty of water to drink.
3. Have a few snacks to get you thru the trip.
4. A whistle or airhorn in the event you need assistance.
5. Sunglasses can be a must on some days when there is no cloud cover.
6. A 25 foot throw rope can be a life saver.
7. If in a flatbottom boat take along an extra floating seat that can be thrown to someone in the water needing assistance.
8. A drybag will help keep your valuables dry and will float if it falls in the water.

Remember to leave no trace.

Be watchful when out on the bike trail, paved trail, or roads. The trails are shared by hikers also and it is best to make sure not to have an accident. Be kind and yeld to hikers on teh trail or path.

1. Children under 12 re required to wear a helmet.
2. Be sure to check for which trails are bike friendly andwhich do not allow bike riding.
3. Pay attention to signs posted at the trailhead or along a path for when to walk your bike.
4. On the roads in the park you must have a white front light and a rear red light on yor bicycle for riding at and after dark.
5. Take planety of water and maybe a small snack to keep you going.
6. A small tool kit to fix  the chain or a flat tire.

Remember to leave no trace.

Get out in the stream or on the lake for some of Tennessee’s best fishing. The lake holds a number of sport fish and Cane Creek strem is stocked with trout.

1. Make sure you have a Tennessee fishing license to fish the lake and streams.
2. Make yourself familer with the Tennessee State fishing regulations. TWRA Website
3. Know the limits for the type fish you are after.
4. Let someone know when and where you plan to fish.
5. Check the waaether forcast when planning your fishing trip.
6. Take enough water and snacks to power thru the day.
7. A whistle or small airhorn ar great to have on your person in the event you need assistaance.
8. Try to retrieve any fishing line, hooks, bobbers, and other fishing items so they are not left behind and causse harm to the wildlife or another person.

Remember to leave no trace.

Camping out away from the crowds and traffic is one of the best things to experience. Here are a few things to consider before starting on your hike to the backcountry camping areas.

1.  Check with the park visitor center ot the nature center for the locations fo the backcountry camping ares and which trails lead to them.
2. Know what to expect from the weatehr by checking the forcast for the area on the date/s you are planning for.
3. Take in enough food and water to last the trip.
4. Wear sturdy footwear.
5. Trecking poles or a hiking stick can be a hikers friend.
6. Have what you need to start a fire in designated areas (metal or stone fire ring), for cooking and warmth. Use caution when building campfire. Check the wind and how dry the area is besfore starting any fire.
7. Have all the gear you will need. Ex: tent, sleeping bag, wrm clothing, etc…
8. Bug spray can help you have a more enjoyable visit to the backcountry.
9. Watch for snakes along the trails and and large animals like in area that are known to have bear activity.

Remember to leave no trace.