Thursday, August 03, 2017

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

photo from TNStateParks.com

We took a morning out of our vacation to spend at The Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park in Manchester, TN, about a 40-minute drive from where we were staying. Well worth the trip, this was a peaceful, fascinating place. There's a museum at the entrance:


and several paths with interpretive signs, like these:


The trails were generally flat and easy walking, but there were areas where you could climb down close to the several falls


for beautiful views:










I'm so glad I'm still able to navigate these kinds of woodland trails. It's such a joy to experience environments like this.






They use this target with period-style spears:


I'm surprised this place isn't better known. They have camping facilities, helpful staff, interesting native mound structures, and gorgeous well-kept trails. Go! You won't regret it.

8 comments:

  1. I've heard of these mound walls but don't really know much about them. One of my good friends is an archeologist who specialized in Native American things so I suppose I can ask her one day to explain more about them to me. I think this park looks really really pretty and worth the visit. The hiking looks good too. I am enjoying my from the couch travels with you. Hugs-Erika

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    1. This was a highlight of our vacation. They seem to be doing a good job of keeping up the site and engaging visitors.

      Couch travels are great! :)

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  2. I LOVE visiting vicariously through you. This is a gorgeous place, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything, including the videos. I've heard of these mound walls, but had never seen them. I liked how you showed the map of the Duck River, too. What most interested me, was the burning of the canoe. It's amazing what a stick and fire can do to a log and how few tools are needed to make a navigable canoe. Thanks for taking us with you on this day trip. It's a beautiful area.

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    1. I like it when places have displays like that canoe and maps locating the site in relation to major features of the terrain. It helps me enter more into the spirit of the place.

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  3. What a beautiful place and looking at your videos it felt like I was there with the amazing views and sounds of the water - wonderful 😀. The bench looks a nice place to sit and enjoy the view too. Happy Thursday and thanks for sharing your lovely adventures, it's such fun! J 😊
    p.s. thanks for your lovely comments on my blog too. J x

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    1. The benches were a nice touch. They were scattered around in different areas.

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  4. This was awesome!! Thanks so much for including the videos! I could have just had one long video and kept it on for hours. So peaceful there. I felt like I went along--thanks! :)

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    1. I'm just figuring out how to take the videos and get them onto my blog. I'm glad you liked them :) "Peaceful" is a good word for this place.

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